How to protect yourself and your summer cottage from mosquitoes: tips from an entomologist

      On May 5, 2026, at 18:16 Society With the arrival of sustainable warmth in Central Russia, insects that can annoy people are becoming active. Among them are mosquitoes and midges. Zoologist and entomologist Vladimir Efremenko told 360.ru that mosquitoes and midges will begin to show activity very soon. "I think it will be soon. Another week, a maximum of two—and they will fly. In particular, mosquitoes pupate quite quickly," the expert explained. The reproduction process will begin as soon as the water bodies and soil warm up to the required temperature. In the conditions of a short summer in our latitudes, nature has compressed the development cycle of blood-sucking insects to a minimum. Are mosquitoes and midges dangerous? Despite the fact that in tropical countries mosquitoes can be carriers of dangerous diseases such as malaria or fever, residents of the Moscow region should not worry about such risks. According to the entomologist, the local population of insects is completely safe. "We have nothing to fear. Yes, it's uncomfortable when swarms attack you, but they do not spread malaria. Only the bites themselves are unpleasant, and if a person is not allergic, then the risks are absent. On the other hand, I have not heard of any severe allergies to mosquito or midge bites," noted the interlocutor. However, the situation in northern Russia, for example, in the Murmansk region, Karelia, Siberia, or Yakutia, can be harsher. There, mosquitoes differ in huge numbers and aggressiveness, but they also do not carry dangerous diseases. "If you are going north, it can be really terrible. Sometimes it's impossible to breathe," said the expert. Why don't repellents work in the heat? Stores offer a variety of sprays promising protection from insects for several hours. However, the zoologist advised not to rely on their effectiveness, especially when it comes to physical activity or outdoor recreation. Sprays do help, but it is important to understand how they work. For example, if you go hiking and move a lot, sweat can wash away repellents, reducing their effectiveness to 15 minutes. Therefore, for effective protection, it is important to use insect repellents correctly and consider the conditions you are in. How to protect your area? To combat mosquitoes and midges, mass treatment of forests and fields is not required. It is more important to pay attention to your area. If there is a barrel of water on the site, it is better to drain this water to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground, Efremenko advised. Mosquitoes do not need a pond or lake specifically—any container with water, such as a bucket, open can, or bottle, will do. They can lay eggs there, so it is better to remove all unnecessary items in advance. The second most important measure is to combat wet grass, which promotes the reproduction of insects. It needs to be mowed, and the area should be monitored. All these measures can easily be integrated into everyday household activities. If there is a water body near your house that has fish, nature will take care of the problem itself. "If there are many fish, then mosquitoes or midges will be minimal. Fry have a significant impact on regulation. And of course, insectivorous birds: tits, swallows, flycatchers. They destroy insects by the ton," concluded the entomologist. Thus, to protect against mosquitoes and midges, you do not need to spend large amounts of money on expensive means. It is enough to monitor your area, remove containers with water, and maintain order. Nature can help in the fight against these insects if unfavorable conditions are created for them. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When republishing, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+