A common problem for many summer residents is that in the summer season, small annoying insects appear on their summer cottage: midges, or as they are also called midges. They bite painfully, sit on food and are simply annoying with their presence. Summer is the time for fruits and active recreation; you don’t want insects to spoil your mood.
In summer, midges constantly flock to summer cottages
Rating of mosquito repellents
Despite their small size, the consequences of midge bites are more severe than those of mosquitoes. These pests tear out small pieces of skin with their jaws, leaving behind a blister, large swelling, and hematoma. We reviewed several dozen repellents, traps, and special means for treating bites, evaluating each applicant according to the following criteria:
- Form – solution, emulsion, spray, cream;
- The basis is the active components, their origin;
- Purpose – a list of insects sensitive to the composition;
- Type of action – repelling, protecting, treating bite sites;
- Effect – speed of onset, duration of preservation;
- Contraindications – precautions, restrictions on use;
- Packaging – volume, ease of use, consumption;
- Treatment – application method, coverage area;
- Recommendations – age, place of application, other conditions;
- Safety – degree of toxicity towards humans and animals.
Having compared the capabilities declared by the manufacturer with the actual effect, we weeded out ineffective drugs. Customer reviews also helped with this, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of such funds. The result was a review of 9 nominees who received the highest scores.
The best mosquito nets
Essential oils against mosquitoes: method of use
The good thing about aromatic oils is that they absorb very quickly into any surface. Therefore, you can safely apply them to your skin, clothes and any surfaces in the house. Yes, and you shouldn’t be afraid that after using such a product, unsightly greasy stains will remain. If you buy high-quality oil, it will simply evaporate without leaving even the slightest trace behind.
Directions for use:
- Aromapaw
- Scented candle
- Oil-soaked fabric or wood bracelet
- Cream with added essential oil
- Essential oil spray
The best remedies for midges on the street
Many effective drugs have been developed to protect and destroy midges. They differ in the form of release - these are creams, sprays, plates, fumigators, spirals. Another interesting method of fighting is electronic, ultrasonic devices. They all make it easier to stay outside. A large assortment, different operating principles and prices make it difficult for the average buyer to choose. Therefore, VyborExpert offers acquaintance with the leaders of 2022 in terms of demand and positive reviews.
Argus Compact
An effective remedy for midges on the street in the form of a lotion. The drug smells pleasantly of jasmine and is intended to protect against horseflies, mosquitoes, gadflies, midges and other blood-sucking flying insects. The active substance in the composition is N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) with a concentration of 18%. This is a repellent against midges with a deterrent effect, resistant to sweat, dampness, and moisture.
The lotion, when applied to the body or clothing, does not destroy the gnat, but only repels it with its specific smell. Packaging – plastic bottle of 50 ml.
The minimum validity period is 4 hours. It is allowed to use repellent no more than 3 times a day. Contraindications: children under 3 years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with hypersensitivity.
Advantages:
- Pleasant aroma;
- Good consistency;
- Long shelf life;
- Moisture resistance;
- Ease of use;
- Inexpensive.
Flaws:
- There are contraindications;
- Requires repeated application.
Argus Compact can be used both indoors and outdoors. To do this, apply a thin layer of emulsion to your skin or clothing with quick circular movements, but do not rub. Avoid the eye area, mouth, and areas of injury.
Off! Extreme
One of the most popular sprays, according to customer reviews from the Polish manufacturer. This is a budget but effective product in the form of an aerosol inside a 100 ml metal container for spraying on top of clothing or the body.
The principle of operation is the same as in the previous case - repelling midges, ticks, mosquitoes and other blood-sucking individuals. Contraindications: children, pregnant women, allergy sufferers.
The active component is DEET with a concentration of 30%, it is supplemented with fragrance and alcohol. The effect lasts from 4 to 8 hours if the emulsion is on the skin, from 5 to 30 days if on clothing.
With daily use, the spray is consumed in 1-1.5 weeks. The oily consistency does not leave greasy stains on the skin or clothing, except synthetic fabrics.
Advantages:
- Repels most blood-sucking insects;
- No greasy layer or stains;
- Long lasting effect;
- Cost-effective;
- Undemanding for frequent processing;
- Quick application.
Flaws:
- Strong smell;
- Price.
