There would be more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world. They are different from one country to another, are more or less virulent, show up only at sunrise and sunset or much more oftenâeuros¦ One thing is sure: they are always very annoying!

If a simple bite has no great consequence, depending on the area of navigation mosquitoes can also be vectors of diseases: the risks of malaria, dengue, chikungunya or Zika virus for example are to be taken particularly seriously.

The first thing to do to avoid mosquitoes is to check your harbor location. Is there anything near your boat that encourages fresh water stagnation? "Wrecked boats, tires and poorly positioned tarps trap rainwater and attract mosquitoes, which choose these stagnant waters as breeding grounds.

To create an environment they won't like and prevent them from reaching your boat, you can install some potted plants on board: lemon grass, geranium and basil will repel mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes have made their way to your boat? There are many tools to get rid of them. Outside, it is possible to burn coffee grounds or mosquito coils, known to be particularly effective. Inside, there are plugs to plug in 12 v or 220 v to repel the invader.

Have you noticed that mosquitoes are absent in windy conditions? A fan in your indoor spaces will make it more difficult for mosquitoes to fly and may also be a solution. As a last resort, the electric racket will be an effective solution to get rid of them.

Repellent sprays and other anti-mosquito body products are very popular, but their effectiveness varies. Often, they are not enough to protect us completely.

Covering the body with long clothing helps to avoid bites, but sometimes mosquitoes still reach their target. In Polynesia, it is said that applying monoi on the skin makes the mosquito slide off and prevent it from biting!

Reinforcing one's diet with vitamin B1 would also help attract mosquitoes. While these solutions can be effective, they are often expensive and have limited effect.

For many sailors, the installation of insect screens is a low-cost, durable solution. Screen fabric is usually sold by the meter or in rolls, and there are many options to fit the boat.

Cut the net to the desired size and shape, attach the net at several points, and provide a tie-down or ballast system to keep it from moving with the wind. Bed nets can be useful for covering a cockpit, and the fabric can be impregnated with repellent.

Finally, one of the most effective solutions to avoid mosquitoes is to go to sea. At anchor, as long as you are at a reasonable distance from the coast, mosquitoes disappear! One more good reason to go to sea.