Mosquito · 6 min
Mosquito protection when travelling
Repellent on skin, treatment on clothing, a net over the bed. Three layers, three jobs.
Mosquito protection works in layers. Each covers what the others let through, and none is sufficient alone.
On skin: repellent
The first layer and the most used one. Apply it to all exposed skin, and apply it last — after sunscreen, never before, or the repellent is diluted.
Two common mistakes: using too little, and forgetting to reapply. How long it lasts depends on the concentration, on sweating and on swimming. Follow the manufacturer's instructions rather than a general rule.
Ankles and feet are the most bitten and the most often forgotten areas, particularly on a terrace in the evening.
On clothing: fabric treatment
A fabric spray goes on outer clothing, your bag and the mosquito net, not on skin. It survives several washes and covers what skin repellent cannot: a mosquito will bite through thin fabric.
Most useful in rural areas, in forest, and on longer trips.
Around the bed: a net
Essential as soon as your accommodation is neither air-conditioned nor properly sealed. An impregnated net protects during the eight hours when you can control nothing.
Check that it is tucked under the mattress and that it does not touch your skin overnight: a mosquito bites through the net wherever it makes contact.
Behaviour matters as much
Mosquito habits vary by species. Some bite at dusk and at night, others in broad daylight, particularly in urban areas.
In practice: long sleeves and trousers in the evening, light colours, and care near standing water. Air conditioning and a fan also noticeably reduce mosquito activity in a room.
After a bite
An after-bite roll-on eases the itching sensation. The real issue is not scratching: an infected bite in the tropics takes weeks to heal.
What this guide does not cover
Mosquito-borne diseases, where they occur, and any preventive treatment are matters for medical advice. Depending on your destination and your profile, your doctor may recommend specific measures. Consult them before departure and check official sources.