Do not spray the composition indoors due to the sharpness and specificity of the odor, as well as in windy weather, closer than 20 cm. Due to toxicity, do not repeat the procedure more than 2 times a day.
MediLIS Cyper
A popular remedy for midges in the country, it is also effective against mosquitoes, bedbugs, cockroaches, ticks and other insects. This is an insecticide in the form of a concentrated emulsion of 25%, the basis of which is the active substance cypermethrin from the group of pyrethroids. Through the chitinous layer or intestines, it disrupts the functions of the nervous system of pests, which causes their paralysis and then death.
The nominee compares favorably with its predecessors in the rating in that it not only repels, but destroys midges, and within half an hour. The residual effect is up to 6 weeks.
Despite the toxicity, the composition is relatively safe for humans and animals. Average consumption – 120 ml, 10 acres of summer cottage. Sold in plastic bottles of 50, 100 ml. Harvesting - no earlier than 40 days after treatment.
Advantages:
- Double type of impact;
- Wide range of applications;
- Performance;
- Prolonged effect;
- Sun resistance;
- Economical consumption.
Flaws:
- Unpleasant intense odor;
- The need to ventilate the room.
Dilute the solution before treating plants by pouring the prepared mixture into a special sprayer. If you work indoors, open the windows and leave it for 3-4 days. The best time is spring and summer.
Komaroff 3 in 1
Broad-spectrum spray in a 100 ml aerosol can for the whole family. Manufacturer: Russian. The main substance of the composition is DEET with a concentration of 40%. The repellent repels pests with its specific odor, which prevents mosquitoes, midges, ticks and other blood-sucking parasites from attacking.
For the solution to work, it must be applied on top of exposed areas of the body and clothing. The consistency does not leave stains, greasy shine or stickiness. If this is contact with the epidermis, the protection time can be from 4 hours to 5 days, if with tissue - up to 30 days.
Do not use by pregnant women, breastfeeding women or near children.
Advantages:
- Against most pests;
- Spraying on top of skin, clothing;
- Effective protection;
- Prolonged action;
- Single application;
- Inexpensive.
Flaws:
- Fast consumption;
- Strong smell.
Apply this repellent no more than once a day; if it is clothing, then once every 3 days. This will be enough to protect yourself from bites. Be sure to wash your hands with soap, as the components are toxic and can cause poisoning.
Popular technical means
There are modern ways to deal with midges in an apartment. These include ultrasonic repellers - stationary and mobile. The latter are much more convenient to use. They operate using batteries and are light in weight and size.
However, their radius of influence is small - approximately 2.5-3 m. Therefore, such a device for repelling mosquitoes and midges cannot completely get rid of them, although it is quite effective as a personal protective equipment.
The radius of influence of stationary repellers is much larger, but they require an electrical connection to operate. The principle of action of both mobile and stationary devices is the same - repelling insects using ultrasonic radiation. The most popular devices of this type today are:
- “Tornado”, which protects the room from midges over an area of up to 55 m²;
- “Typhoon”, protecting an area of 20 m², although when operating in maximum mode, its protection zone can extend to 45 m². This repeller operates from the mains, so in areas where there is no voltage, it is completely useless.
The best remedies for midges in an apartment
There is another type of means to get rid of midges - repellents or fumigators for use in enclosed spaces. They must be not only effective, but also safe for everyone living in the apartment/house, including children and pets. The Vyborexperta.ru review included 3 nominees with the best customer reviews.
Argus
The most popular preparation for electrofumigation, destroying flies, midges and other flying insects. It differs from analogues in the method of application - a plastic compact bottle with a volume of 30 ml with a liquid solution inside, connected to the mains. As soon as it starts working, within 10 minutes the pests lose activity, and after 30 they die.
The main component is a liquid with this low concentration. The entire bottle is designed to provide 360 hours of midge protection. The optimal room area is 15-16 square meters. m.
Being active, the fumigator does not emit any odor, remaining safe for the health of households and animals. Due to the transparent walls, you can control consumption and buy a new bottle in a timely manner.
Advantages:
- Safety;
- Long-term consumption;
- No smell;
- Quick elimination of midges;
- Compatibility with fumigators from different companies;
- Inexpensive.
Flaws:
- Requires room ventilation;
- Contraindications.
With minimal toxicity, Argus is not recommended for pregnant, breastfeeding women, or people with allergies. Otherwise, the drug copes with its function, protecting for up to 45 nights, as confirmed by reviews.
