For more than half of the year, all that we look forward to are sunnier days and warmer evenings ahead. By the time they finally roll around, we relish in the arrival of consistent vitamin D, Aperol Spritzes on terraces and gorgeous loose-fitting linen.
Yet every year without fail, we curse the existence of summertime pests such as mosquitos and midges which threaten to thwart our enjoyment of the great outdoors, especially during particularly hot nights. Slathering ourselves in deet and natural mozzie repellents is all well and good, but the dastardly insects always seem to find a way through the topical forcefield.
We chatted to the co-founder of BODYGUARD Fragranced Anti Mosquito and Laboratoire ASTELIA, Gemma Flanagan, for some insight into mosquito clickers, bite prevention and relief.
What are mosquito bite zappers and how do they work?
“The concept behind mosquito zappers is to target the site of the mosquito bite with a small ‘shock’ of concentrated piezoelectric charge, which may help temporarily get rid of the feeling of an insect bite itch. The ‘zap’ or ‘click’ can feel like a ‘small sting’. These products can come in the form of a pen-like device or mini ‘gun’.”
Do mosquito bite zappers actually work to soothe and heal painful, itchy bites?
“They are aimed at reducing the urge to itch therefore they may help prevent further irritation caused by continued scratching of the localised site. They are not a topical treatment for a mosquito bite and will not help heal a mosquito bite but help with temporary symptomatic relief.”
What are the best ways to prevent mosquitoes from biting?
“When it comes to clothing, light colours are the best, remember mosquitos are looking for you and it's easier for them to spot bright colours (like on flowers) including black, compared to lighter clothing.
“If you are exercising, you are a target! Mosquitos are attracted to CO2 and the way your skin smells when you are hot. If you are active outdoors, you should be extra vigilant. Applying an insect repellent such as BODYGUARD which contains a scientifically proven active ingredient is a quick and simple way to be sure you are protected.
“Always apply repellent as the last thing before going out, and at least 20 minutes after other skin cosmetics including sunscreen, as it should be the top layer on your skin. Use your hands to rub evenly over your exposed skin, this ensures even coverage.
“Read the label of your repellent and set an alarm on your watch so you don’t forget when to re-apply. Repellents have different levels of protection so get to know when you should re-apply.”
What are some other ways to help soothe painful mosquito bites?
“Applying a cold compress can help ease the itch. Skincare products that contain ingredients such as alantoine, aloe vera and chamomile can also help soothe a painful bite.
“In the event of severe inflammation, antihistamine medications can help. In the case of superimposed infections, an antibiotic can be added. Please do not self-medicate, these medications should be prescribed by a doctor or a pharmacist only.”
Keep scrolling for the best mosquito clickers and zappers for temporary bite relief.
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INCOGNITO Zap-Ease Electronic Insect Sting & Bite Relief
Complete with a handy keychain attachment, this brilliant little device has the power to help relieve up to 1,000 bites before it needs replacing. Whether you’re suffering from itchy mosquito and midge bites, jellyfish stings, stinging nettles or any other kind of biting bug, the Zap-Ease helps to break down histamine to reduce swelling and other painful bite symptoms.
Buy now £7.49, Amazon
Sensio Spa Insect Bite Strike
Slightly different to your standard bite zapper, the Sensio Spa provides itch and sting relief through heat. Rechargeable via USB, it has three adjustable heat and high-frequency massage settings which not only ease and soothe the pain of insect bites but help to reduce any swelling. One single charge yields up to 90 uses, and the non-disposable nature of the product makes for a value-for-money investment.
Buy now £22.95, Amazon
heat it - Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Healer
You’ll be surprised by how much relief this miniature device can offer. It works by plugging into the charging port of your phone and delivers concentrated heat up to 51°C for an instant, itch-free soothing effect.
Powered by the heat it companion app, the device has 12 different modes and three different treatment durations which differ depending on whether it’s being used on a child, an adult, or someone with particularly sensitive skin. Simply pop it on your keychain and enjoy a summer of itch relief. It offers up to 1,000 treatments per full smartphone battery and uses 0.1 per cent of your battery for each use.
Buy now £32.49, Amazon
Beurer Insect Bite Reliever
This innovative device from Beurer is designed to provide temporary relief from the pain and itchiness so often caused by insect bites and stings. Without using any chemical additives, the Beurer Insect Bite Reliever helps to combat itching and swelling through pulsating heat blasts which are delivered through a quick-warming ceramic hot plate.
It has two programmes depending on your skin type, with Beurer recommending that sensitive skin sufferers use programme one. This set includes the two AAA batteries that the device needs to operate.
Buy now £23.99, Amazon
Bug Bite Thing - Suction Aid, Poison Remover
You might have seen these small plastic syringes scattered around the homes of friends and family who live in the countryside or abroad. A particularly bad bee sting or mozzie bite is followed by the cry “Get the bug bite thing!”
A fantastic name for this strange, poison-removing syringe contraption, The Bug Bite Thing is a suction device which is designed to remove insect saliva or venom from underneath the skin. The naturally soothing suction device instantly relieves pain and soothes itching like magic, and the double-sided cap is a breeze to clean after each use.
However, the brand doesn’t recommend using the device on sensitive and thin areas such as the face or neck as the suction might leave a mark.
Buy now £9.95, Amazon
Boots Bite Relief Click-It
Another chemical-free device, the Click-It from Boots relieves itching by delivering a small piezoelectric charge to mosquito bites. All this means is that the act of pressing down on a small solid material such as a crystal works to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, thus producing a small shock. Simply grab the device as soon as you notice the bite and apply 5-10 clicks before feeling some relief.
Buy now £5.99, Boots
Topical treatments for insect bite relief
HC45 Hydrocortisone Cream
A catch-all treatment for eczema, dermatitis and insect bites, hydrocortisone cream provides near-instant relief for itching, irritation and swelling. Clinically proven and dermatologically tested, hydrocortisone simply works by forcing your body to alter its response to inflammation.
Buy now £5.99, Boots
Savlon Bites & Stings Pain Relief Gel - 20g
From the makers of Savlon comes this multi-action formula which has been created to soothe insect bites and string while protecting against potential infection. The active ingredient in this ointment is Lidocaine Hydrochloride 2.0%, a form of anaesthetic which provides a numbing effect to help relieve pain. We’re also big fans of the fact that this gel has a cooling effect on the skin.
Buy now £5.50, Amazon
After Bite Insect Bite Remedy
This handy pen can be popped in your bag or rucksack for on-the-go relief following stings or bites from the likes of mosquitoes, horseflies, wasps, bees, nettles and even jellyfish. Simply apply the liquid formula through the saturated pen tip and wait a few seconds for it to dry before going about the rest of your day, re-applying as needed.
AfterBite’s formula contains natural ingredients such as oatmeal and camphor to moisturise, cool and then warm the skin to relieve itching. Its active ingredient, however, is ammonia (hence the strong smell) – which neutralises the bites.
Small and compact it’s a must for campers and hikers.
Buy now £7.05, Amazon
Dr J's Bite & Sting Relief Roll On with Witch Hazel & Aloe Vera
If you’re looking for a more natural approach to relieving the sting of insect bites, try Dr J’s Bite & Sting relief roll-on treatment. With gentle active ingredients including aloe vera to soothe and tea tree oil to help disinfect the area, this roll-on liquid treatment is suitable for the whole family.
Buy now £8.33, Amazon
