Preparations based on vanillin
The strong sweet smell of vanilla helps drive bloodsuckers away from the home, and the bitter taste prevents particularly persistent ones from drinking blood. In the latter case, vanilla against mosquitoes will only help if the substance was applied directly to the skin.
Important!
If you have asthma or an allergy to the spice, vanillin cannot be used against mosquitoes. People suffering from asthma should generally not use substances with strong odors, including essential oils.
Vanilla is added not only to baked goods, but also to body care creams, laundry detergents, and sprays. This way they kill two birds with one stone: they give a pleasant smell to clothes and the body and drive away insects. To repel blood-sucking insects, real vanilla essential oil is used, which works similarly to other similar substances. But if you don’t have oil, you can make your own mosquito repellent.
Important!
When preparing repellent preparations, you should not use vanilla sugar. Sugar contains very little vanillin and is not able to repel bloodsuckers. And the sweet taste will attract other insects that prefer to feed on sugars.
What not to do if you are bitten by mosquitoes
Mosquito bites should not be rubbed or combed, no matter how much you might want to do so. The result of such actions can be not only the appearance of scars due to skin damage, but also an increased risk of infection or the development of an allergic reaction.
Most often, medical attention for mosquito bites is not needed, and it is enough to endure the unpleasant itching sensation for a couple of days. But there are exceptions when it is necessary for a doctor to assess the condition of the bite site. These include:
- If the number of bites is very large and they cover most of the body;
- The spots are quite large, their diameter exceeds 5 cm;
- The lesion is located very close to the eyes;
- Swelling of the skin and severe itching do not go away within several days, even with the measures taken;
- Due to the mosquito attack, the body temperature rose;
- Severe headache bothers you;
- The general condition of the body began to deteriorate.
Each of these signs may indicate an allergy to mosquito saliva or the development of mosquito encephalitis. Therefore, failure to seek qualified help in a timely manner can cause damage to health.
This is especially important when the above symptoms appear in children under 5 years of age.
Types of vanillin
Almost any strong aromas, especially herbal ones, are repulsive to midges. They drown out the natural odors of the human body and disorient mosquitoes and midges. According to the production method, they are distinguished:
- Natural vanillin. It is obtained from the fruit of the orchid vine Vanilla planifolia. The main producer of natural vanillin is Madagascar. This product has a high cost. Vanilla flower and beans (natural vanillin)
- Semi-synthetic vanillin. One variety of biosynthetic vanillin is obtained from eugenol, the source of which is clove oil. There is also vanillin, produced by microorganisms from ferulic acid in rice bran. But its cost is also high ($700 per kilogram).
- Regular synthetic vanillin costs about $15 per kilogram. It is produced from petrochemical raw materials. The most common method for obtaining the product is synthesis from glycolic acid and guaiacol. Synthetic vanillin (vanilla sugar)
The process of obtaining natural vanillin
There is a special method of extracting vanilla, thanks to which we have the well-known fragrant powder. The method consists of steps:
- since the vanilla stick itself has no aroma, to achieve it, you need to dip it fresh and unripe in hot water;
- keep in woolen fabric at high temperature for seven days so that formaldehyde called vanillin is released as a result of fermentation;
- dry the sticks in a shaded place in the open air until they darken, lose weight, and become covered with white small crystals (their smell also includes cinnamon esters, aldehyde and anise alcohol).
When properly collected and processed, the pods should be long, bend well, curl slightly, be soft and buttery (those whose length is more than 15 centimeters are considered first-class). Upon completion of this process, the desired powder is obtained with a very sweet natural odor and bitter taste.
The product is so popular that it is now synthesized industrially to produce artificial vanillin. It was invented two centuries ago and significantly improved in the 20th century, producing rosin from pine resin. Vanilla powder is thus a by-product of this reaction. The smell is different from natural vanilla, but in comparison this powder is much cheaper. This is what we most often see in stores.
Interestingly, on product packaging the manufacturer is required to indicate the percentage of natural substances. If the word vanilia is indicated, it means that the composition contains real vanilla powder or its extract. If you see the phrase vanilla flavored, then artificial vanillin is used (for example, in ice cream).
