Mosquito Invasion Hits the Urals
There are a huge number of mosquitoes. Even at night Urals residents get no peace
This summer, residents of Ekaterinburg have faced a veritable invasion of mosquitoes: the insects have been attacking people and animals in swarms.
To avoid bites from dangerous mosquitoes, choose light-colored clothing
Experts« opinions on the causes of the anomaly are divided. Doctor of Biological Sciences Lyubov Nekrasova, in a conversation with E1.RU, noted that bloodsuckers are many times more numerous this year and linked this to the abundant snowy winter. However, UrFU (Ural Federal University) professor Alexey Gilev holds a different view: according to him, the powerful July floods, on the contrary, harmed the population, as sharp fluctuations in water levels are destructive to larvae.
Urals residents suffer from mosquitoes
The professor added that the peak of mosquito activity occurs in spring, and by the end of August their numbers should decline. Nevertheless, E1.RU readers continue to complain about the persistent insects that give no rest day or night.
“There are a huge number of mosquitoes. Even at night there is no peace,” writes reader Elena.
“I recently killed a mosquito, it fell, and then suddenly took off and continued biting. Do they have nine lives, like cats?” wonders Anna.
“They fly up to the 19th floor and bang against the windows. The child is all bitten,” shares Kristina.
We asked E1.RU readers how they cope with this scourge. We publish the most effective life hacks.
Chemicals and repellents
Most Urals residents trust proven remedies. Alexander, for example, uses a comprehensive approach:
“At home I plug in a fumigator, but in the countryside it«s a complete disaster. I smear cream on exposed skin and apply sprays from well-known brands to clothing. It doesn»t help 100%, but without it they don«t leave a single spot. The mosquitoes this year are really wild, even horseflies bite through clothing.”
Alla considers sprays an “unshakable classic”: “After the rains, the garden was all flooded, and mosquitoes multiplied instantly. I forgot to spray myself — and immediately got ten bites on my legs. Spray is the best protection; with it, not a single gnat will land.”
Ekaterina chooses products with a strong odor: “I spray myself with a spray that smells like a mixture of dichlorvos and nitro paint — but it works. I apply a special repellent to the dog, and at home from nine in the evening the fumigator is always on.”
Radical methods
Nadezhda encountered an invasion right in her apartment: “I forgot about window screens. In the evening I turned on the light — there were about 70 mosquitoes sitting on the ceiling and curtains! I had to turn on insect tablets, close the room, and then vacuum.”
Anastasia is sure that serious treatment is essential: “Since spring, two lamps and a gas trap have been working. There are few of them on the plot, but in the forest only «Reftamid» saves me. Once a month I treat the plot with cypermethrin.”
Stasya shared a useful and amusing tip she picked up from her relatives: “My grandmother has an electric fly swatter: she runs after mosquitoes to lose weight and hits them with this scary thing!”
Folk remedies and technology
Some readers prefer unconventional solutions:
“Golden Star”: Alexander advises applying a couple of drops of the balm to clothing — mosquitoes don«t come near. The main thing is not to touch your eyes, as the product stings badly.
Laser gun: One reader installed a device under the ceiling that burns insects with a laser beam as soon as they land on a surface.
Old-fashioned methods: Others use good old sticky tapes and traps with apple cider vinegar.
Scientists had warned in advance about the mosquito attack. Another summer problem is ticks. Read the instructions on what to do if you are bitten by a tick. Also useful is a doctor«s instruction on who should not get vaccinated.
