Moustiquaires de voyage imprégnées

Moustiquaires de voyage imprégnées

Août 10, 2021

Si vous voyagez dans un pays tropical, une moustiquaire imprégnée est indispensable dans votre valise ou votre sac à dos. Une moustiquaire vous protège, vous et votre famille, des insectes qui piquent et qui mordent. Les moustiques peuvent transmettre des maladies tropicales telles que la malaria, la dengue, la fièvre jaune ou le virus Zika. Sans traitement à temps, une maladie infectieuse peut même être fatale. Care Plus® propose différentes moustiquaires imprégnées avec lesquelles vous pouvez vous protéger, vous et votre famille, contre les piqûres de moustiques.
Choisissez une moustiquaire adaptée à votre situation

Les moustiquaires offrent une protection contre les moustiques

Depuis des temps reculés, la moustiquaire est un moyen éprouvé de prévenir les piqûres de moustiques pendant le sommeil. Le mot moustiquaire vient du mot malais kelambu. Ce mot d’emprunt a été trouvé pour la première fois en 1859 et signifie littéralement « filet au-dessus du lit ». Une moustiquaire est donc littéralement une barrière entre le moustique et sa proie. La plupart des moustiques deviennent actifs après le coucher du soleil, lorsque les gens se couchent pour dormir. Le risque de se faire piquer par un moustique est beaucoup plus faible lorsque vous dormez sous une moustiquaire. De plus, vous n’avez pas à vous soucier du bourdonnement autour de vos oreilles, ce qui vous permet de profiter d’une nuit de sommeil sûre et non perturbée.

Qu’est-ce qu’une moustiquaire imprégnée?

Dans les années 80, le chercheur Chris Curtis a fait de nombreuses recherches sur les moustiquaires sur lesquelles un insecticide était appliqué. La perméthrine est l’insecticide de contact le plus couramment utilisé, dont la quantité est assez faible (200 milligrammes par m2). Cependant, cela suffit à empêcher les moustiques qui se posent sur la moustiquaire de survivre. En outre, ils ont trop peu de temps pour mordre à travers le filet ou trouver un trou dans le filet. Un autre avantage de ce traitement est qu’il y a moins de moustiques dans la pièce (jusqu’à 70% de réduction). Par conséquent, choisissez toujours un filet imprégné dans les zones à risque et assurez-vous qu’il est assez grand.

Sécurité de la perméthrine

La perméthrine est un insecticide appartenant au groupe des pyréthroïdes de synthèse. Lorsqu’elle est utilisée en faible quantité, l’utilisation d’une moustiquaire imprégnée est sans danger. La perméthrine est répandue en particules (sèches) sur le filet. En cas de contact, par exemple lors de l’accrochage ou du rangement, des particules de perméthrine peuvent se retrouver sur la peau. Cette substance n’est pas dangereuse pour la peau, mais vous devez faire attention à ne pas toucher vos yeux, votre nez ou votre bouche. Lavez toujours vos mains après avoir touché une moustiquaire imprégnée.

Un trou dans la moustiquaire

Les moustiquaires sont vulnérables et une mauvaise utilisation ou l’usure peut entraîner un trou dans votre moustiquaire. Les moustiques sont vraiment tenaces et ont toute la nuit pour trouver une entrée. Un petit trou ou une ouverture dans la moustiquaire peut être suffisamment grand pour qu’un moustique y pénètre. Par conséquent, veillez toujours à ce que le bas de la moustiquaire soit replié sous le matelas ou qu’il atteigne le sol. Les trous peuvent être réparés à l’aide de ruban adhésif, d’épingles à nourrice ou de notre système multifonctionnel Bug Sheet.

Vous avez été piqué par un moustique ? Cela peut être dû au fait que vous avez dormi avec votre bras contre le filet, par exemple. Un moustique n’a besoin que d’un court instant pour piquer, il peut donc encore provoquer une bosse. Veillez donc à garder une distance suffisante avec le filet dès que vous vous mettez au lit.

Moustiquaires imprégnées pour les enfants

Les enfants des zones de malaria sont malheureusement le plus grand groupe cible des moustiquaires contaminés. Environ 405 000 personnes meurent chaque année de cette maladie, dont un grand nombre d’enfants de moins de cinq ans. Pour ces enfants, les moustiquaires imprégnées sont une bouée de sauvetage. Les filets conviennent donc également aux jeunes enfants qui vous accompagnent lors d’un long voyage.

