A Summer Without Mosquitoes

During the summer holidays, the reactivation of the tourism sector indicates that this year, national beach destinations, magical towns, and cities will welcome nearly 52 million domestic and international travelers.

The warmth and humidity typical of the season allow the proliferation of mosquitoes that can transmit diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, which put people's health and lives at risk.

 

While the use of insect repellent is a common practice among travelers, the call for consumers to make more environmentally friendly choices is now gaining relevance, as recent studies claim that climate change has caused mosquitoes responsible for spreading disease to expand their geographic range and, by 2050 , will threaten the health of 49% of the world's population .

  

 

Therefore, it is advisable to opt for options that can effectively protect us and, above all, are environmentally friendly.

Currently, nanoscience applied to this type of product has made it possible to formulate new options based on natural essential oils that are highly safe, effective, and long-lasting.

An example of this is Nanosquito, an innovation by engineer Gabriela León, a leader and pioneer in the development of personal products based on applied nanophytochemistry. She manipulates citronella and limonene essential oil particles at nanoscales using technology unique in the world, repelling mosquitoes without irritation and being compatible with sunscreen.

  

To prevent mosquitoes from ruining your vacation , we share some recommendations for repelling them sustainably:

1. PLAN YOUR TRIP ACTIVITIES AND CHOOSE THE SAFEST OUTFIT

If you're going on nighttime walks in the beach, jungle, forest, or garden, pack long-sleeved shirts, pants, and closed-toe shoes, as the less exposed your skin is, the less likely you are to get bitten by mosquitoes . At night, be sure to wear pajamas and socks. Most importantly, all your clothing should be light-colored and loose-fitting, as the proboscis (the part of the mosquito that bites you) can sometimes penetrate tight fabric.

2. MAKE SURE YOU CLOSE THE WINDOWS BEFORE SUNSET

Many accommodations have mosquito nets, either on the windows or beds, but their effective use depends on closing windows and doors before dusk, when these insects' activity peaks . Failure to do so may result in them hiding inside the room.

3. SHOWER BEFORE BED

If the weather or your activities have been intense and you've sweated a lot, we suggest taking a shower before bed. Remember that mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, sweat, and body heat . If you can't take a shower, combine the use of natural repellents with citrus perfumes or deodorants.

4. ELIMINATE SOURCES OF REPRODUCTION

Anything that allows water to accumulate creates the perfect breeding environment . Empty any containers that can be used for this purpose; even a tablespoon of still water is enough for them to lay their eggs.

5. GOODBYE LIGHTS

Mosquitoes love bright lights , so we suggest avoiding excessive lighting, including fluorescent clothing, or excessive cell phone use when outdoors.

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