Summer has officially begun in Nanjing and now, so has the rainy season. That can only mean one thing. Mosquitos! And anyone who’s spent a summer in Nanjing before (last year, perhaps?!) knows mozzies are a serious business.
“Physical mosquito repellent”, “silent and odourless”, “automatic mosquito trap”, “death by electric shock” and “ultrasonic mosquito repellent”; just a few of the slogans that can be seen on the shelves of supermarkets in Nanjing these days.
Nanjing media outlet, the Yangtze Evening News, recently visited a number of large stores in Jianye District. Therein, entire aisles devoted to anti-mosquito products.
While there are mosquito zappers which can be hung on the wall and sticky strips from which there is no escape, just what is safe to put on your skin?
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, insect repellents containing DEET (分别是避蚊胺) are the most effective. As the most common active ingredient in insect repellents, care need be taken when purchasing the slightly yellow oil as to the concentration of DEET therein. Some are sold in concentrations of up to 100 percent.
In their “Summer Safety Tips”, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that children older than 2 months can use DEET in concentrations of 10 to 30 percent. The product should not be used at all with babies younger than 2 months.
Another recommended repellant is picaridin (派卡瑞丁). According to the National Pesticide Information Centre in the USA, picaridin is a synthetic compound made to resemble the natural compound, piperine. Safe for use on children, picaridin may come in several forms, such as sprays, liquids or aerosols.
Again, not to be used on infants younger than 2 months, but both DEET and Picaridin are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
For many, all natural is one way to go. And in Nanjing it is easy to find oil of lemon eucalyptus (柠檬桉叶油). Note that this is not the same as lemon eucalyptus essential oil, which tends to evaporate quickly and thus offers a short window of protection.
While safe for use on children, oil of lemon eucalyptus is not recommended for children under 3 as it may irritate the eyes.
In Nanjing, mosquito repellent products containing these aforementioned active ingredients must be marked with a pesticide registration number, pesticide production approval document number and product standard number.
For the very very young, physical barriers are still the best recommendation. Go for lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, and use netting on prams and carriers.
Failing that, a local grandmother will be happy to sit by flapping a fan all day. Good luck in Operation Mosquito 2021.