How does it work?
Vanillin for midges is a folk remedy, the effect of which has long been known. There has been no scientific research into the insect repellent mechanisms of vanilla. The main assumption why the plant helps against blood-sucking parasites is the sharp, specific aroma of the fruits of a perennial vine. The smell, which evokes pleasant sensations and associations in humans, has an alarming, frightening effect on insects. Scientists suggest that the reason for this effect lies in the biological characteristics of the perennial vine.
- Before becoming a cultivated plant cultivated in several countries, the pearl of the rainforest was native to Mexico.
- An orchid with sought-after fruits grows on trees, held in place by adventitious roots and protected from the sun. In its native habitat, it is pollinated only by bees of one species.
- Beneficial insects have only a day to pollinate while the flower is open. If they do not have time to do this, the flower falls off and does not bear fruit. Probably, the ability of the smell to repel other insects, except for one bee species, is based precisely on this.
- The second assumption is the long ripening of the pod (3/4 years). The sweet aroma repels pests of the fragile box.
Traditional methods are based on practical observations. Seeing that the smell of the confectionery spice helps get rid of mosquitoes, people have developed several ways to safely apply it to the skin exposed to bloodsuckers.
This helped to be calm on the street in the evening. Then it was discovered that vanilla has the property of repelling midges, fleas and ticks. It began to be used as a means for a relaxing stay in nature and ridding pets of parasites.
The beneficial properties of vanilla have been adopted by cosmetologists, veterinarians, manufacturers of products to repel blood-sucking insects, industrial chemistry and even medicine. Traditional healers have several effective recipes and methods for making vanillin solution against midges.
Use in cooking
In cooking, vanillin is used to prepare various types of products: cookies, cakes, pies, puff pastries and cheesecakes, muffins and creams for them. The aromatic additive is also added to drinks, ice cream and milkshakes.
How to use liquid vanillin?
Liquid vanillin is used for preparation in a dosage of 1-2 coffee spoons per 1 kg or 1 liter of the main product. To add to drinks, such as coffee, its dosage is reduced. Vanillin on the tip of a knife is enough for a standard coffee cup. You can add liquid flavoring to any recipe: this way all dishes will acquire a specific, pleasant, sweetish aroma.
It is important to know! If liquid vanillin was prepared on the basis of alcohol, it cannot be added to hot water, since at high temperatures the alcohol evaporates.
When to put in dough?
To achieve better preservation of the aroma, it is recommended to add vanillin to the dough at the very end of kneading. This will help prolong and enhance the scent of the spice.
How much to add to moonshine?
It is recommended to add one third of a teaspoon of vanillin to moonshine. The additive will not affect the taste of the alcoholic drink, but will create a unique aromatic shade.
How to neutralize it?
Vanillin can only be neutralized during the cooking stage. If the recommended dose of flavoring is exceeded, the dough or cream will begin to emit an unpleasant, bitter aroma. To eliminate it, you need to increase the amount of cream or dough. If the dish is already prepared and it tastes bitter from a large amount of vanillin, it is no longer possible to correct the situation.
Carefully read the vanillin dosage instructions before starting food preparation and strictly follow them.
What can be substituted for in baked goods and creams?
You can replace vanillin in baked goods and creams by adding to the product:
- vanilla sugar;
- grated lemon peel;
- cinnamon;
- anise;
- ginger powder;
- cloves
These spices are not identical to vanillin and therefore cannot be considered its full replacement, but they will provide a pleasant aroma to the dish.
Vanillin is bitter: what to do?
Vanillin is bitter in several cases:
- The expiration date has expired. In this case, the product should not be eaten; it is better to buy a new one or replace it with another spice in the dish.
- The dosage added to food has been exceeded. In this situation, you can increase the amount of dough or cream during the cooking stage.
Application
Vanillin can be used to treat clothing and exposed skin. To prepare the product, buy:
- vanilla;
- essential oil;
- ampoule with essence.
Use in pure form or combine with other components to prepare a cream, ointment, or solution.
Vanillin against mosquitoes
Important!
