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ESSENTIAL FRANCE

Ticks, tax declarations and philosophy: 6 essential articles for life in France

From a health warning about 'giant ticks' to swimming in French lakes, via doing your taxes and then watching the Euros on TV - with a little bit of philosophy thrown in here - here are 6 essential articles for life in France.

Published: 23 June 2024 08:04 CEST
Ticks, tax declarations and philosophy: 6 essential articles for life in France
Ticks are a serious problem in France in the summer, both for humans and pets. Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN / AFP

The French health authority has issued a warning about a species of ‘giant tick’ that is now present in southern France. Normal ticks are endemic across the country and can carry some significant health risks, as well as necessitating the painful and nasty process of digging them out of your flesh (or the flesh of your kids/ pets).

What to know about ticks in France and how to avoid them

Horrifying pictures of blisters the size of golf balls on the legs of two unfortunate ‘wild swimming’ fans made headlines in France this week. So is it safe to swim in France’s many picturesque lakes?

Is it safe to swim in French lakes?

Our neighbours in Germany are hosting the Euro 2024 football tournament and things are hotting up (wishing a speedy recovery to Kylian Mbappé’s nose). Whether you have gone native and are supporting France or you have another team to cheer on, here’s how to watch all the matches in France.

How to watch the Euro 2024 tournament on TV in France

It’s nearly deadline time for the 2024 property tax declaration in France – and if you own property here (even if you live in another country) this is something that you are likely to need to know about.

Who is exempt from the 2024 property tax declaration?

A new law went into effect this week that allows pharmacists to dispense antibiotics without prescription in certain cases. Most people will still need a prescription, however, so we’re taking a look at how you can get that if you’re just visiting France or you are not yet registered in the French health system. 

Do I need a prescription for antibiotics in France?

French lycée pupils are into the exam season – commiserations to any parents living with a stressed-out teen – and all of the Bac candidates will be taking a philosophy exam. The subject has been a compulsory part of French schooling since the days of Napoleon.

Building citizens: Why philosophy is compulsory in French schools

(And one extra)

As you may have noticed, there is an election on in France. You can get all the latest election news HERE and you can also sign up to receive by email our bi-weekly election breakdown (more info here). We’re also taking a look at what it would really mean for foreigners in France if the far-right do end up in power.

Meanwhile our Talking France podcast is also discussing all things election related. Listen here or on the link below

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LIVING IN FRANCE

What are anti-mosquito apps and are they worth using in France?

Anti-mosquito smartphone apps are something of a summer hit in France – but how sound is the science behind them?

Published: 27 June 2024 15:28 CEST
What are anti-mosquito apps and are they worth using in France?

Summer in France is mosquito season. The insistent high-pitched biting pests can be a huge frustration on sultry evenings, and are a major source of revenue for pharmacists and supermarkets selling repellents, creams and insecticide sprays, to those unfortunates who provide a tasty snack for the itch-inducing insects.

Recently, efforts to prevent mosquito attacks have moved into the app sphere. A number of smartphone applications are available that claim to repel mosquitoes by emitting low-frequency sounds from the phone’s speaker. 

READ ALSO: How to prevent the spread of tiger mosquitoes in France

The idea isn’t new. And it is based on actual science. France’s Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm) said that the apps are intended to, “imitate the sound waves produced by the wing beats of … dragonflies. Female mosquitoes, which bite humans, would be repelled by this sound”.

So far, so good. The theory seems sound enough. 

READ ALSO: ‘Put a drop of detergent in the water’ – How to deal with mosquitoes in France?

But there’s a problem. 

“The [sound]waves that could possibly be heard by female mosquitoes are too powerful to be reproduced by a smartphone,” Inserm went on to say.

Possibly to cover themselves, the Anti-moustique insecticide app, available on the App Store, states in its own description: “It has not been scientifically proven that low-frequency sounds can help repel mosquitoes. For this reason, this app should be considered a joke app”.

READ ALSO Life in France: 5 plants that (allegedly) repel mosquitoes

According to Inserm, experts advise against this type of app, “at best because they are useless, at worst because they can provide a false sense of protection”, leading users to neglect other – rather more effective – approaches to protecting themselves from bites.

Anti-mosquito advice

When it comes to repelling the horrible little bastards, the French government does have some official advice.

The main thing is to have as little stagnant water around as possible – since this is where mosquitoes breed.

This includes regularly emptying vases, flower pots, as well as watering cans and pots. If you want to collect rainwater, you could cover water butts with mosquito nets or fabric to keep the mosquitoes from getting inside.

To protect yourself, try to wear long, loose and light-coloured clothing, and use a good quality insect repellent. You might also consider wearing a mosquito net head gear.

A plethora of products exist on the market, from machines that also produce the mosquito repelling noise to scented candles or smoke coils, most of these have at at least some effect, but are unlikely to keep the mossies away entirely.

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