A vector of diseases and present in the majority of French departments, the tiger mosquito is feared by health authorities, but also by vacationers. What are the most effective repellents to protect against them during the day? RMC Conso explains.
“The tiger mosquito is hellish, it resists a lot.” Isabelle, pharmacist at Portail Alban pharmacy in Cahors, Lot, has already had several customers looking for an effective repellent to protect themselves from this insect. “We have a campsite not very far from our pharmacy, so we had the first requests in April,” she reports.
The reason is that this mosquito never sleeps and appears as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear. It is now present in 78 of the 96 departments of metropolitan France, compared to 71 last year.
The latter is a vector of diseases which can be quite serious, including dengue fever, also called “tropical flu” and chikungunya. Both of these diseases can cause death. Between January 1 and April 19, nearly 1,679 cases of dengue fever were notified to Public Health France, compared to 131 over the same period in 2023.
A few days before the start of the summer holidays, what repellents should you buy to protect yourself from this insect which proliferates near stagnant water points? RMC Conso answers you.
Products based on IR35/35
Synthetic repellent, IR35/35 is an active substance known for its effectiveness against tiger mosquitoes. Its application allows us to modify our body odor and thus dissuade the mosquito from biting us.
“There are several products containing this substance marketed under different brands. These include 5/5 Tropic and Insect Ecran,” explains the pharmacist.
The percentage of IR35/35 varies from one product to another, but a concentration of 10 to 20% is sufficient to protect yourself. Isabelle points out, however, that the products she mentions are “absolutely not suitable for children under 6 years old”.
“These are also repellents which advocate an effectiveness of seven so, but that is not entirely true, I advise applying them regularly in the event of exposure,” she explains.
DEET also shows effectiveness
In a survey carried out on 37 brands of tiger mosquito repellents, UFC-Que Choisir estimates that the most effective products are those based on DEET, another active ingredient prepared chemically.
“The most effective mosquito repellents are based on DEET at concentrations of 25%, 30% or even 50%. They are recommended in all areas where mosquitoes risk transmitting dengue, chikungunya or malaria,” says the ‘association.
The UFC warns, however, that it is necessary to avoid applying these products to the youngest “in areas exempt from such diseases”. According to the association, the three highest-rated tiger mosquito repellents are:
•Insect Screen Infested areas, 50% DEET, 18.1/20.
•Mousti KO High risk areas, 50% DEET, 18/20.
•Moustidose Tropical and risky areas, 30% DEET, 17.7/20.
Repellents potentially risky for health
While all of the repellents listed above are effective, they should be used with caution. In fact, health professionals recommend not exceeding two or three daily applications.
“With these repellents, we are dealing with chemistry… There can therefore be a form of neurotoxicity for users,” warns the pharmacist.
Also note that these products should never be sprayed directly on the face, on mucous membranes or on skin lesions. If applying to a child, be careful not to get it on their hands, as little ones tend to put it in their mouth.
Isabelle also reminds us that “chemistry”-based sprays are not the only solution to tiger mosquitoes. “We also have products based on lavender or lavandin essential oil which are less effective, but less harmful,” she concludes.
