This time it's insect-related.

I've never been to any of "Low Countries" in the summer, but on some of my visits during other times of the year, I saw quite a few coils (?) and other curious contraptions designed to repel mosquitoes. That makes me wonder if mosquitoes are a big problem in the summer (I'm going to be in Amsterdam in June). If so, what is the best way of dealing with them? Do any of those funny coils really work (and how?)? I'll be staying in a house right on the canal, and I presume there are no screens on the windows, so I'm more than a little concerned.

If you're really worried you can always take insect spray

I thought they were a mild-moderate problem in Amsterdam in August about 5 years ago. And I did not have bug spray at the time. One night without is too many; it's amazing how few critters can cause a fair anmount of mischief.

Best wishes,

Rex

Rex,
One is enough to completely ruin your night!

Although I was hoping for a solution not involving bug spray... DEET-free varieties don't work, and anything with DEET in it scares me to death. Judging by the modest number of replies I got, though, maybe mosquitoes really aren't a huge problem. (I can hope!) Either way, I'll report when I get back.

Oh yes, there are mosquitoes; little thin ones, very noisy and very perseverant ones that can ruin your sleep. Especially in August you risk to wake up with a face plenty of little red points, caused by the nightly appetite of those little bastards.
There are lots of solutions: mosquitomilk or a little plug in machine with tablets. You can get them here in a drugstoge.

martinewezel,

thanks for the info. what exactly is "mosquitomilk" and how does it work? is june slightly better than august?

Mosquito milk?? Oh my God, I've milked a cow and a goat, but there aren't tweezers small enough to milk a mosquito.

After one night with a window open while staying on a canal, I will never leave a window open in Amsterdam again. I'd either keep the window closed, get a room with a/c if that's a concern, or go somewhere else. My open window night yielded 14 bites in places to delicate to mention but which resulted in much discomfort the next day and a way of walking that was to say the least strange and I'm sure hilarious to anyone who noticed.

Sansdieu,
Mosquitomilk is a white repellent milk without Deet to put on your skin (even on your face). It does not smell, is not sticky and harmless for babies but it seems to keep the mosquito's away. You can also find it in a pharmacy. There are lots of brands. Coils are noisy, not fit for sleeping rooms,(or do you mean those with UV light?) you'll see them in restaurants or shops.

Sansdieu,
Sorry forgot something. Yes,regarding mosquitoes, june is better, though they already are present.

martinewezel,

Thanks! Pharmacy will be my first stop in Amsterdam. Let's hope this stuff works! I have not seen coils with UV light, but I'll be willing to try anything, even the noisy ones. I'd much rather use earplugs than be bitten in "places too delicate to mention", as McBetsy puts it

P.S. Patrick, oh, what I could do to one of those bloodsuckers with the right pair of tweezers!

Have a nice trip!