The sweet, persistent smell of vanillin repels mosquitoes, but attracts bees, wasps, hornets, and ants. The use of the product in the wild is not advisable. After treatment with the drug, the child must be constantly monitored in order to be able to prevent the bite of other insects. To prepare preparations, you should use vanilla, not vanilla sugar.
Other forms
Note! Only pure vanillin repels mosquitoes, while vanilla sugar, on the contrary, attracts
- If mosquito repellent with vanillin is used in concentrated form (from an ampoule), then nothing needs to be prepared. It is enough to open the sealed bottle. Apply the ready-to-use liquid in small doses selectively to areas of the skin. Due to the strong smell, a few drops are enough to treat the neck, folds of the arms and legs, without resorting to treating the entire body.
- You can prepare an anti-mosquito mixture using any shampoo. To do this, combine the contents of a vanillin packet with water (a glass). 1 teaspoon of cosmetic product is also added there. The treated areas of the body remain “untouchable” for up to 3 hours, after which the composition is reapplied, or everything is thoroughly washed off with water.
- Vanillin mosquito repellent powder is directly applied to the hair. But this is not recommended for children. After all, a stinging bee or wasp can fly in because of the sweet smell.
- A folk remedy for mosquitoes and midges is an alcohol or vodka solution infused with spices. It is important here how to dilute vanillin against mosquitoes correctly. Half a packet of powder is dissolved in 30 g of vodka or 10-15 g of alcohol. Use as a spray.
Attention! Compositions in the form of ointments and creams applied to unprotected areas of the body must be washed off with water after 3 or 4 hours. Otherwise, dust settles on the sticky substance, closing the skin pores. Blackheads and pimples appear in clogged areas. The body sweats heavily.
It is not difficult to prepare an inexpensive, safe and effective means of protection against blood-sucking parasites using vanillin. It does not irritate the skin and has a fragrant scent. The main thing is to follow the cooking recipe and take care of personal hygiene.
Source
How to use vanillin against mosquitoes
There are many recipes that will help you cope with annoying bloodsuckers. Let's look at the most common and accessible ones.
Recipe No. 1 Vanilla water
Preparation:
- The water should be warm;
- Pour a packet of vanillin into it and stir;
- Pour the resulting mixture into a spray bottle;
- Spray exposed areas of the body and clothing.
A very cheap repellent option, besides, it does not spoil your clothes, on the contrary, it will give you a vanilla scent, and mosquitoes will lag behind you for a while.
Recipe No. 2 Vanilla bean
Vanilla bean
To prepare mosquito repellent you need to follow a number of simple steps:
- The vanilla bean can be broken or crushed;
- Take warm water;
- Mix water and vanilla powder obtained from the pods;
- To enhance the aroma, the mixture can be heated in a water bath or in a microwave oven;
- Place the strained liquid in a spray bottle and spray your skin and things with it.
The prepared composition according to this recipe has a much stronger effect, since the aroma is rich and natural.
Recipe No. 3 Vanilla ointment
The recipe is very simple, it is not important to observe any proportions. You need to take baby cream and mix it with a bag of vanillin crystals.
Then apply to skin. The only condition when preparing is to take 1 part vanillin and 5 parts cream so that the results are positive.
Important! It is believed that vanillin cream is a more effective remedy, since the liquid dries over time and the smell disappears. When applying the cream, you will get great results, since the cream will remain on the skin longer, which means vanillin will repel mosquitoes for a longer time.
Recipe No. 4 Vanillin oil
Homemade vanilla oil will also provide you with long-term protection.
To do this you will need:
- Flaxseed and olive oil are suitable as an oil base. Their smell is not particularly pronounced, which means it will not interrupt the vanilla aroma;
- Heat 0.25 ml of oil in a water bath;
- Mix the heated base with vanilla. Mix very well until the vanillin is completely dissolved;
- Apply a thin layer to exposed skin. But it is important to ensure that the oil does not stain your things.
All of the recipes listed are very easy to prepare. There is no need to look for any complex ingredients, everyone has everything at home.