Veillez à ce que les enfants n’entrent pas en contact avec leur bouche, leurs yeux ou leur nez après avoir touché la moustiquaire. Laissez par exemple les enfants dormir dans un sac de couchage afin qu’ils n’entrent pas en contact avec la moustiquaire et qu’ils se frottent ensuite les yeux, se curent le nez ou mettent leur pouce dans la bouche. La quantité de perméthrine présente sur une moustiquaire n’est jamais dangereuse pour la santé, mais elle peut provoquer des irritations. Toutes nos moustiquaires sont conformes aux directives de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS).

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Prévenir l’infestation de moustiques après de fortes pluies

Prévenir l’infestation de moustiques après de fortes pluies

Août 2, 2021

Des pluies comme celles que nous avons connues aux Pays-Bas, en Belgique et en Allemagne ces dernières semaines peuvent causer des désagréments considérables. La pluie et la boue additionnelle ne font pas que créer du désordre, mais peuvent aussi causer des dommages. La dernière chose dont vous avez besoin est une nuisance due aux moustiques. Cependant, les conditions après une forte pluie, combinées au temps étouffant, sont idéales pour les moustiques, et les nuisances liées aux moustiques sont donc à l’affût.

Lutter contre la nuisance des moustiques après de fortes pluies

Après de fortes pluies, les populations de moustiques peuvent connaître une croissance explosive et se propager rapidement en Europe, ce qui peut entraîner des maladies infectieuses comme le virus du Nil occidental. Les espèces de moustiques suivantes sont les moustiques des eaux de crue (Aedes taeniorhynchus, Aedes sollicitans) et les moustiques des prés (Psorophora columbiae, Psorophora cyanescens, Aedes vexans). Ces espèces de moustiques font partie du moustique domestique et pondent leurs œufs sur le sol dans les zones périodiquement inondées, comme les plaines inondables des Pays-Bas. Même après de fortes pluies, les moustiques aiment y pondre leurs œufs. Dès que les œufs sont immergés, ils éclosent 5 à 7 jours plus tard. Cela donne lieu à de grands essaims de moustiques.

tips en advies tegen diarree en uitdroging

Que pouvez-vous faire après une forte pluie ?

Après de fortes pluies, vous pouvez prendre les dispositions suivantes autour de votre maison et de votre quartier :

Flaques d’eau
Lorsque le niveau de l’eau baisse, de nombreux endroits de la maison peuvent rester inondés. Les flaques d’eau sont une invitation pour les moustiques et autres insectes piqueurs à pondre leurs œufs. Vérifiez donc autour de votre maison les endroits où l’eau restera. Ce que vous pouvez faire, c’est remplir ces endroits de terre ou de sable ou y placer des plantes qui absorbent l’eau. Les points d’accumulation d’eau typiques sont les zones basses, les canalisations d’eau de pluie bouchées, les gouttières et, par exemple, les traces de pneus.

Boue
Lorsque l’eau de pluie se retire, elle laisse derrière elle de la boue et du limon qui ont été transportés par l’eau. Il peut rester non seulement autour de votre maison mais même à l’intérieur. Si elle est de bonne consistance et suffisamment humide, cette couche de boue peut servir de lieu de reproduction aux moustiques. Veillez à retirer rapidement cette boue des alentours de la maison et à la répandre à l’extérieur en fines couches afin que le sol sèche plus rapidement, par exemple.

Avant-toit et gouttières
Les débris emportés par la pluie peuvent également retenir l’eau. Nettoyez les débris dès que possible. Des objets aussi petits qu’une capsule de bouteille peuvent être des sites de reproduction potentiels. Prenez également le temps de vérifier et de nettoyer non seulement votre jardin ou votre cour, mais aussi les alentours.

Décombres
Les débris emportés par la pluie peuvent également retenir l’eau. Nettoyez les débris dès que possible. Des objets aussi petits qu’une capsule de bouteille peuvent être des sites de reproduction potentiels. Prenez également le temps de vérifier et de nettoyer non seulement votre jardin ou votre cour, mais aussi les alentours.

Débris éloignés
Après avoir éliminé les saletés contenant de l’eau dans les environs immédiats de votre maison, vous devriez également essayer d’examiner toutes les propriétés situées dans un rayon de cent mètres de votre maison. En supposant que vous n’entrez pas dans la propriété de quelqu’un d’autre, prenez quelques heures pour enlever tous les débris qui peuvent retenir l’eau. Les moustiques peuvent voler plusieurs centaines de mètres à la recherche d’une victime.

Cavités dans les murs
S’il est nécessaire de démolir certaines parties de votre maison ou de vos locaux professionnels en raison des circonstances, l’eau peut rester dans les cavités des murs. Les moustiques peuvent également y pondre leurs œufs. Vérifiez qu’il n’y a pas d’eau laissée sur place pendant les activités de démolition et de construction. Couvrez les constructions ouvertes pour empêcher la pluie de pénétrer.

Véhicules
Si un véhicule est exposé à beaucoup d’eau sur son propre terrain, il peut y avoir de l’eau à l’intérieur du véhicule qui n’est pas immédiatement visible. Inspectez les véhicules et séchez tout soigneusement. Vérifiez également sous le capot.

Dépendances
Il est utile de vérifier que les garages, les hangars et les enclos pour animaux ne contiennent pas d’eau stagnante ou de boue. Pensez également aux vides sanitaires sous les planchers, aux caves et aux souterrains.

Bacs de stockage
À l’intérieur et à l’extérieur de votre maison, vérifiez tous les bacs de stockage en plastique pour voir si de l’eau s’est infiltrée par des fissures ou sous le couvercle. Tout n’est pas aussi étanche que vous auriez pu l’espérer. Assurez-vous également qu’il ne reste pas d’eau sur le couvercle ou le long du rebord ou des poignées des bacs. Les moustiques ont besoin de très peu d’eau pour pondre leurs œufs.

Poubelles
Les poubelles, les conteneurs à déchets et autres réceptacles à déchets peuvent également recueillir de l’eau. Souvent, ces conteneurs ont des trous de drainage qui se bouchent ou contiennent d’autres objets qui peuvent retenir l’eau. Veillez à les fermer correctement après l’ouverture. Fermez également hermétiquement les poubelles afin qu’aucune nouvelle eau de pluie ne puisse y pénétrer.

Bâches
Si vous mettez vos affaires à l’extérieur, il est utile de les recouvrir d’une bâche. Toutefois, cette bâche peut également retenir l’eau en cas de pluie si elle commence à s’affaisser. Ainsi, lorsque vous placez la bâche, veillez à ce qu’elle soit bien drainée.

La liste de contrôle ci-dessus réduira considérablement les risques d’infestation par les moustiques. Ce qui est très utile car vous avez déjà assez de soucis après une inondation. La dernière chose que vous voulez est de rester éveillé avec des moustiques qui perturbent votre sommeil. Dans le cas peu probable où vous seriez dérangé par les moustiques, une moustiquaire dans votre chambre est une excellente solution pour les tenir à distance. En outre, vous pouvez appliquer sur la peau découverte un insectifuge qui contient du DEET, de la Citriodiol® ou de la Icaridin.

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How does DEET work?

How does DEET work?

Juin 25, 2021

DEET is the strongest insect repellent for application on the skin and has been commercially available since 1957. Compared to other insect repellents DEET has been the most researched in scientific (field) studies and has been proven to work effectively. It is worldwide the most used agent to keep away insects like mosquitoes and ticks.

What is DEET and how does it work?

DEET was developed in 1944 by Samuel Gertler of the US Department of Agriculture. He developed the ingredient for use by the US Army. DEET is an abbreviation for N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, or slightly shorter: diethyltoluamide. It masks volatile odourants on the skin. These odorous substances, for example from lactic acid bacteria, cannot be converted into olfactory neurons that can attract mosquitoes. The mosquito will therefore continue its search elsewhere and you will not be bitten.

tijgermug Aedes albopictus

DEET-based products are recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States (CDC) and almost all national advisory bodies for Travel & Health.

What does the percentage of DEET mean?

There are different percentages available of DEET-containing insect repellent products. The percentage does not say anything about how well the product works, but it does say something about the product’s duration of action. A higher percentage offers a longer duration of action. In the table below you can find a handy overview of the protection duration against mosquitoes and ticks per percentage.

Between 50 and 100% DEET there is almost no difference in the duration of action, but the safety is negatively affected. Such a high percentage of DEET can cause skin irritation. In malaria areas a percentage of 30-50% DEET is advised. If you apply the product before sunset, it will provide sufficient protection until you sleep under the impregnated mosquito net.

Points of attention with the use of DEET

When you use products containing DEET you have to take into account a number of things. The agent can dissolve some synthetic materials such as rayon, spandex, synthetic fabrics, painted or varnished surfaces and nail polish. In addition, the agent can soak into hard plastics, making them softer and more flexible. Therefore, be careful when it comes to your clothes and other items when using DEET.

Alternatives to DEET

Besides DEET there are 3 other active insect-repellent substances. Since 1994, Care Plus® has an insect repellent based on natural lemon eucalyptus extracts (Citriodiol®). In a number of European countries, Care Plus® also has Saltidin (Icaridin™) and IR3535™ in its range. The availability of these products depends on local regulations.

3 facts about DEET

  1. More than 200,000,000 Americans use DEET products against mosquito and tick bites every year.
  2. Care Plus® has conducted its own efficacy studies with 3 mosquito species including the house mosquito (Culex), the malaria mosquito (Anopheles) and the tiger mosquito (Aedes).
  3. DEET is not toxic for humans, although every now and then stories pop up in the media.

3 frequently asked questions about DEET

1. Is DEET safe for children??
There are age recommendations for the use of DEET. The age depends on the percentage of DEET. For example, DEET 30% is suitable for children above 13 years and DEET 50% for children above 18 years.

2. What if I travel to a malaria area with children under the age of 13?
Government advice for the use of higher percentages of DEET in the (sub)tropics may differ. For example, they look at whether the risk of infection with a disease is higher than the risk that the child will suffer from skin irritation through the use of DEET. Besides that, younger children are more prone to getting body parts in contact with their mouth or eyes. Something that has to be avoided with DEET.

3. Why is there no DEET with sunscreen?
In areas where the tiger mosquito is active it would be useful if DEET and sun cream were combined. Tiger mosquitoes prefer to bite during the day. However, both products affect each other negatively. As soon as you use the products combined, both the SPF of the sunscreen and the DEET protection are reduced. Tip: apply the sunscreen half an hour before you go out into the sun. Then, 10 minutes before you go outside, apply the DEET-product in a thin layer on uncovered skin.

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Moustiquaires de voyage imprégnées

How do I choose the best mosquito net?

Juin 22, 2021

More and more people travel for work or for holidays to a distant tropical destination and take a mosquito net with them in their luggage. Tropical destinations are known for their mosquitoes and other insects and the diseases they can transmit. With a mosquito net, you can protect yourself against these critters. A mosquito net is also ideal for use at home or during holidays in your own country, such as at the campsite. Because wherever you are, mosquitoes are everywhere.
Choose a mosquito net that suits your situation

The importance of a mosquito net close to home

You may be familiar with the buzzing of mosquitoes in your ear when you are trying to sleep. But a mosquito can be more of a nuisance than just an itchy bump. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and the West Nile virus. These diseases are particularly prevalent in tropical regions, but there are increasing reports about infections in Europe. Although the risk of illness after a bite from an infected mosquito in Europe is limited, it is not entirely without risk. The number of tiger mosquitoes (transmitters of several infectious diseases) and the number of infected and deadly victims due to the West Nile virus have increased significantly in Europe in recent years.

That is why the use of a mosquito net is increasingly recommended during holidays in Europe, at home or in the bedroom. There are a number of advantages to sleeping under a mosquito net:

  • Your sleep will not be disturbed by mosquitoes and other insects.
  • A mosquito net is easy to hang up and put away. You only have to hang up a mosquito net once to enjoy it for years.
  • A mosquito net also creates a nice atmosphere in your bedroom.

Which mosquito net should you choose?

Mosquito nets are available in many types, sizes and colours. It’s important to choose a mosquito net that suits your situation best. Will you only use the mosquito net at home or will you take it with you when you travel? Will you sleep alone or together under the mosquito net? Does it have to be lightweight for your luggage or is that not important? These are all factors you need to take into account. You should also consider the impregnation, the shape and the quality of the net.

Impregnated or not?

This choice depends on where you are going. For use at home, in Europe or in areas where there is no risk of malaria, a non-impregnated mosquito net is sufficient. For areas at risk of malaria, Care Plus® recommends using an impregnated mosquito net. The impregnated nets by Care Plus® are treated with a sustainable Durallin® impregnation technology. This impregnation technology prevents mosquitoes from landing on the net and biting through it. With daily use, the impregnation lasts up to 3 years.

The shape of the mosquito net

When buying a mosquito net, it is wise to take the shape of the net into account. Care Plus® has 3 basic shapes, so there is a suitable mosquito net for every situation.

