Protection Against Mosquito Bites
Many diseases acquired during travel are transmitted by mosquitoes and other insects. Malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus and Japanese encephalitis are some examples. Good protection against insect bites is therefore an important part of travel preparation.
Four Important Protective Measures
- Wear covering clothing.
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin.
- Choose accommodation with air conditioning or mosquito protection.
- Use an insecticide-treated mosquito net when needed.
Clothing
Light-coloured, covering clothing reduces the risk of insect bites. Long sleeves and long trousers provide good protection. Remember that different mosquito species are active at different times of day, so protection may be needed both during the day and at night.
Use insect repellent on areas of skin that are not covered by clothing.
Insect Repellent
Insect repellent in the form of a spray, roll-on or stick is an important complement to protective clothing and should be applied to areas of skin not covered by clothing, such as the hands, feet, face and neck.
Use a well-established insect repellent, for example one containing DEET, icaridin/picaridin or IR3535. Always follow the product instructions regarding age, concentration, application and how often it should be reapplied.
Reapplication may be necessary after heavy sweating or swimming.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and the insect repellent afterwards. If possible, avoid combination products containing both sunscreen and insect repellent, as they normally need to be reapplied at different intervals.
Do not apply insect repellent to young children's hands or close to the eyes or mouth. Always follow the product's age recommendations.
A so-called knock-down mosquito spray can be used in accommodation in the evening or before going to bed to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the room. Such products are a supplement and do not replace other measures to prevent insect bites.
Choice of Accommodation
Air-conditioned rooms, well-sealed windows and mosquito screens on doors and windows reduce the risk of mosquito bites indoors.
In areas where malaria or other serious insect-borne diseases occur, choose accommodation with effective air conditioning and mosquito protection where possible.
Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets
An insecticide-treated mosquito net over the bed provides very good protection against night-biting mosquitoes and is particularly important in malaria areas. It is therefore a useful addition to other preventive measures.
The net should be intact and hung as freely as possible to avoid contact with the skin. Tuck the net under the mattress so that there are no openings through which insects can enter.
Treated Clothing and Mosquito Nets
Clothing and mosquito nets treated with permethrin or another approved insecticide can provide additional protection. Permethrin should not be applied directly to the skin. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Care of Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets
Do not wash the net unnecessarily, as repeated washing gradually reduces the effectiveness of the treatment. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding use, washing and durability.
Unused nets kept in their packaging may often retain their effectiveness longer than nets that are used regularly. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations.
When the net is no longer required, it should be taken to an appropriate recycling or waste facility or disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations.
Remember
No mosquito bites – no malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis or other mosquito-borne diseases!
Consistent protection against insect bites is the most important measure for reducing the risk while travelling.
Senast uppdaterad 2026-09-06