During the hot and humid summer, many people face mosquitoes and bugs in Japan. The most affected live in small towns close to nature, and that simple net that the windows have is not able to protect you 100% from mosquitoes and mosquitoes. In this article, we are going to give you some tips and recommendations so you can survive the insects and mosquitoes during the summer in Japan.
First Tip - When buying oils, lotions, essences and other products for the home or body, try to look for products that have in their ingredients Pyrethrum, a flower that is widely used in repellents and insecticides. This is because the plant contains pyrethrins that attack insects. You can look for the words: 除虫菊 or ピレスロイド系 in the composition of Japanese products. Other natural products you can find are citronella (シトロネラ) lavender (ラベンダー油) and lemon eucalyptus (レモンユーカリ精油). Keep in mind that these products can sometimes cause allergies in some people.
Table of Content
products against mosquitoes
Death Spiral - Katorisenko (蚊取り線香) - The famous spiral that we use to scare away mosquitoes can be found in Japan by the name of Katorisenko. This spiral is basically an incense that contains an insecticide. There are even containers to place this death spiral, one of them is a ceramic pig called kayaributa (蚊遣豚) proving that pigs are on our side.
Electric mosquito killer - Denshikatoriki (電子蚊取り器) - You know those devices we plug into the socket to kill the mosquitoes? This is the famous mosquito exterminator that leaves no odor in the house and eliminates insects for good. There are several different models in Japan, portable, USB, and liquid. Those that have something similar to chewing gum are called Katorimatto (蚊取りマット) and usually last for one night, while the liquids in containers last for up to months.
Electric Shock Racket - Dengeki satchū raketto (電撃殺虫ラケット) - You know those famous rackets that give electric shocks? They can be found in Japan under the mentioned name. If you want other electronic options like lamps, just search for (Dengeki satchu) 電撃殺虫.
Insect Repellent Bracelet - Mushiyoke ringu 虫よけリング - These are rubber bracelets that repel mosquitoes. They usually contain lemon, eucalyptus, lavender and citronella oil. There are also portable keychain-type repellents.
Buying insect repellent products
There are thousands of insect repellents and products. First, you need to decide whether the product will be used to kill or prevent the presence of insects. There are also products that you can apply after insect bites, products that should be used indoors or outdoors, there are many choices. You also need to decide whether the repellent will be a spray or cream, or whether it will be natural or chemical (DEET).
Below is a list of repellents that you can check out:
- 虫よけムシガード プッシュ (Mushiyoke mushigādo pusshu)
- サラテクトマイルド (Saratekuto mairudo)
- スキンガード エクストラ (Skin Guard Extra)
- オーガニックマドンナ アロマガードミスト (Organic Aromic)
- お肌の虫よけミスト (Mushiyoke Mist)
- Coleman(コールマン) 虫よけナチュラルエッセンス (Natural Essence)
- 塗るタイプ (Lotion Gel)
Below we will leave a list of vocabulary that can help you choose your products:
| Japanese | Roumaji | Portuguese |
| 蚊 | ka | mosquito |
| 虫 | mushi | insect |
| 虫よけ/虫除け | mushi yoke | insect repellent |
| 虫さされ | mushi sasare | Bug bite |
| 防虫 | bouchuu | insect protection |
| かゆみ | kayumi | itch |
| 忌避 | kihi | avoid |
| 殺虫剤 | sacchuuzai | insecticide |
| 蚊取り | katori | remove mosquitoes |
| 天然成分 | tennen seibun | natural ingredients |
| 室内用 | shitsunaiyou | intern use |
| 屋外用 | okugaiyou | outdoor use |
| ジェル | jeru | gel |
| ローション | rooshon | lotion |
| クリーム | kuriimu | cream |