DEET
Another drug in the form of a liquid for fumigation. The bottle is standard, its volume is 30 ml. Once connected to the electrical network, the protective effect is maintained even with the windows open. As the specially developed formulation heats up, it affects the nervous system of the midge, causing paralysis and then death. This amount of solution is consumed in 45 nights of regular use. The area of the room must be at least 5 square meters. m (for example, it is better not to turn it on in the kitchen).
The active substance is natural pyrethrin extract from Dalmatian chamomile. The result will be noticeable within 5 minutes - the insects will begin to behave chaotically and will not be able to take off. After 30 minutes there will be no trace left of them.
The drug has certificates of quality and safety. It should be used with caution by pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and allergy sufferers, if there are children under 3 years of age in the house.
Advantages:
- Natural base;
- No smell;
- Proven safety;
- Swivel fork;
- Power indicator;
- Performance.
Flaws:
- Limitation of use;
- Price.
With the windows open, keep the fumigator on until the morning; with the windows closed, half an hour will be enough. If the room is large, you can turn on several pieces at once. Reviews confirm that the midges actually die after 30 minutes of work.
Boyscout Help
The third proposal for protecting an apartment from annoying flying bloodsuckers is an insecticide in the form of a liquid solution used together with a fumigator. Moreover, the active components are eliminated by paralysis of not only adults, but also larvae. The main difference from the nominees is the safe pesticide Vaportrin (Empentrin). It also shows activity against tissue pests.
Studies have shown that “Boyscout Help” is the best eliminater of adult flies, affecting the pest through the respiratory system. Evaporation begins immediately after switching on, the maximum duration is 240 hours.
Compatible with the original fumigator or standard devices from other manufacturers. There is no smell in the room. The product is certified, but not recommended if there are children under 3 years of age, pregnant women, or people with allergies.
Advantages:
- High degree of impact;
- No smell;
- Safety for humans and animals;
- Long lasting protection;
- Certificate of Quality;
- Destruction of tissue pests.
Flaws:
- Possible overheating;
- Restrictions.
Some reviews note that if you forget to turn off the fumigator in a timely manner, the bottle overheats, emitting a specific odor. Otherwise, the pesticide quickly destroys all flying individuals.
What you need to know about pest control
Aphids multiply rapidly; one individual can give birth to about a hundred babies; getting rid of them is not so easy. Before using various means, it is worth finding out the reason for its appearance:
- The aphid tries to sap the plant by breaking through the tender stems with its proboscis. It usually affects young plants. The first thing to do is to protect the young pagons and leaves.
- Pests lay their eggs in the root system, where they overwinter. Before wintering, carefully inspect the root system. Aphids are also carried by ants; it is worth protecting their access to the pagons and leaves.
- Aphids have many natural enemies. You can try to attract them to your garden or vegetable garden. Wasps, flies and ladybug larvae cope well with pests. It is worth planting onions or garlic on the site; its smell repels aphids.
- Aphids are destroyed by several species of birds: tits, warblers, wrens, wrens, linnets, robins and sparrows. They all feed their young pests.
Infection of a plant with aphids is indicated by deformation of the leaf; a sweet discharge (honey dew) appears on it. The leaf begins to turn yellow and curl. If ants are crawling around the bush, this also indicates that it is infested with aphids.
The best remedies for midge bites
At the site of the midge bite, painful hematomas remain that will itch, swell and turn red. If a mosquito makes a small puncture, the midge tears out a piece of skin, hence the pain. Manufacturers offer different formulations of repellent and therapeutic effects, among them we have selected 2 leaders in terms of price and quality ratio.
Gardex Extreme
Long-acting aerosol – reliable protection in nature. After spraying onto the skin, the spray repels flying bloodsuckers for up to 8 hours. And if the composition is applied on top of clothing, the effect is extended up to 5 days. The active substance is DEET with a concentration of 50%, which is enough to eliminate a high number of insects.
The packaging is an 80 ml aerosol can with a convenient locking cap that protects the owner from accidental spraying.
With regular use, one unit will last for 2 weeks. The manufacturer indicates a tendency to allergic reactions, children under 3 years of age, and pregnancy as contraindications.
Advantages:
- Instant action;
- Long protection;
- Increased concentration of the substance;
- Ease of use;
- High quality;
- Cap with blocker.
