As most of us are more than aware by now, humid Florence is a mosquito stronghold—and it only gets worse in summer. With temperatures rising to the high 30s (and even low 40s), the last thing we need is unbearable itchiness from a zanzara bite during sweaty restless nights. Here are a few different methods for keeping the monsters at bay, so that you can enjoy the Florentine summer with less scratching—and more spritzing.
1. Prevention tactic
Autan spray is your best friend. Other brands are available, but this one seems to be the most popular. Apart from spray, try small patches (cerotti diffusori) to put on baby prams or clothes, as well as bracelets (braccialetti) for kids, though the results may be lacking.
2. Make a racquet
Give the (very hot) Matteo Berrettini a run for his money by becoming a mosquito-swatting pro. Electric tennis rackets that kill mozzies are all the rage as a light-hearted way to execute the enemy.
3. Flip-flop splatting
Effective, but not great for your walls. Warning: repainting may be required. Footprints and blood splatters can be removed with a wet wipe, but only if you do it immediately.
4. Sliding doors
Sick of the stale air from always keeping your windows firmly shut? Mosquito screens on the windows and doors are the only answer. If you’re renting and your landlord won’t cough up the money for the sliding zanzariere, you can find velcro ones online.
5. Repel
If you don’t have mosquito screens and a few of the cheeky mites do end up getting in, they might decide to fly straight back out again if they go near a plug-in repellent. VAPE and RAID are two of the main brands, although there’s some concern when it comes to breathing them in.
6. Light a candle
Terrace and garden owners can light citronella candles or coil incense burners whilst lounging outside on an evening, although some people are put off eating or drinking by the strong smell.
7. Up your vitamins
The easiest option might be to introduce Vitamin B supplements to your diet. I’m not sure how it works biologically, but many people swear by it.
Finally, if these seven mosquito-defeating ideas are not enough to save you, you can always go to the pharmacy and ask for dopo puntura gel to soothe the pesky bites afterwards. In bocca al lupo (right concept, wrong animal)!
