Mosquitos in Greenland

Mosquitos in Greenland – the tiny menace of the Arctic

Is being swarmed by Arctic mosquitos a part of your dream visit to Nuuk? No? Same here! Unfortunately, mosquitos are completely unavoidable during the summer months (June, July, & August).

Solutions to ease the tyranny of mosquitos

The power of the wind. While it may cool down the warm days, a breeze can be a total lifesaver in the face of an army of Arctic mosquitos. If you’re going to take a break during a hike or a walk in the city of Nuuk city, make sure you stay somewhere with a bit of wind. If you don’t trust me on this one, try to take a break when there is no wind. That will be a mistake you’ll only make once!

Qajaasat: Labrador tea. This powerful local herb isn’t only rich in vitamins and minerals, but it is also a natural mosquito repellent. Whether you buy it dried from a store or you gather it fresh during your walk,f it’ll help you fight the vampires of the insect world. Simply squish it up in your palms and apply the powder (from dried qajaasat) or the moisture (from fresh qajaasat) onto your exposed skin. Let mother nature do the rest!

Tip: gather some qajaasat to dry at home too. It makes a really nice herbal tea or addition to a black or red tea. It’s especially good if you’re back home and missing Greenland.

Mosquito spray: You can either bring your favorite brand from home or buy some in Nuuk.

Mosquito net: While it may look a bit odd, most locals swear to mosquito nets when out in nature. It’s normal. You can always take it off when it’s time to pose for a picture.

Clothes: Arctic mosquitoes will bite through your clothes, so windproof clothes or two layers can really make a difference.

Arctic summers are full of mosquitos, but the key is to be prepared. While they will annoy you from time to time, the mosquitos are not what you will remember. You will remember your amazing time spent in the most breathtaking nature in the world.