Mosquito repellent Moskitol: how to choose the right protection

During the warmer months, mosquitoes can ruin not only outdoor recreation but also a peaceful stay at home. Their annoying squeaks can be irritating. Fortunately, there's a huge variety of mosquito repellents available today. They can be used both outdoors and indoors. One popular brand on the domestic market, Mosquitall, offers a wide range of products. How can you navigate the abundance and choose the right one?

The main differences between mosquito repellents

Modern mosquito repellents can rid you and your home of these pesky insects for a long time. Moskitol has been on the Russian market for about 15 years and offers protection not only for adults but also for children of virtually any age. The active ingredients contained in these products provide resistance not only to mosquitoes but also to other blood-sucking insects. Currently, there are a wide variety of pest control products available: sprays, aerosols, creams, fumigators, and coils. All of them can be used in different situations and by people of all ages.

Personal protective equipment such as sprays, aerosols, gels, and creams most often contain diethyltoluamide (DEET) or alphacypermethrin. The active ingredient in the tube determines how it's used. DEET, for example, is an effective chemical insect repellent. It doesn't kill mosquitoes, it just repels them. If the drug contains 30% or less of it, the product can be applied to the skin of an adult and a child over 12 years of age.

The higher the concentration of DEET, the longer the protective effect. But it also increases its toxicity.

Alphacypermethrin is not as widely used, but it is also a common ingredient in mosquito repellents. It has a paralyzing effect and belongs to the acaricidal group, meaning it kills insects. Such products should absolutely not come into contact with the skin. They are used only for treating clothing.

Another new generation repellent is IR 3535 – it is a repellent with the lowest toxicity.

Sprays and aerosols

Mosquito repellent sprays and aerosols are considered among the most popular personal protective equipment. They work on a similar principle: fine particles of the product are evenly distributed over a surface. Each spray operates like a simple mechanical pump, activated by pressing a button.

Mosquito sprays are the most popular means of protection

Aerosols atomize the substance using high pressure in the canister. Unlike sprays, they are delivered in the form of finer particles.

Sprays and aerosols are convenient to use, compact, affordable, and effective. When using them, follow a few rules:

• It is recommended to spray the substance onto skin or clothing from a distance of 20–25 centimeters;
• avoid contact with mucous membranes of the eyes and nasopharynx, as well as wounds and abrasions;
• Do not spray near open flames;
• Store away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and animals;
• After the walk, rinse under running water.

The application method for sprays and aerosols is similar. It is recommended to spray the product first onto the palm of your hand and then distribute it evenly over exposed skin using gentle movements. Clothing should be treated outdoors, holding the can 10–15 centimeters away from the garment. The fabric should become slightly damp. Allow the garment to air dry before wearing.

Table: Types of Moskitol mosquito repellent sprays and their uses

Photo Gallery: Mosquito Sprays

Table: Types of Moskitol aerosols and their uses

Photo gallery: types of mosquito repellent aerosols

Mosquitol Mosquito Repellent Cream and Milk

Many people believe it's better to choose mosquito repellents in the form of creams, gels, or lotions. The rationale is that if they can be applied to the skin, they're completely safe. There's some truth to this, as these products do contain minimal concentrations of harmful substances. However, it's important to remember that this also significantly reduces the duration of protection. Furthermore, areas of skin treated with cream or lotion should not come into contact with water, otherwise the product will wash off.

The method of using any cream or milk is simple: it must be applied evenly to the skin and spread with light movements without rubbing.

The downside of using such products is that they cannot be applied to clothing or hats, so they will not provide adequate protection in areas with large concentrations of insects.

Table: Features of using Moskitol mosquito repellent cream and milk

Important! Any product applied to the skin may cause an allergic reaction.

The "Gentle Protection for Children" milk does not contain parabens and is suitable for the delicate skin of children.

Fumigators

Mosquito fumigators are widely used as a mosquito control device in homes, apartments, and other spaces. These small, mains-powered devices provide long-lasting protection against these pesky bloodsuckers. While the fumigator itself doesn't kill mosquitoes, it's a heating box containing a special liquid or plates soaked in insecticides. The vaporized liquid kills the insects. These fumes are safe for humans and pets. The most common active ingredients are transfluthrin and prallethrin. Transfluthrin is a modern, fast-acting insecticide with low toxicity, while prallethrin is a similar, but more toxic, substance. However, prallethrin has a longer repellent duration.

Using a fumigator is quite simple. If the device uses liquid, remove the container from its packaging, unscrew the lid, and insert the rod into the device. Plug the device into a power outlet so that the container holding the liquid is vertical. If you have a plate fumigator, place the plate in the special compartment. Then plug the device into a power outlet so that the plate is parallel to the floor.

