Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Planning and booking a holiday is one of the most exciting moments of the year, from choosing what country you’re going to explore, to picking a hotel that suits you and your needs. But once you’ve locked in your destination, there are some other things you should consider and plan for before heading to the airport; from ensuring you are covered with the correct travel insurance for medical conditions, to making sure you have the right toiletries and necessities packed.
As part of our managing bites and strings series, in this guide, we share the best ways to avoid mosquito bites when you’re abroad, from choosing the right clothes to wear to using preventative measures like creams and sprays.
Choosing the Best Mosquito Repellents
Mosquitoes can be found almost everywhere in the world, but are particularly prevalent in warmer climates and countries such as Africa, South America, and Asia. Whether you are planning to visit one of these areas or even parts of Europe, it is important to be prepared in the event you are bitten.
When packing, be sure to include mosquito repellent and bite cream on your list. Prevention is better than cure, so do your research when it comes to the best repellent sprays. Some of the most effective mosquito repellents include ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, and IR3535, so look out for these on the labels.
Popular repellents include:
- Jungle Formula maximum pump spray
- Superdrug buzz off insect repellent
- Boots repel maximum 50% DEET and PMD roll-on
- Incognito insect repellent
Having an excellent repellent is irrelevant without knowing how to apply it effectively. When applying it, ensure you are spraying an even, thin layer on exposed skin, including wrists, ankles, hands, and neck.
READ MORE: How to ensure you are prepared for anything before a holiday
Consider Your Clothing Choices Carefully
In addition to having an excellent repellent, picking the right clothes to help avoid mosquito bites is also important. Although you’re in a hot country, considering long sleeves and trousers will help keep the bites at bay. We also recommend that you choose lightweight fabrics to prevent overheating.
Mosquitos can bite through clothes, but having an extra layer for them to contend with should lessen the chances. In addition to wearing extra layers, try to wear light colours, as mosquitoes are less attracted to lighter shades.
Behavioural Strategies to Protect from Mosquito Bites
It may sound unusual, but there are certain behaviours you can adopt that’ll help protect you from mosquito bites. Firstly, avoiding being in nature at dusk and dawn is an excellent start, as this is when mosquitoes are most active and you are more prone to being bitten. Secondly, try avoiding strong scents in perfumes and lotions, as these can also attract bugs.
It is also important to choose accommodation that is equipped to keep mosquitoes out. This means selecting a place with good air conditioning and screened windows, as well as one that may have nets on the beds for added protection in areas known for mosquitoes.
Using Barriers – Nets and Other Preventive Tools
Mosquito nets are a great way to prevent bites, and hotels in areas prone to mosquitoes tend to provide these (though we always recommend you check ahead of arriving). Alternatively, you could pack your own, as they are compact and small in your case. If you do have a net, another measure to take is to treat your net with insecticide to keep them at bay.
Similarly, when you’re in your room, try to keep the windows shut as much as possible. If you do have them open, ensure the window screens are in place; these will allow air in while keeping bugs out.
How to Relieve Mosquito Bites and Stop the Itch
Sometimes, no matter how many precautions you take, mosquito bites happen, so knowing how to treat them can be important. There are a plethora of practical remedies that can help relieve the bite and the itch that come with it. These include hydrocortisone cream, antihistamines, aloe vera, and cold compresses.
If the bites don’t improve with over-the-counter cream or tablet treatment, it's essential to seek medical advice, especially if you are visiting a high-risk area. Although it may feel like it is helping, scratching the bits will only make them worse, so try and keep them covered and out of sight to avoid temptation.
If you’ve got an upcoming trip planned, or you’re just in the consideration phase, then hopefully this article has given you some ideas on how to avoid mosquito bites whilst you’re away.
As well as ensuring you have all the proper precautions in place for potential bug bites, it is also important to compare holiday insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, so you know you are covered should you need to visit a medical professional whilst away. For more articles and guides like this, make sure you explore our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mosquitoes are highly sensitive to certain scents; these include citronella, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree oil, to name just a few.
Choosing your accommodation wisely, ensuring you have mosquito nets and applying repellent before bed are simple ways to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
Yes, mosquitoes can bite through clothes, but wearing thicker materials can make it harder for them to penetrate through to the skin.
Applying cold compresses, using over-the-counter creams and using natural remedies like aloe vera and tea tree can all help the itch that comes with mosquito bites