If you've ever spent a night tossing and turning because of that high-pitched whine in your ear, you know how frustrating mosquitos e pernilongos can be. It's one of those universal annoyances that seems to get worse the moment you turn the lights off. You're just about to drift into a deep sleep, and then—bzzz—there it is. You swat at the air, hit yourself in the face, and then spend the next ten minutes staring at the ceiling with a flashlight, trying to find the culprit.
We've all been there. Whether you call them mosquitoes, gnats, or use the common Brazilian terms mosquitos e pernilongos, the struggle is very real. While they might seem like just a minor nuisance, they're actually pretty sophisticated little pests. Understanding how they operate is the first step toward actually getting some peace and quiet in your own home.
What's the deal with the names?
You might wonder why we often see the terms mosquitos e pernilongos grouped together. In many places, especially in South America, people distinguish between the two based on their behavior and appearance. Generally speaking, the "pernilongo" is that lanky, long-legged common house mosquito (often the Culex genus) that loves to hang out in the corners of your bedroom and make noise all night. They are annoying, sure, but usually less associated with serious tropical diseases.
On the flip side, when people say "mosquito" in a more specific sense, they're often talking about the Aedes aegypti. This one is the silent assassin. It doesn't usually buzz in your ear; it goes for your ankles during the day and is the primary carrier for things like Dengue, Zika, and Yellow Fever. Regardless of which one is currently driving you crazy, the methods for getting rid of them are mostly the same.
Stop them before they start
The best way to handle mosquitos e pernilongos isn't actually with a can of spray—it's by making sure they never hatch in the first place. These insects are obsessed with water. Not just any water, but standing, stagnant water. It doesn't take a lake, either. A tiny bottle cap filled with rainwater hidden under a bush is enough for a female to lay hundreds of eggs.
Take a walk around your yard or balcony after it rains. You'd be surprised where water hides. Check the saucers under your potted plants. If there's water sitting there for more than a couple of days, you're basically running a nursery for mosquitos e pernilongos. Flip over empty buckets, clear out your gutters, and make sure your pet's water bowl gets scrubbed out frequently. If you have a pool, keep it chlorinated and filtered. If you have a decorative pond, maybe consider adding some fish that eat larvae, like guppies.
Making your home a fortress
If you've cleared out the water and they're still getting in, it's time to look at your entry points. Most mosquitos e pernilongos enter through open doors and windows. It sounds obvious, but even a tiny tear in a window screen is like a highway for them.
Investing in good quality screens is probably the best money you'll ever spend if you live in a buggy area. If you like to keep the "breeze" coming through but don't have built-in screens, you can buy magnetic ones that stick to the door frame. They aren't perfect, but they do a decent job of keeping the majority of the pests out.
Another low-tech but highly effective solution is the humble ceiling fan. Believe it or not, mosquitos e pernilongos are terrible flyers. They are lightweight and fragile. If you have a fan blowing on high, they literally can't fly against the current to get to you. It's a great way to protect yourself while you sleep without having to douse your sheets in chemicals.
Choosing the right repellent
When you're heading outside or if one happens to be stalking you in the living room, you're going to want some backup. There are a million "natural" remedies out there, but let's be honest: some work way better than others.
- DEET: It's the old reliable. It smells a bit strong and feels a little greasy, but it's still one of the most effective ways to keep mosquitos e pernilongos from biting.
- Picaridin: This is a great alternative if you hate the smell of DEET. It's odorless, doesn't damage plastics (DEET can melt some synthetic fabrics), and works just as well.
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: If you want to stay on the natural side, this is the only plant-based repellent that the CDC actually recommends. It smells like a very strong lemon lozenge, but it actually keeps the bugs away for a few hours.
Avoid the "sonic" apps or those "ultrasonic" plug-ins that claim to repel pests with sound. Science has pretty much debunked those—they don't do anything but waste a little bit of electricity. Stick to what's proven.
The backyard battle
If you're trying to enjoy a BBQ and you're being eaten alive, you might be tempted to buy one of those big bug zappers. Here's a little secret: those zappers actually kill more "good" bugs than they do mosquitos e pernilongos. Most of the things you hear go zap are actually moths or beetles. Mosquitoes are actually attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out, not necessarily UV light.
Instead, try using citronella candles. They aren't a magic shield, but if you place several of them around your seating area, the scent helps mask your presence. Another trick is to use an outdoor fan. Just like the indoor ceiling fan, a simple pedestal fan on your patio will create a "no-fly zone" that makes it much harder for insects to land on you.
Natural remedies and myths
We've all heard that eating garlic or taking Vitamin B1 will make your blood taste bad to mosquitos e pernilongos. Unfortunately, that's mostly a myth. While it might make you smell a bit different to humans, the mosquitoes don't really care. They are tracking your heat and the CO2 you exhale.
However, some plants in your garden can help a little. Lavender, marigolds, and basil have scents that these bugs aren't fond of. Don't expect a single pot of basil to clear out your whole yard, but every little bit helps. Plus, having fresh herbs around is never a bad thing for your cooking anyway.
What to do if you get bitten
Even with the best precautions, a few mosquitos e pernilongos will eventually get through. When the itching starts, the number one rule is: don't scratch. I know, it's easier said than done. But scratching opens up the skin and can lead to infections, not to mention it makes the itch last longer.
A cold compress or an ice cube can help numb the area. You can also use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to take the sting out. If you're into home remedies, a paste of baking soda and a little water often does the trick to neutralize the itch.
Keeping the peace at night
If you realize there's a "pernilongo" in your room right before bed, don't just hope it goes away. It won't. It will wait until you're almost asleep and then strike. The best way to find them is to turn on a single lamp or use your phone screen against a light-colored wall. They usually land nearby and wait for you to settle down.
Once you spot it, you can use a fly swatter or even a vacuum cleaner attachment to grab it. If you're really struggling with a persistent infestation, a mosquito net over the bed is a classic for a reason—it's the only way to guarantee a 100% bite-free night in high-risk areas.
Dealing with mosquitos e pernilongos is just part of life in many parts of the world, but it doesn't have to be a miserable experience. By staying on top of the standing water, sealing up your house, and using the right tools, you can keep the buzzing to a minimum and actually enjoy your summer nights. Stay vigilant, keep the fans on, and don't let those tiny invaders win the war for your bedroom!