Who hasn't fallen under the spell of a moonlit evening in the garden? A moment of peace as long as the mosquitoes don't get in the way! Here's how to keep these bloodsuckers at bay so you can enjoy your paradise in complete peace of mind.

The mosquito and its bite

Culicidae is the barbaric name for a family of insects that includes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes, classified in the order Diptera and the sub-order Nematocera, traumatise us every time the warm weather returns, keeping us awake at night and leaving us with nasty bites that are tempting to scratch.

Yet scratching is a very bad idea, and we shouldn't succumb to temptation, as it could allow bacteria to penetrate the skin and cause superinfections.

What's more, the more you scratch, the itchier it gets! This phenomenon is explained by the mechanical action that stimulates the nerve endings, which release histamine molecules that in turn cause itching. A veritable vicious circle.

How can you avoid mosquito bites?

Here are a few tips on how to avoid being bitten by these ferocious, bloodthirsty beasts. They may just help you get a peaceful night's sleep on a balmy summer's night.

Cover up

It may seem obvious, but we don't necessarily think about it! You need to leave as little skin visible as possible to reduce the chances of getting bitten. On hot summer nights, it can be tempting to undress so as not to suffer from the heat, but this makes the mosquito's job easier! We advise you to wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably made from natural materials such as cotton, linen and sessun viscose, which allow the skin to breathe. Light-coloured clothing is also preferable, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours, which emit more heat!

Use a repellent

There are many repellents available to keep mosquitoes at bay. They're easy to find in chemists or your local supermarket. Some products can be applied directly to the skin, while others, based on permethrin, can be soaked into clothing. The latter are very effective, but are toxic to cats and amphibians, so be careful.

As for citronella: although it has been observed that the insect avoids this plant in normal circumstances, it does not seem to deter it from finding blood nearby. You can therefore use it as a petrol or candle, but be aware that it has less of an impact.

Take a shower before going to bed

As good predators, mosquitoes are attracted by body odours (sebum, sweat). So it's a good idea to practise good hygiene to avoid attracting them. By taking a shower before going to bed, you will limit the range of your odour and eliminate any fragrances likely to attract females.   

Eliminate unnecessary sources of stagnant water

Stagnant water is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Mosquitoes tend to congregate near these breeding sites. By eliminating this stagnant water (watering cans, ponds, empty pots, etc.), you can prevent female mosquitoes from laying their eggs near your home, thereby reducing the number of mosquitoes hovering around your home.

Install a mosquito net

Mosquito netting is timeless and the best protection against mosquitoes! Not only does it act as a decorative element, it also prevents you from hearing the buzzing of the insect close to your ear. No more waking up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat!