Mosquitoes in France: readers share what works to stop bites

It is mosquito season in France – and with it come itchy bites, buzzing frustrations, and the real risk of illness. Here is what you can do about it according to a leading consumer magazine - and Connexion readers.

From chemical sprays and insect-repellent bracelets to homemade oils, fans and even bats in the attic, people across France are getting creative in their attempts to stay bite-free, particularly from disease-spreading tiger mosquitoes.

While no method is completely fool proof, some approaches are claimed to prove far more effective – or convenient – than others. 

What really works? 

To help consumers cut through the marketing hype, respected French consumer publication 60 Millions de consommateurs tested 15 body repellents and five clothing sprays. 

The results show wide differences in effectiveness – and raise important questions about misleading labels.

The most effective products were those containing the synthetic molecules IR3535 and DEET. 

All of these provided more than 8 hours of protection, meeting their advertised claims.

However, one product promising “16 hours” of protection only delivered that with two applications – a fact hidden in small print. 

Another claimed 8 hours of protection without clarifying that this only applied in temperate, not tropical, zones.

Natural-based sprays generally fared worse. 

Two were found to protect for just half a day, and one underperformed its 7-hour claim. 

Products with icaridin (another synthetic repellent) fell somewhere in the middle.

Despite their popularity, sprays can pose a risk of inhalation, the French High Council of Public Health warned – and it prefers creams and lotions for this reason. 

But for many users, sprays remain the most accessible and convenient format.

The top three products identified in the study were:

1. Cinq sur cinq spray Famille - score 16.8/20

2. Moustifluid spray haute protection zones à risque - score 16.4/20

3. Mousti KO score 15.5/20

Reader tips: from bats to baby wipes

Connexion readers have also shared their preferred methods for staying bite-free this summer on Facebook. 

Some opt for physical barriers, like netting and magnetic screens, while others swear by natural predators, such as bats or swallows, to reduce mosquito numbers.

“Velcro strips make seasonal netting easy to install and remove,” says reader Y.O. 

“Swifts and martins eat huge numbers of mosquitoes,” adds S.N., who encourages nesting birds.

Reducing standing water – a key breeding ground – is another widely recommended tactic. 

“Don’t forget flower pot saucers, guttering or automatic watering systems,” advises C.D.

Tools and treatments: what readers are using

Some readers prefer modern gadgets like oscillating fans, which disrupt mosquito flight and disperse human scent, or Thermacell diffusers for odourless outdoor protection.

Essential oils remain a popular natural remedy – particularly eucalyptus lemon, lavender and peppermint – often used in homemade sprays or wipes. 

“Soak baby wipes in lavender oil,” suggests D.S., “it smells nice and works.”

Others recommend Avon Skin So Soft spray, Ayurvedic soaps, and even Smidge – a UK midge repellent that performs well against mosquitoes. 

Several readers say vitamin B1 supplements may reduce how badly they react to bites, while antihistamines like cetirizine help limit allergic responses.

“No more weeping sores or swollen legs,” says J.L. “Some of us are just tastier than others,” they add wryly – “but there’s almost always something that helps.”

Alternative options

• Bleen x Insect’Over larvicide: Granules to kill larvae in standing water within 24–48 hours. Safe and natural. From €35. mybleen.com

• Bleen mosquito spray: A natural outdoor spray targeting adult mosquitoes. From €45.  mybleen.com

• Qista One smart trap: A connected device that attracts and captures mosquitoes without harming other insects. From €988.68.  qista.com

• Aromazone anti-mosquito stick: Pocket-sized natural protection. From €6.95.  aroma-zone.com

• Diptyque citronnelle & géranium spray: A luxury skin-safe repellent that doubles as perfume. From €52.  diptyqueparis.com

Do you have any other tips to keep mosquitoes away? Or ways to stop bites from itching? Please share them with us via feedback@connexionfrance.com