How to avoid insect bites when travelling

Insect bites aren’t just irritating, in some parts of the world they can also carry serious diseases such as malaria, dengue and Zika. The good news is that most bites can be prevented with a few simple precautions.

From choosing the right insect repellent to protecting yourself while you sleep, here are our top, evidence-based tips to help you stay bite-free when travelling.

• Wear 30-50% DEET on areas of exposed skin. Apply this on top of your sunscreen.
• Wear loose long-sleeved tops and trousers and socks where possible after sunset. There is no evidence mosquitoes favour any particular colour of clothing. For extra protection consider using a clothing treatment which contains an insecticide called permethrin.
• Sleep under a mosquito net impregnated with long-lasting insecticide
• Doors, windows and other possible mosquito entry routes to sleeping accommodation should be screened with fine mesh netting which must be close-fitting and free from tears.
• Air conditioning reduces the likelihood of mosquito bite as a result of substantial reduction in night-time temperature.
• Permethrin and other synthetic pyrethroids sprays have a rapid knock-down effect on mosquitoes and are used to kill resting mosquitoes in a room.
• Products such as mosquito coils that can be burned when sitting outside and plug-in mosquito killers for use indoors contain these types of insecticide.

There is no scientific evidence to support that these commonly suggested natural or home remedies work as effective mosquito repellents

• Vitamin B tablets or eating Marmite®
• Garlic
• Electronic/battery operated buzzers. Devices that emit ‘sonic’ high frequency sound that are inaudible to humans are completely ineffective as mosquito repellents and should not be used
• Homeopathic remedies
• Herbal remedies
• Tea tree oil.

If you’re planning a trip, our expert travel health team can advise on the right insect repellents, malaria prevention and travel vaccines for your destination. Book a consultation at the Well Travelled Clinics to make sure you’re protected before you go.