Mosquitoes and ticks protection

Summer and time spent outdoors in Quebec also means mosquitoes and biting midges. Might as well get used to it because they are inseparable, especially this summer with the impressive breeding rate of mosquitoes due to the rainy spring we have had. Let's dive right in!

The biting enemy comes in several forms: mosquitoes, biting midges, black flies, deer flies, horse flies, and ticks. That is plenty to choose from. . . or rather we have no choice but to endure them!

Protecting yourself without breaking the bank

Before even considering using mosquito repellent, your choice of clothing will significantly contribute to your protection against these troublemakers. Wear long, loose and light clothing that covers the entire body: hat, long sleeves, long pants and closed shoes. Since mosquitoes are attracted to heat, and dark clothes attract heat, you should wear lighter colours such as light khaki or gray and avoid black and navy blue. Certain advisors also recommend wearing colours that blend in with the natural environment, such as brown or green. Light colours also have the advantage of making ticks more visible.

Cover up! When mosquitoes are active, or in places where ticks can be found, tuck your shirt into your pants and the edges of your pants into your socks. This will block all access to skin. We agree that it is not very sexy, but like the old saying says: You gotta do watcha gotta do! Please, do not hesitate to send us a picture if you follow our advice. We can post it in the best shots section of our photo gallery, just for laughs.

In addition to heat, mosquitoes are also attracted to odours. Avoiding perfumes is another simple way not to attract biting insects. Avoid using scented soaps or creams, perfumes and any other products that "smells clean," and use specialized products for the outdoors, which are odourless and biodegradable.

Knowing the enemy

Although mosquitoes can bite you at any time of the day, they are much more active at dawn and dusk, especially near woodlands and tall grasses. Ticks are most often found along trails, especially in tall grasses and wooded areas. Avoiding forest outings at dusk and dawn could be a solution, but you would then miss out on some essential summer activities such as campfires and toasted marshmallows.

The preferred location for mosquito breeding is stagnant water ponds. In your backyard, you can eliminate these sources of proliferation by regularly changing the water in the birdbath, emptying the dishes under flower pots, removing the water from the pool cover, and regularly cleaning the gutters to prevent them from getting jammed and holding the water. Depending on the weather, a mosquito can develop from an egg to an adult in only two weeks.

Mosquito nets

They are called net tents, screen houses, or simply net shelters and they all serve the same purpose: allowing you to fully enjoy the outdoors, the song of birds and the coolness of the wind, while being sheltered from the sun's rays, insects, mosquitoes, biting midges, and even rain (depending on the model).

Mosquito nets are a good weapon to fight insects. A simple net can be useful to cover the bed or body while sleeping. There are also mosquito nets that can be placed over a hat or cap to protect the head, face and neck. A net hat, net vest and even net pants can also be used when required by the situation. You could also enjoy the simple pleasures of life by lounging in a hammock without being bothered by insects by donning a hammock net, specifically designed for this purpose. Always make sure that the nets are not torn or pierced.

Mosquito repellents

An effective mosquito repellent is essential to enjoy the summer and to avoid going crazy over those bugs! There are two types of mosquito repellents: those that kill them and those that repel them. These products are made from a variety of active ingredients that drive insects away, most commonly by using a scent they dislike. Insect repellents can be found in the form of cream or spray. The first has the advantage of lasting longer and the second can easily be applied over clothing, hats and various objects.

To protect yourself against mosquito bites, it is recommended to use a product with a DEET, icaridin, lemon eucalyptus or soy oil formulation. DEET and icaridin-based products should be preferred for protection against tick bites.

The vast majority of commercial mosquito repellents use DEET as a repellent. DEET is the most effective product against mosquitoes and ticks. It is registered by Health Canada and although it is a chemical, it is not hazardous to humans when used in accordance with the guidelines. In Canada, products may contain no more than 30% DEET. This concentration is recommended for adults and children over 12 years of age. Lower concentrations should be used for children under 12 years of age. Pregnant women should never use DEET. Although DEET is not known to be a health hazard, we should be cautious when using this chemical. You should also know that DEET is a powerful solvent and it could damage leather, synthetic fabrics and even plastic surfaces!!

In recent years, a new icaridin-based mosquito repellent has emerged on the market. This chemical repellent was registered in 2012 in Canada and is known to be as effective as DEET in preventing mosquito and tick bites. A product containing 20% icaridin (also known as picaridin) provides a protection equivalent to a product containing 30% DEET.

DEET and icaridin-free products are most often made with citronella, eucalyptus or lavender oil. Products containing 30% lemon eucalyptus oil are known to be as effective as those containing 30% DEET. However, they are effective for a shorter period.

Of course, you can also use other methods to repel mosquitoes: citronella candles and torches, essential oil diffusers and incense spirals are still quite effective if you remain in one place.

The egg or the hen: sunscreen or mosquito repellent?

A question that is often asked on nice summer days is in which order should the protections be applied. Mosquito repellent before sunscreen, or the other way around? The best method is to apply the sunscreen first, then wait 15 to 30 minutes before applying the mosquito repellent. Applying the sunscreen first appears to reduce the absorption of the insect repellent through the skin.

Our favourites: the best products to repel mosquitoes

Until recently, we were satisfied with our favourite products. In the cream repellent section, our preferred product is the Watkins body lotion with a DEET concentration of 30%. In the aerosol section, we prefer Muskol with a DEET concentration of 23.5%. Used with citronella candles, it will complete your arsenal for the war against bloodthirsty bugs.

But then everything changed! We discovered the Deluxe ThermaCell insect repellent kit. And believe us! It works perfectly! So much so that we were caught wondering if mosquitoes had not simply disappeared.

The concept is simple: the butane-powered device burns an allethrin-based tab (a chemical derived from chrysanthemum). The kit includes everything you need to odourlessly and silently drive away mosquitoes over a surface of 4.5 x 4.5 m: the diffuser, a case, two butane cartridges and six mosquito repellent refills. One cartridge lasts up to 12 hours, and one tab lasts up to 4 hours.

This new gadget is really great! There's no way we can do without it from now on. We nonetheless keep the citronella candles for the atmosphere and the Watkins and the Muskol products for outdoors activities.