Fumigator "Protection for the whole family":

• Active ingredient: transfluthrin (0.9%).
• Liquid action time: 8 hours per month.
• The duration of action of one plate: up to 10 hours.

The "Protection for the Whole Family" fumigator can work for up to a month without replacing the bottle.

Fumigator "Gentle protection for children":

• Suitable for a child's room.
• Active ingredient: transfluthrin (0.8%), chamomile extract.
• Liquid action time: 8 hours per month.
• The duration of action of one plate: up to 10 hours.

The "Gentle Protection for Children" fumigator is specially designed for children's rooms.

Liquid "Professional protection":

• Active ingredient: transfluthrin (0.55%) and prallethrin (0.55%).
• Duration of action: 8 hours per month.
• Pros: fast action – the effect is noticeable within a few seconds, and 100% mosquito elimination occurs within a quarter of an hour.
• Cons: cannot be used in a child's room or in rooms where a pregnant woman is present.

The "Professional Protection" fumigator liquid works from the first second of switching on.

Professional Protection Plates:

• Active ingredient: transfluthrin 5 mg per plate, prallethrin 10 mg per plate.
• The duration of action of one plate: up to 10 hours.
• Pros: fast action – the effect is noticeable within a few seconds, and 100% mosquito elimination occurs within a quarter of an hour.
• Cons: cannot be used in a child's room or in rooms where a pregnant woman is present.

The Professional Protection fumigator plates cannot be used in rooms where a pregnant woman is present.

Spiral

A mosquito coil is an indispensable outdoor tool, whether in the woods, at a dacha, or at a resort. The principle of operation is simple: simply attach it to a stand, light it, and enjoy your vacation. The coil consists of a core impregnated with insecticide.

Spiral "Protection for the whole family":

• Active ingredient: d-allethrin (0.2%) - a poison that paralyzes insects, but is safe for humans and pets.
• The duration of one coil is up to 9 hours.
• Instructions for use: Separate the twin coils, placing one on the metal stand (included in the kit). Light the outer end of the coil and allow it to burn briefly. Then blow out the flame, leaving the coil to smolder gently in a safe place. If the coil is not fully used, extinguish it and store it in its packaging.
• Pros: the coil has virtually no odor and does not go out in light wind.
• Cons: May cause irritation in people with contact lenses or eye diseases upon close contact.

The "Protection for the Whole Family" spiral is odorless and does not go out in light winds.

Choosing a safe way to protect yourself from mosquitoes

Quite often, the wide selection of mosquito repellents can be overwhelming. Before you head out to buy, there are a few questions you need to answer:

1. Where should you protect yourself from mosquitoes: indoors or outdoors?
2. Who needs to be protected: an adult or a child?
3. How long is protection needed?
4. Does the person to be protected have sensitive skin?
5. Will a pregnant woman or nursing mother need mosquito protection?

The answers will help you choose the most suitable product:

1. In the countryside or at a dacha, it's best to use a coil for common areas (cabins, gazebos, tents) and any personal protective equipment: sprays, aerosols, creams, and lotions. For indoor use, fumigators are more convenient.
2. Adults can use any mosquito repellent. For children, there's a special "Gentle Protection for Children" series.
3. The "Professional Protection" series offers the longest protective period. It contains the highest concentration of active ingredients. Furthermore, aerosols and sprays applied to clothing also provide a relatively long-lasting protective effect compared to creams and lotions.
4. For people with sensitive skin, a product from the children's series or "Hypoallergenic Protection" is better suited.
5. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also choose children's or hypoallergenic clothing. Their clothing should be sanitized by someone else. After drying, the expectant or nursing mother can wear it.

Reviews of Moskitol mosquito repellents

When I applied Moskitol to my skin at my dacha, I didn't have much hope. Moskitol cream is easy to apply. To my surprise, Moskitol almost did the trick, providing reliable protection for about 2.5 hours, after which its repellent effect gradually began to fade.

Mosquitall Gentle Protection for Children mosquito repellent sheets are not only effective, but also relatively inexpensive and safe for humans. Remarkably, the sheets are effective even with open windows! I've personally seen mosquitoes convulse and fall on my planner while I was writing at my desk.

When I was planning a trip outdoors, I opted for Mosquitall spray. I found it more convenient to use than creams. And it really is. I can't say the mosquitoes are particularly frightening or avoid me. They buzz around annoyingly, but I haven't had any bites.

If you approach mosquito protection wisely, your vacation will definitely not be ruined. There are a huge selection of products to choose from: carefully read the instructions to choose the most effective and safe one, and then enjoy your vacation with confidence!