How to survive the insects and mosquitoes of Japan?

During the hot and humid summer, many people face mosquitoes and insects in Japan. Those most affected live in small cities near nature, and that simple net that windows have cannot protect you 100% from mosquitoes and bugs. In this article, we will share some tips and recommendations so that you can survive the insects and mosquitoes during the summer in Japan.

First Tip – When buying oils, lotions, essences, and other products for home or body, try to look for products that contain Pyrethrum in their ingredients, a flower that is widely used in repellents and insecticides. This is because the plant has 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 sometimes these products can cause allergies in some people.

Products against mosquitoes

Death Spiral – Katorisenko (蚊取り線香) – The famous spiral we use to scare away mosquitoes can be found in Japan by the name 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 exterminator – Denshikatoriki (電子蚊取り器) – You know those devices we plug in to kill 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 like gum are called Katorimatto (蚊取りマット) and usually last one night, while the liquids in containers last for months.

Electric Shock Racket – Dengeki satchū raketto (電撃殺虫ラケット) – You know those famous rackets that give shocks? They can be found in Japan by this mentioned name. If you want other electronic options like lamps, just look for (Dengeki satchu) 電撃殺虫.

Insect Repellent Bracelet – Mushiyoke ringu 虫よけリング – These are rubber bracelets that scare away mosquitoes. They usually contain lemon oil, eucalyptus, lavender, and citronella. There are also portable repellents in the form of keychains.

Buying insect repellent products

There are thousands of repellents and insect products. First, you need to decide if the product will be used to kill or prevent the presence of insects. There are also products that you can apply after an insect bite, products that should be used indoors or outdoors; there are many choices. You also need to decide if the repellent will be a spray or cream, or if it will be natural or chemical (DEET).

Below is a list of repellents you can take a look at:

• 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)

Click here and see how to survive the heat in Japan. 

Below we will leave a vocabulary list that can help you choose your products:

Japanese	Romaji	Portuguese
蚊	ka	mosquito
虫	mushi	insect
虫よけ/虫除け	mushi yoke	insect repellent
虫さされ	mushi sasare	insect bite
防虫	bouchuu	insect protection
かゆみ	kayumi	itching
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	indoor 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