Urmas Tartes: Best protection against mosquitoes is properly chosen clothing

Entomologist Urmas Tartes told the show R2 Päev that due to the dry weather, there is hope that there will be fewer mosquitoes than usual on Midsummer's Eve (Ivan's Night). According to him, mosquito numbers depend on rainfall – the more moisture, the more mosquitoes.

Tartes noted that this spring was extremely dry, nearly a drought. Nature is suffering from a lack of moisture, and even a light rain would be immediately absorbed by the soil. For puddles to form, abundant rainfall is needed.

Phenologically, this should be the peak of forest mosquito activity, but Tartes' observations show only individual specimens in the forest. Therefore, there is hope that Midsummer will be calmer in terms of mosquitoes. However, people often contribute to their breeding by storing water in various containers in gardens and summer cottages. In such artificial water bodies, 'garden mosquitoes' proliferate, their numbers directly depending on the number of water tanks.

Tartes believes that mosquito repellents are generally not very useful. In high concentrations, mosquitoes dislike them, but at low concentrations, mosquitoes may begin to associate the smell with prey. He advises that if using repellents, apply thoroughly, but shower immediately after returning home.

The entomologist recommends avoiding areas with high mosquito concentrations, preferring open spaces or the coast. If one must visit such an area, choose clothing made of dense fabric. 'I myself wear a long-sleeved shirt, jacket, and trousers. Mosquitoes may cover the jacket, but they cannot bite through it,' he said.

Tartes also confirmed that some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others. These 'mosquito magnets' have a specific fungal microflora composition on their skin, which releases substances that attract mosquitoes.