Protect yourself from insects
Among the insects that can bother you during a trip abroad, a trek, a kayak trip, or an outdoor evening, let's mention our dear friends: the mosquito, the tick, the gadfly, the flies, the fleas, the bugs, the augustats, spiders. Remember that they can not only bite you but also transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, or malaria… (>see advice on diseases and vaccinations). So many good reasons to guard against it!
The best preventive solution isthe use of repellents. Mosquito or insect repellents are intended to keep them away,using an odor or a product provided for this purpose. Three types of repellents exist: those for skin application, those for textile application (clothing, mosquito nets, bed sheets), and those with atmospheric dispersion for the outdoors.
In addition to repellents, it is highly advisable to have clothing covering as much as possible the body and limbs, to provide total and complementary protection to repellents.
Repellents, instructions for use
If very often brands announce 8 hours of protection,they are quite optimistic. Due to other parameters, such as sweating, rain, heat, a repellent is often effective 4 hours. After this time, if we feel the insects getting closer again, a new application becomes necessary. If the temperature is above 30°C,applications will be even more frequent.
Commonly used repellents include:
The D.E.E.T (diethyltoluamide): it remains the most effective repellent for risk areas, such as lakes, rivers, marshes, or forests. Optimally concentrated at 50%, DEET is effective against mosquitoes and ticks, which transmit chikungunya, dengue fever and malaria.
Icaridine: appeared recently, this compound is efficient in tropical areas with concentrations of the order of 20% to 25%. It effectively fights anopheles (female mosquitoes) and is recommended to protect against malaria contamination.
Permethrine: this compound is intended for textile applications, for clothing with a dosage of 4% and a dosage of 8% for mosquito nets. Its use is complementary to skin repellents. This product is very effective especially for spraying on the sheets of a bed and spending a quiet night, without unexpected buzzing in the ears.
Natural repellents: they generally contain Citriodiol,natural extract ofeucalyptus citriodora and remains an interesting alternative to chemical substances, which generally turn out to be toxic.
There is also the essential oil of citronella
Skin repellents come in different forms: spray,mini spray to take with you, wipes, gel. Price: repellents cost on average from 3€ to 10€ per bottle.
Textile repellents are applied by soaking diluted in water, in a basin. A bottle of 100ml, diluted in 1.5 L of water will treat 2 kg of fabric,which will remain active for about 2 months,even after 5 washes. Price: repellents cost on average 10 € per bottle.
Atmospheric repellents exist in the form of a spiral to burn or candles for a fixed place, or an anti-mosquito bracelet to wear on the wrist and / or ankle. The bracelets, treated with geraniol,are effective about 3 to 4 weeks after opening the sachet or about 60 h. It is necessary to store them in an airtight bag between each use. They have a repellent effect of about 1 meter and can also cling to a headboard,a stroller,a tent hoop …
For enclosed places, there are also ultrasonic repellents,which work for rooms of about 50m² maximum. Be careful, they nevertheless remain clearly audible at full power,and can be a source of hearing nuisance.
The qualities of a good repellent should be sweat resistance, moisture, waterproof effect, be non-greasy, be non-sticky,be non-irritating and non-toxic.
It is generally necessary to count a bottle of 100 ml for 15 to 20 days,at the rate of 2 applications per day on hands and faces.
After a sting…
In case of a bite,you can use an electrical impulse device to relieve yourself: operating without a battery,they generate about 4,000 pulsations to 25,000 electric pulsations,for prolonged use. To use the bite as soon as possible, 5 pulsations are necessary to avoid the itch,and 10 pulsations to avoid swelling,to adapt to the sensitivity of each. Price: a pulse stick costs an average of 10 €.
There are also gels after bites, which soothe irritation and itching, based on essential oils. Price: gels cost about 5€ per 25 ml.
For ticks, there are plastic tweezers specially designed to remove a tick or nymph from the skin, grasping it firmly with the help of a specific prehensile beak, which avoids crushing it. Price: une pincer, disposable, costs about 3 €.
Caring for a spider bite
Try to identify the nature of the spider. Most bites come from harmless spiders. Moreover, there is a good chance that the bites in question are those of insects, which can also be treated easily. If you believe you have been bitten by a dangerous spider, refer to the subsections that follow this paragraph to confirm, identify the culprit species and administer proper care. It sometimes happens that identification is impossible, however, by knowing a little about dangerous species, you can effectively guide the doctor who will take care of you.
- Try to retrieve the specimen that stung you, even if you killed it. You can immerse it in a little rubbing alcohol in order to preserve it.
- If, however, you do not find the spider, clean and examine the bite.
Wash the area of the bite with fresh soapy water. This will clean the wound and avoid any risk of infection.
Apply a fresh compress, such as an ice pack. The cold will soothe the pain and decrease the swelling.
Raise the area that has been stung. Thus, you will reduce inflammation and swelling.
Relieve any small pain by taking aspirin or paracetamol, provided you do not present risks or allergies to these drugs.
Watch for the bite for the next 24 hours to make sure the symptoms do not get worse. Generally, the swelling should lessen, and the bite itself should be less painful. Sometimes it happens that the bite of a harmless spider causes allergic reactions. Call the emergency room immediately if the victim has the following symptoms:
- difficulty breathing
- nausea
- muscle spasms
- lesions
- swelling of the throat that prevents it from swallowing normally
- abundant sweating
- fainting
From left to right: Permethrine Insect Screen for fabrics and clothing (****), normal skin repellents and tropical area of the brand Five-Five (***), Insect Screen skin repellent (****), Mexican natural skin repellent Buzz Away (****), Egyptian chemical skin repellent Johnson (****).