Ways to use aromatic product
Based on vanillin, you can prepare affordable and effective products. They differ in the ingredients and method of preparation.
Vanilla water
The most affordable and easiest to prepare would be a water-based mosquito and midge repellent.
You will need:
- 150 ml warm water;
- 1 g vanillin.
You need to mix the two components in a container and spray it on your skin before going outside. It is convenient to use a spray bottle to treat the epidermis. After 2-3 hours, it is advisable to repeat the procedure. If there is a strong wind outside, then more often.
The shelf life of this product is 3 days.
If you want to make the product more effective, add cinnamon or cloves to it.
Vanilla bean
You can prepare an alcoholic and aqueous solution from vanilla bean. For adults, the first option is suitable, but for children it is better to make a water-based product.
Vanilla bean with alcohol
Take:
- 6-7 vanilla pods;
- 250 ml of alcohol (can be replaced with vodka or moonshine).
Prepare the product as follows:
- The seeds and pulp are removed from the pods.
- Place everything in a glass jar or bottle.
- Fill with alcohol-containing liquid.
- The container is tightly closed and the composition is left for a month in the dark and cool.
After a while, the tincture will turn brown and have a strong aroma. This confirms the fact that the product is ready for use.
Then take 5 ml of tincture and dilute it in 100 ml of water. The resulting solution will be enough for several times. There is no need to prepare large volumes, as the composition will lose its properties.
Water solution
You will need:
- 8-10 vanilla pods;
- 400 ml water.
Preparing the product is easy:
- Cut the pods.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Pour it over the chopped raw materials and place the container on low heat for 40 minutes.
- Then strain.
- Pour into container.
- Close tightly and wrap until completely cool.
Clothes and epidermis can be treated with an aqueous solution. No need to pre-dilute.
Alcohol solution with vanilla powder
If you can’t get vanilla beans, you can prepare an alcohol composition from a synthetic product. Vanillin will need to be diluted with alcohol.
To prepare the base take:
- packet of vanillin (1 g);
- 10 ml of alcohol-containing liquid.
The two ingredients are combined in a glass bottle and shaken. Then diluted in water, the proportions of alcohol and water are 5 ml per 100 ml. The resulting composition is sprayed onto the skin.
Vanilla ointment against midges and mosquitoes
To prepare a vanilla-based ointment you will need:
- 2 tbsp. spoons of Vaseline;
- 2 packets of vanillin.
Before mixing the ingredients, it is recommended to warm the Vaseline slightly. Everything is thoroughly mixed and stored out of the reach of children.
Rub the ointment into the epidermis before going out into the fresh air. Repeated procedures may not be carried out for 5 hours.
The ointment is applied only to the skin. It lasts a long time, but there is a risk of staining clothes.
Vanillin oil
An oil-based product also helps a lot in the fight against midges and mosquitoes.
You need to prepare from:
- 100 ml odorless oil (refined vegetable, olive, corn);
- a packet of vanillin.
Before mixing, the oil is heated to 40 degrees. Vanillin is poured into it and stirred until the powder is completely dissolved. Only open areas are smeared.
The oil composition is not suitable for areas of the body where there is clothing. There will be greasy stains on things.
Add to baby cream
If you have baby cream at home, you can make a product based on it. It will be well absorbed into the skin, and blood-sucking insects will not bother you.
To prepare you need:
- 10 g baby cream;
- vanillin sachet (1 g).
The two components are mixed in a ratio of 1 to 10 and rubbed into the skin.
Instead of vanilla powder, you can use a concentrated composition in ampoules. It needs to be diluted additionally in oil.
Essential oils enhance the repellent effect. You can drop 1-2 drops into the cream and stir.
Mosquitoes and midges do not like the following smells:
- fir;
- clove;
- lavender;
- tea tree;
- cedar;
- juniper.
A large amount of ether will cause allergies or burns.
Mix vanilla with shampoo
If you don't have cream or Vaseline, you can give preference to shampoo. You can also make a good repellent based on it.
Take:
- 5 ml shampoo;
- 1 g vanillin;
- 150 ml water.
Prepare like this:
- Vanillin is diluted in water.