  1. Bell Mosquito Net. This shape has 1 suspension point and thanks to the flexible built-in ring in the ridge, the net has a stable shape. This form is available impregnated or non-impregnated and is suitable for a maximum of 2 people.
  2. Wedge Mosquito Net . This shape also has 1 suspension point, but the attachment is not in the middle of the mosquito net. The attachment is at the head-end, which gives it the shape of an elongated triangle. It is an impregnated single mosquito net with an extra tuck-in strip at the bottom to fix the net under the mattress.
  3. Box Mosquito Net. This form has a rectangular box model. It may take a little more effort to hang up the mosquito net because it has 4 suspension points. The advantage of this shape is that it has straight sides, so you have more room to move and are less likely to lie up against the net while asleep. Moreover, this mosquito net can also be hung like the Wedge net or as a tent shape. The Box mosquito net is available for both 1 and 2 persons.

Hanging the nets is easy. Each net comes with a description and a suspension kit (including cord, safety pins and screw hooks). In addition to these 3 different shapes of mosquito nets, Care Plus® also has an impregnated pop-up dome without attachment. This mosquito net is perfect for spending the night outdoors or in a tent. There are also 2 head nets available that you can use during outdoor activities like hiking or fishing.

The quality of the net

The quality of the net is also important. There is a wide range of mosquito nets, but not every mosquito net lasts as long as others. A mosquito net has to meet a number of requirements in order to provide effective protection against (malaria) mosquitoes. It is important that the net is made of durable polyester and that the mesh size is not larger than 1,75 mm. The size of the holes can also be indicated by the number of holes per square inch. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a mesh size of at least 165. This ensures that you get enough air under the mosquito net, but the holes are small enough to keep out insects.

Furthermore, the net must be closed on all sides and long enough so that no insects can crawl in through the opening or from the ground. You can also choose a net that you tuck under the mattress so that it is properly sealed. Also make sure that the net is not too small, because if you lie up against it you can still be bitten or stung.

All Care Plus® nets are manufactured under the strictest quality standards and comply with the minimum mesh size set by the WHO. The high-quality and lightweight multi-fibre is uniquely suited for durable impregnation and guarantees a long lifespan of the mosquito net. Do you use the net occasionally, for example only during holidays? Keep it in the supplied storage bag to extend the life of the mosquito net. The active impregnation agent is broken down by sunlight (UV radiation).

Choose the right mosquito net and protect yourself from mosquitoes
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Tips for preventing and treating insect bites

Tips for preventing and treating insect bites

Juin 15, 2021

As soon as the temperature rises, more insects appear. Insects can cause itchy and irritating bumps, but an insect bite can also be dangerous. Ticks can transmit tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease among other things, and mosquitoes are responsible for spreading several diseases such as malaria, dengue and yellow fever.

Tips to prevent mosquito bites

Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to reduce the chance of a mosquito bite. It is wise to check your sleeping quarters for mosquitoes before you go to sleep. This will prevent buzzing in your ear and itchy red bumps in the morning. Place mosquito nets in front of windows and doors to keep insects out. Despite these measures, a mosquito or other insect may still invade your bedroom, or it may only show itself once you are in bed. A mosquito net will keep insects away while you are sleeping.

Relieve itching after an insect bite
Mosquitoes favour stagnant water. These are breeding grounds where the females lay their eggs. Remove stagnant water in and around your home (e.g., watering cans, rain barrels or bird baths) to prevent mosquito breeding sites. Wear covering, light-coloured and finely woven clothes and apply insect repellent based on DEET, Icaridin or natural lemon-eucalyptus extracts to uncovered skin.

Tips to prevent tick bites

There are also measures you can take to reduce the risk of a tick bite. As with mosquitoes, you can opt for covering, light-coloured and finely woven clothes. When walking, stay on paths and tuck your trouser legs into your (tick-resistant) socks. Apply insect repellent such as Care Plus ® Anti-Tick to uncovered skin.

Did you get bitten or stung after all?

Despite preventive measures, you may still be bitten or stung. Sometimes you do not even notice an insect bite, but there are also insects whose bites can cause pain, redness, irritation, swelling or itching. In the worst case, an insect bite can transmit a disease. It is therefore important to treat the bite or sting in the right way to prevent worse. Care Plus® has effective products that help you do this.