Flaws:
- Acrid odor;
- Price.
Shake the can well and spray the spray onto your palms. Then use your hands to distribute the composition over areas of the body or clothing, but do not rub. If necessary, repeat the manipulations no earlier than after 4 hours.
Siberina Mint and tea tree
The last position in the review from ChoiceExpert is occupied by a gel-balm with a soothing effect. It is based exclusively on natural ingredients, so the drug is approved even for children. Tea tree essential oil repels insects with its pungent odor, heals if they have bitten, and destroys bacteria. Green tea and chamomile extracts have anti-inflammatory properties that eliminate itching, redness, and swelling.
Mint pleasantly cools, eliminating symptoms of discomfort and irritation. Another valuable skin supplement is D-panthenol, which increases local immunity and soothes the skin. Thanks to such components, a remedy for itching after a midge bite is used to prevent an allergic reaction. Essential oils act as repellents outdoors for 1-2 hours.
Advantages:
- Natural base;
- Calming effect;
- Cooling;
- Improving skin barrier functions;
- Healing of bites;
- Safety.
Flaws:
- Price;
- Difficult to find on sale.
Natural cosmetics prevent contact with mosquitoes and midges without causing toxic effects. Apply a thin layer of cream to the bite areas where irritation occurs. A soft tube of 50 ml runs out in 1-2 months.
Mosquito repellents
Mosquito repellents
If you don’t want to bother with preparing folk remedies, then you can simply place so-called repellers around the house. They will have the same effect on bloodsuckers as chemical and man-made repellents, and the bugs will fly around your house.
So:
- Herbs - wheatgrass, elderberry, peppermint, Caucasian chamomile, valerian
- Spices - natural cinnamon, vanillin, anise
- Indoor flowers - geranium, plectranthus
How to choose a mosquito repellent
Regardless of which repellent you choose to buy, remember that it must be safe for you and your immediate environment. Therefore, pay attention to several selection criteria - the manufacturer’s prescription, the type of drug, the duration of the protective effect and the degree of toxicity.
Purpose
Pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions on where the product can be used. There are compositions that will help in the house, country house or apartment (fumigators), as well as those that are only allowed outdoors - in nature or in the garden (sprays, aerosols). Another important indicator is the purpose against which types of insects the active substance will be active (midges, flies, mosquitoes, aphids, moths, etc.).
Product type
All drugs for sale against midges and other blood-sucking insects can be divided according to the type of work:
- repellents - wipes, ointments, lotions or sprays are applied directly to the skin or clothing before going outside;
- fumigators are special emulsions that, when heated, release an odor that poisons flying arthropods; these can also be plates or spirals impregnated with toxic substances.
The first type, as is already clear from the description, is intended for protection outdoors, the second - indoors.
Duration of protective effect
The time of repellent action depends on several factors: the protective properties of the active component, its concentration, application features, type of product, insect aggressiveness. Carefully inspect the label, it should indicate the terms, for example, “protects for more than 4 hours on the skin” or “works for up to 2 hours in low pest populations.”
Safety
Toxicity level is the most important selection criterion. Remember that all repellents must be supported by a certificate of government registration. Only drugs approved for sale are included in the register of disinfectants of the Russian Federation. Pay attention to the composition, its origin, concentration. The manufacturer indicates contraindications for most. Follow the precautions for use indicated on the label.
Types of midges
Midge is a collective name for many thousands of species of insects that look somewhat similar to ordinary flies, but are smaller in size.
Most of them are representatives of the order Diptera, but the damage they cause, their habitat, and their lifestyle patterns can differ significantly.
Typically, the term “midge” includes several types of pests:
- Nasty . Small blood-sucking insects that swarm in the air, bite humans and pets, and drink blood. These midges, unlike mosquitoes, do not just pierce the skin, but tear off the top layer so that a tiny drop of blood appears on the surface. This is what the insect drinks. The saliva of midges contains special substances that have an analgesic and anticoagulant effect - so a person for the time being does not feel that he has been bitten. After the bite, the effect of the substances wears off and the affected area begins to itch. The cause of itching is foreign proteins that cause rejection, entering the blood along with the insect's saliva. Swarms of midges can ruin any country holiday.