- Shampoo is introduced.
- Stir.
- Treat exposed areas of the body.
After drying, a feeling of tightness may remain on the skin.
Use dry
Dry vanilla for midges is the simplest recipe. Dry powder is applied to the hair. If you crush the skin, there will be no benefit, since vanillin tends to crumble.
Application of concentrated composition
Pharmacies sell ampoules with vanilla concentrate. It is also not forbidden to use it against midges and mosquitoes. You can add it to cream, Vaseline, water, or simply apply it pure to the epidermis.
The pungent smell can repel all insects. For a positive result, it is enough to apply a little of the composition to the knee bends, wrist area and neck area.
Vanillin essential oil
It cannot be applied to the body undiluted, as there is a risk of unwanted reactions. But adding it to water, cream, ointment is quite justified.
8-10 drops are enough for a glass of heated water. This repellent can be sprayed on skin and clothing.
For a tablespoon of baby cream or Vaseline, 2 drops of ether are enough.
You can experiment a little - add vanillin essential oil to perfume, shampoo, liquid soap, etc.
If you need to get rid of mosquitoes or midges at home, then just turn on the aroma lamp. A pleasant aroma for humans will envelop the room and scare away all the blood-sucking creatures.
Cream
A good repellent that provides protection against pest attacks is obtained by mixing baby cream and vanillin.
- Squeeze a tablespoon of cream into a glass container and warm it slightly in a water bath.
- Pour 1 gram of powder into the warm mass, stir until the crystals are completely dissolved, cover with a lid.
- Lubricate exposed areas of the skin before going outside.
- The drug forms a protective coating on the epidermis that prevents aroma evaporation for up to 3 hours.
Vanillin mixed with baby cream is often used by parents of young children. They leave excellent reviews about it and say that it is an effective and safe product that protects the baby from annoying insects.
How to use vanilla and its derivatives?
There are different versions of vanillin on the shelves:
- natural vanilla is used in a very small number of dishes - sweets, drinks, creams, exotic versions of cocktails and alcohol;
- Vanilla extract is used in the preparation of vanilla vodka (the pods must be split in half and filled with liquid), as well as a brown spicy substance for adding to cold creams and desserts (it cannot be heated). In India, the extract is prepared with milk, which goes well with vanilla;
- essence - a type of extract with a high concentration of pure vanilla;
- Vanilla sugar can be easily prepared by mixing powdered pods with powdered sugar (without it it will be bitter, you only need one pod per 500 grams of sugar). It is often used to decorate cakes, pastries, fruits and desserts. The aroma remains persistent for up to six months;
- Ready-made powder (crystalline) vanillin is sold on the shelves and consists of dried ground pods. It is actively used in bakery and confectionery products.
In addition, in experimental cooking, vanilla is often added to fish, poultry and meat, creating unusual flavor combinations and combining it with other spices.
The natural properties of vanilla allow it to be used to prepare aromatic oils. Thus, as part of therapy, it alleviates nervous system disorders, reduces drowsiness, stimulates mental activity and muscle activity, improves appetite and mood (sometimes used as an aphrodisiac). It is often used in the perfume industry to create eau de toilette with unusual oriental accents and in pharmaceuticals to give medicines an attractive scent (for example, for children).
Cosmetic oil
Vanillin is used as a mosquito repellent and is used to create aromatic oil. For the base, prepare an oil that does not have a specific odor. You can take:
- corn;
- linen;
- olive
Heat three tablespoons of oil in a water bath or place in the microwave for a couple of seconds. Add 1 gram of confectionery powder or crushed vanilla stick. Stir the oil. Apply onto skin with fingertips and rub in gently. The product helps protect against mosquitoes for 2-3 hours. Repeat treatment if necessary.
What exactly should I use?
The smell of vanilla repels mosquitoes, so, in principle, you can use different products based on it. Here's what will work:
Confectionery vanillinConfectionery vanillin, produced in powder form. But it shouldn’t contain anything else!
- Vanilla in pods. If you manage to find it, then this option is also quite suitable, and the product will be even more natural and even useful.