  • Care Plus® Insect SOS gel softens, cools and soothes irritated skin after, for example, a bite or sting from a mosquito, wasp or horse fly. The gel also relieves after a jellyfish bite, skin irritation caused by the stinging hairs of the oak processionary caterpillar and the Brown-tail moth caterpillar or after skin contact with nettles.
  • With the Venimex venom extractor you can quickly extract the venom of an insect or arachnid to prevent it from spreading. Make sure you do this as soon as possible after the bite or sting. This automatic vacuum pump reduces the chance of swelling and pain.
  • The Care Plus® Click-Away gives a small shock that prevents the body from producing histamine (the substance that causes itching, among other things). The itching and swelling reduce after just a few minutes. You can use Click-Away after an insect or jellyfish bite.

If you experience acute tightness of the chest after an insect bite or a rash in a place where you were not bitten or stung, you may be suffering from an allergic reaction. In such a case, always contact a doctor.

Treatment after a tick bite

Even with a tick bite it is essential to be alert and to provide the right treatment. Always check yourself and each other thoroughly after spending time outdoors, in order to discover a tick in time. It is important to remove the tick as soon as possible to reduce the risk of transmitting any diseases. Remove the tick within 8 hours with a special tick remover such as tick tweezers or tick removal tool.

Caution! Always use a tool that has been specially developed to remove ticks. Do not use alcohol, oil, fire or soap. The tick may be frightened and spit out its (infected) stomach contents, which increases the risk of infection with TBE or Lyme disease. Don’t remove a tick with your fingernails or regular tweezers either, because there is a good chance that you won’t remove the tick completely. Again, there is a risk that the tick will be startled and empty its stomach contents.

After removing the tick, note the date and place of the bite and keep an eye on it for 3 months. Discolouration of the skin, for example a red circle around the place of the bite, or other complaints related to Lyme disease can occur after a few weeks or months. There may also be symptoms without a red spot or ring, as this occurs in only 50% of infections. Also look out for symptoms such as flu-like symptoms, muscle aches and/or fever. In this case, get yourself checked out by a doctor because when you get an insect bite, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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Prévenir l’infestation de moustiques après de fortes pluies

3 types of mosquitoes you’ll want to recognise

Juin 9, 2021

As many as 3,000 different species of mosquitoes live on our globe. Mosquitoes are annoying and can keep you awake at night while you try to sleep. Apart from their annoying buzzing, mosquitoes can also transmit infectious diseases to humans and animals. Unfortunately, the female mosquitoes see us as a tasty meal of blood. They need this blood to lay eggs. In this article, we will tell you which 3 mosquito species you would like to recognise and what their characteristics are.

The common mosquito (Culex pipiens)

This mosquito is one of the most common mosquitoes in Europe, but also in countries like North America. This mosquito species usually bites at night and can be found both indoors and outdoors. They prefer the blood of birds but will also settle for humans once they are nearby. Culex mosquitoes are primarily annoying, but they can also transmit dangerous diseases such as West Nile virus and Western/Eastern equine encephalitis. Common mosquitoes like to lay their eggs in freshwater surfaces, such as puddles and flowerpots around your house. They are moderate fliers and can travel up to 3 km from their breeding site.

You can recognise the common mosquito by the following characteristics:

  • A mosquito has a sucking snout that points forward. This snout is about half as long as the body of the mosquito. These are the jaws and lips of the mosquito, which have evolved into a stinging and sucking organ.
  • The wings of a common mosquito are longer than the abdomen.
  • The thorax of the mosquito stands slightly upright when the mosquito is at rest.
  • The wings of a common mosquito are longer than the abdomen.
  • The head and abdomen are parallel to the ground.

The common mosquito (Culex pipiens)

The malaria mosquito (Anopheles)

Anopheles is the best-known malaria mosquito and bites both indoors and outdoors between sunset and sunrise. They prefer humans and mammals. These mosquitoes can also transmit dangerous and sometimes even deadly infectious diseases, such as malaria. The malaria mosquito lays its eggs with floats on the surface of natural, overgrown water surfaces such as ponds and swamps. But it also likes to lay its eggs around the house in stagnant water such as flowerpots or watering cans. The malaria mosquito is found in the subtropics. They are strong fliers and can travel up to 14 km on a sugary meal and up to 4.5 km on a meal of blood.

You can recognise the malaria mosquito by the following characteristics:

  • The malaria mosquito is small compared to other mosquito species.
  • The head of the malaria mosquito points downwards and the abdomen stands upright (like the spoiler of a car).