- Fruit midges . The most famous is the Drosophila, used by scientists in genetic experiments. This species of small insect is extremely prolific. If you leave slightly spoiled fruit in the trash or even on the table, a huge number of fruit flies will immediately breed there. They feed on plant juices and pose no harm to humans, but their abundance annoys their careful owner.
- Plant pests . These small midges multiply on the above-ground parts of wild and cultivated plants, leading to damage to the marketable appearance, deterioration of the condition of the crop, up to its complete damage. The fight against such varieties is necessary if a summer resident cares about the harvest and plants that grow on his site.
What is the best remedy for midges?
All nominees in the presented rating demonstrate high effectiveness against flying insects. The results of the Vyborexperta.ru rating will tell you what to buy based on a comparison of the pros and cons:
- MediLIS Cyper – 2 in 1 remedy for midges in indoor plants with a prolonged effect;
- Komaroff 3 in 1 - the people's choice, an aerosol against most pests, easy to use and inexpensive;
- Boyscout Help - a fumigator solution with a prolonged effect that will help get rid of tissue pests;
- Gardex Extreme is an effective insecticide against black midges and other flying arthropods;
- Siberina Mint and tea tree are the best remedy for midges for children using natural extracts with a soothing, healing effect.
We have offered you better solutions than getting rid of gnat. Fumigators with solutions will help indoors, and sprays, gels, lotions and creams will help outdoors. Our review not only narrowed the search, but also taught us how to correctly evaluate and select insecticides.
Prevention
There are practically no preventive measures against midges that overcome a person on the street.
True, here you can give some advice:
- Keep the area dry. Midges are always more active and reproduce faster near water.
- Get rid of dense thickets of grass and other wet greenery, thin out the beds.
- Build houses and feed insectivorous birds - they are your faithful allies in the fight against bloodsuckers.
What means do you use to kill midges?
ChemicalElectrical
As for the house, here we can recommend:
- Place mosquito nets on all windows. Cover the door with a frame with a mesh or hang a muslin blanket at the entrance.
- Use fragrant wormwood herbs, use aroma lamps with essential oils.
- Do not leave food outside refrigerators, hide them in containers. Take out the trash can regularly.
Preventive measures
In order not to rack your brains about how to get rid of fruit flies or how to remove annoying fruit flies, it is enough to adhere to the usual preventive measures. After all, if midges start to appear, they will then begin to multiply quickly and will soon fly throughout the apartment. To prevent this from happening, you need to do this:
- Always remove trash from the premises on time.
- Clean the drainage areas, using chemicals or even occasionally pouring boiling water over them.
- The trash can, even if you use special bags, should be cleaned at least once a week.
- Products that have begun to deteriorate, even slightly, must be thrown away immediately.
If you follow the above tips, midges can disappear from your life forever and will not irritate you with their presence in the kitchen. When using any methods, folk or modern, it is possible to never encounter such a problem again.
Sometimes a person unexpectedly discovers small flying insects in his home. Moreover, these midges can be different in appearance: gray, red, white, black. It's time to think about whether they pose a danger, whether they bite, and how to get rid of them. These questions can be easily answered by understanding which small flying insects most often appear in a house or apartment.
Creams
Mosquito repellent creams
This form of release is the most popular among all available. They have many advantages:
- Possibility of spot application.
- Economical consumption.
- High efficiency.
- Availability. You can buy cream or gel not only at the pharmacy, but also at a regular supermarket.
Among the disadvantages, possible allergic reactions are noted.
Cream Extra protection against mosquitoes OFF
Off products are represented by creams and sprays. The cream has a light, pleasant floral scent. Efficiency is achieved by the presence of DEET in the composition in an amount of 25%. Provides protection for 2 hours after application. This is an enhanced formula with a higher content of the main component.
How to deal with flies
Vinegar fly trap
How to get rid of dung, green and blood-sucking flies - general rules and recommendations:
- monitor the cleanliness of the house, try not to bring the mess to a critical state;
- throw out garbage in a timely manner so that flies do not begin to lay larvae and take over the home territory;
- use indoor plants that repel pests. For example, some experts recommend placing geraniums on windows;
- in the spring, it is necessary to place a mosquito net on the windows so that insects cannot fly into the house;
- If it so happens that flies appear in the house, you need to immediately take action and use protective equipment. These can be special traps or folk remedies;
After getting rid of insects, it is recommended to regularly clean, remove garbage and leftover food.