- Concentrated liquid vanillin, produced in ampoules. It has an even more pronounced and vibrant aroma.
- Vanilla essential oil can also be used.
Vanilla sugar, which is often used in cooking, is not suitable due to its ineffectiveness, since it has a sweeter smell with subtle notes of vanilla, and such an aroma can attract blood-sucking insects even more.
Essential oil
If you don't have vanillin on hand, use essential oil from a pharmacy to prepare a repellent. Use the concentrated product carefully, without increasing the dosage, to avoid irritation of the skin.
- For 200 g of liquid - 5 drops of oil.
- For a tablespoon of baby cream or Vaseline - 2 drops.
- For 50 g of cosmetic oil - 3 drops.
Add 2-3 drops of vanilla essential oil to shampoo, body cream, shower gel and use for hygiene procedures as needed. Half an hour before bedtime, light a wax candle for 10 minutes, dropping 2 drops of vanilla oil on it. The product provides a pleasant, lasting aroma and protection against mosquitoes.
General recommendations
Vanilla rarely provokes an allergic reaction, but to make sure you don't have one, do a test. Before using homemade repellent for the first time, apply 2 drops to your wrist. Wait an hour. If during this time no redness or rash appears on the skin, use the product as directed.
In strong winds, vanilla water may not be effective. When going for a walk in such weather, use a cream or essential oil, as they retain the scent of the spice on the skin longer.
To enhance the repellent properties, it is useful to combine vanilla essential oil with other oils:
- carnations;
- eucalyptus;
- geraniums;
- wormwood;
- tea tree.
Mix a drop of oils and add to water for spraying the skin and to the cream. To protect your apartment from mosquitoes, pour the mixture into an aroma lamp and turn it on in the evenings for 30 minutes.
Efficiency
Vanillin-based mosquito repellents
Reviews about vanillin can be found on any forum where safe mosquito repellents for children under one year of age and older, for pregnant women, and those with sensitive skin are discussed.
I learned how to fight mosquitoes with vanillin, and now I don’t need any repellents. Minimum cost, maximum results. I simply rub the stroller and my skin with the powder. This way the smell lasts longer, the protection lasts for exactly 2 hours. I take a bottle of vanilla water with me on walks. If I see that mosquitoes are starting to pester me, I spray my skin additionally. This kind of protection is enough for the evening. Every time I prepare a new solution, the pricing policy allows this. You can buy it at any grocery store. My daughter loves this delicious smell, she always reaches out for me to rub or spray.
Alina, Moscow
The mosquitoes got a shock from such a tasty product, and I was delighted! I love evening walks in the forest, but bloodsuckers spoil all the charm. I knew about vanilla for a long time and decided to try it. I diluted 2 sachets in a glass of water and poured them into a spray bottle. Treated skin, clothes, hair. I went for a walk in shorts and a T-shirt. What was there! Mosquitoes swarm around me, squeak, and do not land on my skin. I have already deliberately exposed myself to them. One dared, sat on his finger, but did not bite. So he flew away with nothing. Enough protection for 3 hours. Then immediately home.
Daria, Tver
Vanillin makes your skin smell amazing. I feel like a baby doll, and I also immediately want a cake. I am preparing myself a mosquito repellent using baby cream. I made it once, put it in a jar, closed the lid and use it as needed. In the evening you can walk quietly for 2 hours. Then add more if you need to help the mosquitoes fly away.
Svetlana, St. Petersburg
Vanillin is a smell familiar to everyone from childhood; it is associated with sweets, baked goods, and for many, with mosquitoes. One of the best remedies for protection against blood-sucking insects, midges.
Rules for using vanillin
When using crystalline vanillin, it is important to follow the recommendations to achieve maximum effect:
- do not dissolve in cold or too hot water to prevent the smell from dissipating;
- it is advisable to use the opened bag as quickly as possible in order to prevent the pleasant smell from disappearing (sales period usually ranges from 6 months to a year);
- It is better to store vanillin at a relative humidity of up to 70 percent and a temperature of up to 25 degrees Celsius;
- if you use alcoholic liquids, then one package requires 50 milliliters of alcohol, which must be poured into sugar syrup (400 grams per glass of water);
- when making ice cream, vanillin must be mixed exclusively with dry ingredients before heat treatment;
- For baking, the powder is mixed with sugar and flour (usually very little is required - from 1 to 10 grams per kilogram of dough).