The malaria mosquito (Anopheles)

The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)

This mosquito is found in the (sub)tropics but has now also entered Europe and North America. This species can survive well in colder climates. Unlike the common mosquito and the malaria mosquito, the tiger mosquito likes to bite during the day. Humans are their favourite hosts. These mosquitoes can also transmit a range of infectious diseases (viruses) such as zika, chikungunya, yellow fever, dengue and West Nile virus.
Tiger mosquitoes like to lay their eggs individually or near the surfaces of temporary water sources such as used car tyres, flowerpots, and swimming pools. They are weak fliers and often travel no more than 800 metres from their original breeding sites.

You can recognise the tiger mosquito by the following characteristics::

  • The tiger mosquito is small and its body is black and white.
  • The extreme ends of the hind legs are white.
  • The tips of the palps (mouthparts at the snout) are white.
  • A white stripe runs from the head down the back.
  • Both the head and the abdomen point downwards.
Tiger mosquito

The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)

3 facts about mosquitoes

  1. Both male and female mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant sap, but only the female mosquitoes bite because they need blood to feed their eggs.
  2. During one meal, a female mosquito can drink her entire body weight in blood.
  3. A female mosquito lays on average more than 100 eggs at a time and can do this up to 10 times after being fertilised by a male mosquito.

3 frequently asked questions about mosquitoes

1. How often can a mosquito bite me?
A female mosquito bites until she is ‘full’. A few days later she will lay her eggs.

2. Why does one person get bitten more often than another?
This has to do with a combination of factors. Your body temperature, body odour and the (lactic acid) bacteria on your body, among other things, are all factors.

3. Why do mosquito bites itch?
This is a natural reaction of the human body to mosquito saliva. This causes the immune system to produce histamine, which causes the nerves to become itchy as a result of increased blood flow. If too much histamine is released, the area around the bite may swell, become red and itchy.

Enjoy walking with these 5 useful tips

Enjoy walking with these 5 useful tips

Mai 11, 2021

Walking or hiking seems very simple. You learn it at a young age, so what can go wrong? Unfortunately, without proper preparation you can get into unpleasant situations. Therefore, make sure you are well prepared before you start your hike or walk, whether it is a city walk or a walk in the countryside, a short intensive hike or a multi-day hike. We have put together 6 tips for you, so that you can enjoy your surroundings to the fullest.

1. Wear good shoes

This tip may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked. Wearing good shoes while walking is very important. Therefore, get good advice in a specialized shop, considering, among other things, the type of terrain you will be walking on. Also, remember to walk in your shoes before going on a longer hike.

2. Make conscious clothing choices

It is sometimes said that “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. It is a good idea to wear layers so that you can always take something off or put it on. Keep in mind that cotton clothing absorbs a lot of water and does not dry quickly. This can make you feel cold very quickly. Jeans may rub and be stiff. If you are walking through nature, remember to wear close-fitting, covering and preferably light-coloured clothing and to tuck your trousers into your (impregnated) socks to reduce the risk of a tick bite. Use Anti-Tick on uncovered skin. Always check for tick bites afterwards.

3. Make sure you can make contact with the outside world

Being able to walk undisturbed is wonderful; being unreachable for the outside world allows you to enjoy the surroundings undisturbed. But when you need outside help, it can be dangerous to be on the road without having something to hand with which you can reach the outside world. Always make sure your phone is charged or that you have a power bank with you.

4. Make sure you have the right equipment

What you take with you on your hike depends on where you are going to hike and how long you are going to be there. It is a difficult decision, because you want to be prepared for everything, but you also don’t want to carry unnecessary weight. One thing that should definitely not be missing from your luggage is a first aid kit. Care Plus® has handy, lightweight first aid sets that are easy to take with you and with which you can carry the most necessary products in case of emergency, such as Care Plus® First Aid Kit Roll Out Small and Care Plus® First Aid Kit Basic. Furthermore, make sure you have enough clothing, (energy-rich) food and drinks and plan breaks at regular intervals so that you can spread your energy over the entire hike.

5. Do not overestimate your own abilities

If you are not passing through, your starting point is also your finishing point. In general, this is where your transport is or this is where you will spend the night, so you will have to return to this point. In any case, the distance covered on the way out to the farthest point must be covered again to get back to the starting point. However, people tend to overestimate their own abilities, which can make the journey back quite challenging. It is therefore important to understand your abilities and plan the route beforehand, taking into account the abilities of yourself and any fellow hikers. Especially for remote (natural) areas without public transport possibilities, walking is often the only option back.

