Mosquito bites - what helps against itching?

Who hasn't experienced this? You could hardly get into the restful sleep a mosquito buzzes through the room. We have no choice but to stay in bed and risk a mosquito bite or go on a mosquito hunt .

Or as soon as the cozy barbecue evening is over, you start itching all over because you have been unnoticed by the annoying bloodsuckers .

This is how you can prevent mosquito bites:

• Mosquitoes love and multiply in warm and humid climates. You should therefore avoid places such as ponds, swamps or bogs. Watering cans that have not been emptied or blocked rain gutters can also be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Wear long clothes (especially in the evening - as mosquitoes are nocturnal). Light colors also deter mosquitoes, as they avoid landing on light-colored surfaces.
• Secure windows with mosquito screens (available from specialist retailers). This way you can sleep undisturbed at night with the window open.
• If you are on vacation in hot countries, you should leave the air conditioning switched on. Mosquitoes avoid cool rooms.
• Use insect repellent. They change your body odor, the temperature and the moisture of your skin so that mosquitoes can no longer find you. Caution, these products must not be used on children under two years of age! Their skin must be protected with long clothing.

What to do if you have been bitten?

• Cool the bite site. Apply cold compresses of lemon juice, onion or vinegar water.
• Use itch-relieving ointments and gels. Store these in the fridge - out of the reach of children - so that they also have a cooling effect when applied.
• Do not scratch! It will only make it itch even more and the sting may become inflamed. If there is no other way, just scratch the skin around the sting or tap the skin around the sting with a finger.
• Crush a few basil leaves and apply the juice to the affected area. Soothes the itching.
• Rub the sting with a slice of lemon, onion or horseradish.
• Rub the juice of a few crushed cabbage leaves onto the itchy area.

We wish you a mosquito-free summer!