Protection Against Mosquito Bites

Many diseases affecting travellers are transmitted by mosquitoes and other biting insects. Malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus and Japanese encephalitis are some examples. Effective protection against insect bites is therefore an important part of preparing for your trip.

Four Important Ways to Protect Yourself

  • Wear clothing that covers exposed skin.
  • Use an effective insect repellent on exposed skin.
  • Choose accommodation with air conditioning or effective insect screening.
  • Use an insecticide-treated mosquito net when needed.

Clothing

Light-coloured clothing that covers the skin can help reduce the risk of insect bites. Long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and socks provide additional protection. Remember that biting times vary between mosquito species – some are most active from dusk to dawn, while mosquitoes that transmit dengue, chikungunya and Zika commonly bite during the daytime.

Use insect repellent on areas of skin that are not covered by clothing.

Insect Repellents

Insect repellents are available as sprays, roll-ons and other formulations and are an important complement to protective clothing. Apply repellent to exposed skin, such as the hands, feet, face and neck, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Reapplication may be necessary after swimming, heavy sweating or after the recommended protection time has passed.

DEET and Duration of Protection

DEET is one of the most widely used and well-studied insect repellents. Products with higher concentrations generally provide protection for longer than products with lower concentrations, although the exact duration varies between products and conditions.

Always follow the instructions on the product label, particularly when using insect repellent on children. Do not apply repellent to children's hands or close to the eyes or mouth, and do not apply it to irritated or damaged skin.

Indoor insecticide sprays designed to kill mosquitoes can be used when appropriate to reduce the number of mosquitoes in a room. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the product is suitable for indoor use.

Choosing Accommodation

Air-conditioned rooms, well-fitting windows and effective insect screens on doors and windows can reduce the risk of mosquito bites indoors.

In areas where malaria or other serious insect-borne diseases occur, choose accommodation with effective air conditioning or insect screening whenever possible. If the room is not adequately protected, an insecticide-treated mosquito net can provide important additional protection while sleeping.

Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets

An insecticide-treated mosquito net can provide highly effective protection against mosquito bites while sleeping and is particularly important in malaria risk areas when accommodation is not adequately screened or air-conditioned.

Make sure that the net is intact and properly fitted. It should hang freely so that your skin does not rest against the net while you sleep, and the edges should be securely tucked under the mattress or otherwise arranged so that mosquitoes cannot enter.

Looking After an Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Net

Avoid unnecessary washing, as repeated washing may gradually reduce the effectiveness of the insecticide. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding washing, use and the expected effective lifespan of the net.

Long-lasting insecticidal nets are designed to retain their effectiveness for an extended period, but their useful lifespan depends on the product, frequency of use and number of washes. Check the manufacturer's recommendations.

When an insecticide-treated mosquito net is no longer usable, dispose of it in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and local waste and environmental regulations.

Remember

Every bite you prevent reduces your risk. Consistent protection against mosquito and other insect bites helps reduce the risk of malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus, Japanese encephalitis and other insect-borne diseases.

Protection may be needed both during the day and at night, depending on which disease-carrying insects occur at your destination.


Senast uppdaterad 2026-09-02