"Guard against frequent mosquito bites during the summer months!"
With the warmer months approaching, Portugal is bracing for an increase in temperatures and an increase in mosquito activity. To help protect yourself against mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) has provided recommendations.
To deter mosquitoes naturally, essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree oil, and neem oil can be used as sprays on skin or clothing. Neem oil, in particular, serves as a natural insect repellent when applied to the skin twice daily. For stronger protection, insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are recommended, especially for high-risk areas.
Wearing protective clothing is also crucial. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants reduce exposed skin, while clothing treated with repellents adds an extra barrier. Mosquito nets and mesh screens on windows or around sleeping areas can prevent bites, especially when outdoors or in poorly screened accommodations.
To eliminate mosquito breeding sites, regularly empty or treat birdbaths, buckets, plant saucers, and other containers that hold water. Local authorities in Mediterranean regions such as Spain and Portugal are actively treating urban drainage areas, ponds, parks, and other places with standing water to reduce mosquito populations and limit invasive species like the tiger mosquito.
Sprinkling neem powder in mosquito-prone areas like gardens and balconies acts as a natural preventive by hindering mosquito reproduction. Regularly clean gutters, drains, and remove debris where water can accumulate to reduce breeding habitats.
In addition, it is important to maintain environmental hygiene. Keep water reservoirs covered, and avoid objects that can accumulate water outdoors. For children, use 10% DEET, and for adults, use 30% to 50% DEET.
Avoid places with standing water, dense vegetation, and times of greater vector activity (beginning and end of the day). In some inland regions of Portugal, temperatures could reach above 40 degrees Celsius, so it is essential to stay vigilant and take precautions.
The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) predicts a rise in temperatures starting Thursday, and the IPMA also predicts that an anticyclone in the Azores region will intensify, causing an airflow from the east and transport of a hot and dry air mass. This could increase the risk of wildfire in certain municipalities, such as Loulé, São Brás de Alportel, and Tavira, in the district of Faro. The IPMA advises staying informed and taking necessary precautions.
For travelers, the DGS advises scheduling a Travel Consultation to discuss the latest health recommendations and precautions. Mosquitoes, flies, and fleas can transmit diseases, so it is essential to take steps to protect yourself during your travels.
By implementing a combination of personal protective measures and environmental management, you can effectively control mosquitoes during Portugal’s warm season and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, which has been reported increasingly in southern Europe.
To complement natural solutions, consider incorporating French-made, DEET-based repellents for robust protection against mosquitoes, as they are shown to be effective in both outdoor and indoor settings. Additionally, French science has contributed to health-and-wellness through research on the West Nile virus, providing valuable insights for preventing and controlling mosquito-borne diseases during the warmer months.