Warnings and Safety Precautions
Whatever product you use, you should always remember safety precautions. Even harmless vanilla in combination with other ingredients can cause harm if you do not listen to the recommendations.
You need to know that:
- Any product that is applied to the epidermis must be washed off with water after 4-5 hours. If this is not done, the pores will become clogged, resulting in pimples and blackheads.
- Allergy sufferers and children are first tested for tolerance. You need to apply a small amount of the prepared repellent to the area where the skin is delicate (elbow or wrist area), and wait 2-3 hours. If redness, itching and other manifestations are not detected, then the product can be used.
- It is prohibited to use vanilla repellent for ENT diseases. A strong odor can lead to spasms and worsening cough.
- Do not increase your concentration at your discretion. Otherwise, this will lead to health problems.
- Do not prepare products from spoiled vanillin. The smell of expired powder will not help repel mosquitoes, midges and other insects.
- If coughing, redness, dizziness or other phenomena occur, stop using the product.
- It is dangerous to rub or spray the liquid composition into the affected epidermis. This includes wounds, abrasions, burns, dermatitis, etc. This is fraught with the appearance of inflammation and suppuration.
- Do not replace vanillin with vanilla sugar. The second option will only attract bloodsuckers.
If it is windy outside, it is better to give preference to ointments, creams and oil formulations. These will not quickly disappear and will reliably protect against harmful insects.
Vanillin is an effective remedy for midges and mosquitoes when properly prepared and in proper proportions. In most cases, the aromatic additive does not cause harm, but you should refrain from using the repellent if you have bronchial asthma, problems with the respiratory tract, or a tendency to allergic reactions.
What helps against mosquitoes and midges
With the onset of warm summer days, midges and mosquitoes begin to appear on the street and at home, which cause a lot of trouble. They not only flicker before your eyes, buzz and swarm near a person, but also attack him - they bite and drink blood. The bite of a midge is different from that of a mosquito.
Summer midge
The mosquito pierces the skin with its proboscis and drinks blood, and the small insect bites off a small piece, releasing saliva for pain relief, then licks off the protruding drops of blood. The effect of anesthesia in saliva quickly wears off, and the person feels a burning sensation, pain, and itching. A local allergic reaction in the form of redness and swelling may often occur.
Midges are much more annoying than mosquitoes; they usually fly in small swarms and attack simultaneously; swatting them away is almost useless. Only special means can protect, which can be grouped by mode of action:
Remedies for midges
- repellents;
- fumigants.
Repellents are substances that repel insects from humans. They can be made in the form of sprays, creams, lotions. Apply to exposed skin or clothing. The active substances contained in these products repel insects with odor or block their olfactory receptors.
Repellents can be:
- chemical;
- made with your own hands according to folk recipes.
The chemicals in the composition contain ethyl ether, toluic acid and diethyltoluamide. These substances are designed to deprive midges of the ability to smell, because thanks to this receptor they seek food for themselves - in this case, human blood.
Creams, lotions, gels, pencils and other emulsions form a protective layer on the skin against midge bites
Homemade folk remedies for midges are aimed at repelling them due to the smell that insects cannot tolerate, for example, lavender, citrus fruits, valerian, tobacco smoke.
Fumigants are a group of products that release substances that are toxic to insects and kill them. This is the main difference from repellents, which only scare away. There are two types of fumigants:
- smoking spirals are the most suitable option for outdoor use;
- electric fumigators - liquid or plate, used in enclosed spaces.
Before purchasing any product, you should pay attention to what insects its action is directed at. Mosquito repellents do not always protect against midges
For example, ultrasonic repellers that produce a sound in the range of 4–7 kHz, similar to that produced by a male mosquito when danger arises. Such devices have no effect on midges at all and are therefore ineffective.
Hongjian 220V 1W – Electric fly swatter