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In Japan, you may encounter mosquitoes (Ka in Japanese) from Spring to Autumn. While the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease such as Japanese encephalitis is low in Japan, the need to protect yourself from mosquito bites is still important if you want to enjoy a good night‘s sleep or avoid being disrupted from your daily activities. In this article, we will introduce you to mosquito repellents you can use outside or at your home in Japan as well as medicine to stop itching in case you get bitten by one of these hungry bloodsuckers. Please read the instruction carefully before using mosquito repellents and medicine.
During summer months in Japan, you may also have to deal with cockroaches. For more details, please check "How to Get Rid of Cockroaches/Gokiburi in Japan". Japanese summer is very hot and humid with a number of heatstrokes occurring each year. To learn how to survive Japanese summer, please check this article.
In Japan, many homes have window screens called "amido" that keep insects, including mosquitoes, outside. While these Japanese window screens can be effective at keeping insects out of your home, they need to be cleaned. If you plan to install or already have "amido" in your home, please check this article to learn how to clean them. There are also several excellent mosquito products on the market that you can use to repel and kill mosquitoes. You can easily find them online, at a supermarket or drugstore.
You can carry this Osoto de no matto around like the photo below. It does not need to be plugged in because it comes with its own battery and also has its own motor and fan to allow for extensive coverage. This will last for 200 hours or over 33 days if you turn it on only 6 hours a day.
Herb Mushiyoke is a 260 day natural herbal gel/soap and does not contain any pesticides. It is not for using on the skin. If there is skin contact with the gel, wash area well with soap and water. To use, remove the protective silver film and screw the cap back on and place it in a room. You will notice a soft scent and this also becomes the indicator when it should be replaced or changed.
No-Mat is a very simple mosquito repellent. Insert the liquid (bottle) in the machine and plug it in. After 60 days you can replace the bottle.
Ka ga inaku naru spray is affective for 12 hours with only 1 push (for a 4-8 jo room).
Ka tori senko is a mosquito repellent coil. You can use it inside and also outside.
Mushiyoke Net is a hanging repellent plate that works great for outdoors because it is not affected by rain. To use, remove the protective film. Insert the cartridge into the device, making sure that it fits properly and is not sticking out. Avoid touching the inner plate directly but if you happen to do so, wash well with soap and water. Hang wherever necessary but make sure the hook is secure. Keep away from high temperatures and poor ventilated areas.
Saratect is a powder-type mosquito repellent that lasts up to 10 hours. It also works to repel flies and dust mites. It can be applied on beddings. It is fragrance-free. Shake the bottle before spraying. Apply 15 cm from skin. It can be sprayed directly onto skin except for facial area or on open wounds. Be careful to spray for maximum time of only 3 seconds per application.
Skin Vape is water-based type of mosquito repellent which can be used by children too. This type has the scent of peach apricot.
Ekitai Muhi Alpha EX is a liquid type of medicine to treat itching as well as insect bites.
Muhi Alpha SII is a cream type of medicine to stop itching from mosquito bites.
Shin Una Kowa Cool is another medicine you can use to stop itching from mosquito bites. With its pleasant cooling effect, it can be recommend for use during the hot Japanese summer.
There are many other types of bugs and insects in Japan. There are spiders, mosquitoes flies, cockroaches, and other bugs that may prove to be a pest. Fortunately, you are not alone and there are ways to deal with any sort of pest. There are products similar to what was described above available to deal with almost any kind of pest you may encounter. If you have problems with any kind of bug, please check your local supermarket, drug store, or search online for an appropriate product to take care of the issue.
One thing to note is that bugs are often attracted by food so be sure that you always clean up your living areas and make sure trash is securely sealed up. If possible, it may be helpful to keep your garbage stored in a tightly sealed trashcan outside your apartment or house. If you live in Tokyo and would rather rely on professional housekeeping services, please check "English-Speaking Maid and Housekeeping Services Guide in Tokyo".
We have many other articles that will help with your everyday life in Japan such as "Paying Bills in Japan Conveniently: A Simple Guide", "How to Use a Japanese Washing Machine", "Japan Post Office Tips: Finding your Way", and more.
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