Sleep under a mosquito net at home too

Sleep under a mosquito net at home too

Avr 30, 2021

You probably recognize it, that irritating buzzing around your head as soon as you try to sleep. The next morning you wake up with itchy red bumps on your body. Many people sleep under a mosquito net to keep insects at a distance when travelling far away, but a mosquito net is also ideal for use at home or during a holiday in your own country. A mosquito net keeps mosquitoes and other insects at bay so you can enjoy an undisturbed night’s sleep.

Mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus

When it comes to the health of yourself and your family, you don’t take half measures. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, like the buzzing around your head when you’re trying to sleep. A mosquito bite can also have bigger consequences, as mosquitoes are the transmitters of various diseases. In Europe, the risk of contracting a disease after being bitten by an infected mosquito is limited, but not entirely without risk. For example, the number of infections and (fatal) casualties because of the West Nile virus has increased sharply in the past year. Not everyone is lucky. Some cases are so severe that these people must be admitted to the intensive care unit or, in extreme cases, die.

A non-impregnated mosquito net for use close to home

The house mosquito is responsible for transmitting the West Nile virus, among other things. This mosquito bites mainly between sunset and sunrise. You can prevent the risk of mosquito nuisance by sleeping under a mosquito net. For use at home or within Europe (e.g., camping) you can use a non-impregnated mosquito net*. Are you travelling to a malaria risk area? Then mosquito bites are much more dangerous. We advise you to take an impregnated mosquito net* in your suitcase or backpack to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Care Plus mosquito nets
View our selection guide

How do you use a mosquito net?

A mosquito net doesn’t only protect you against mosquitoes, but also repels other insects while you’re sleeping. Make sure that the mosquito net is not too small, because if you sleep against the net, it doesn’t offer optimal protection. It’s also important that the net is closed on all sides. Only then the mosquito net offers extra protection against stinging and biting insects.

With the right care and mounting, a mosquito net will last for years after purchase. This way you can sleep comfortably and undisturbed for years to come. And you must admit, a mosquito net around the bed is quite romantic, isn’t it?

A malaria-free world in 2030

A malaria-free world in 2030

Jan 22, 2021

In 2020, the news was largely dominated by the COVID-19 virus. However, still little attention is being paid to malaria, while mortality rates are rising substantially. The mosquito is the deadliest animal on earth and therefore prevention against the malaria mosquito and against malaria is of great importance!

Increase in the number of deadly malaria victims

Malaria causes more than 228 million victims every year, including an increasing number of fatalities. While the mortality rate had dropped to around 405,000 in recent years, the corona virus has caused this figure to rise to a potential million*. These are mainly children under the age of 5.

* Source: World Health Organization

The influence of COVID-19 on (the fight against) malaria

The COVID-19 virus also has an effect on malaria and its prevention. People live more indoors, also in areas with a high malaria risk such as Africa. The malaria mosquito, which is active between sunset and sunrise, prefers dark spaces and now encounters more potential victims indoors.

Furthermore, the fight against malaria is affected by corona. Due to the strict measures, group gatherings are prohibited. This means that outreaches in which mosquito nets are distributed and information about malaria prevention is shared are hardly possible or not possible at all.
At the beginning of December 2020, Chief Mosquito Officer Arnoud Aalbersberg of Care Plus® discussed the effects of corona on malaria in Uganda with Ashaba Faridah of Bambino Life Foundation.

Care Plus® Buy One Give One program

Care Plus® aims for a malaria-free world. In specific terms, we do this with our Buy One, Give One campaign, in which 1% of our turnover goes to this higher goal of making the world malaria-free by 2030. Care Plus® is a company that highly depends on travelers. Borders were closed worldwide and planes remained on the ground. People were forced to stay home and postpone their holiday plans. Partly because of this, turnover was lower last year. This meant that there was also less to spend within the Buy One, Give One program.

Malaria-free world

More than 13,000 people are protected against malaria

Despite the limited possibilities for outreaches, we succeeded in handing out 3,300 printed mosquito nets in 2020. This means that more than 13,000 people are protected against malaria.

Collaboration with partners in the fight against malaria

Care Plus® has achieved this great result together with itspartners. We work together with Bambino Life Foundation, the Coffee Quest and Twiga Ventures. Last year, collaborations with Rotary Stop Malaria Club Midden Betuwe-Valburg and Drive Against Malaria were also added to this list.

The fight continues

Of course, Care Plus® and its partners will continue fighting for a malaria-free world in 2021. We not only do this on World Malaria Day on April 25, but all year round!Read all about our fight.

fight malaria with Care Plus's buy one give one program