Mosquito protection: everything you need to know

Why is protecting yourself against mosquitos important?

Itchy bites are one thing, illnesses are another: mosquitoes transmit diseases, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. These include malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and the Zika virus. Good mosquito protection reduces the risk of a bite and thus the transmission of a disease.

There are several ways to protect yourself against mosquitoes and other insects. Sprays, lotions, mosquito nets attached to your bed or to a hat and bite-proof clothing are tried-and-tested options.

Insect spray for the skin

Mosquito sprays provide reliable protection against mosquito bites, some even protect against ticks. They contain what are known as repellents. These are active ingredients that are usually absorbed via the mosquito’s sense of smell and have a deterrent effect. Products containing DEET are particularly effective. The packaging usually indicates how high the concentration of the repellent is. A DEET concentration of 20% or more provides good protection. A higher concentration does not provide better protection, but it does last for longer. If it contains more than 50% DEET, it won’t last for longer, and side effects such as skin irritations are more likely. How long the protection lasts depends, among other things, on how much you sweat and how humid the climate is. Reapplying the insect repellent helps to maintain protection. Please follow the instructions on the sprays.

Insect spray for clothes

Insect protection exclusively for clothing and nets impregnates the fabrics for up to four weeks and provides protection against different types of insects. This method is particularly worthwhile when travelling to tropical regions where disease-carrying mosquitoes are widespread. After washing, you’ll need to treat the fabric again. In principle, all fabrics can be treated, and tightly woven fabric makes it even more difficult for the mosquitoes to bite. Mosquito sprays for skin does not work on clothes.

Please note that these sprays are insecticides, so they’re poisonous. Be sure to read the product information before use, use the insect spray responsibly and keep it away from children.

Mosquito nets

Mosquito nets are a very effective way to protect against insects. Some models are also treated with mosquito repellent – or you can treat them yourself with a spray. Without this treatment, the nets are a physical barrier; by treating them, you increase this protection with chemical agents. Which net is the right one depends primarily on where you’re going and how much protection is needed in the area.

Mosquito nets for hammocks are suitable for travellers who actually sleep in hammocks. Due to their shape, these nets are not suitable for using over a bed. If you are travelling with a tent, make sure that the inner tent is intact. This provides good protection against mosquitoes.

The nets are often made from a very fine mesh and are prone to ripping. Check them regularly for holes and stitch them up if necessary. To do this, you can use a normal thread and sew the hole completely closed. If you want to have it repaired professionally, we’ll be able to find a solution in our repair workshop.

Bite-resistant clothing

Clothing itself often provides a little protection from insect bites – the finer the mesh, the better. You can buy specially impregnated mosquito protection clothing, for example from the Craghoppers brand. A special spray can also be used to treat normal clothing. Clothing should be long-sleeved and fit loosely. Light colours are better because they attract less mosquitoes.

Wear long socks up to your ankles. Ideally, tuck your trousers into your socks. For high-risk areas, it’s also worth wearing bite-proof socks so you don’t always have to wear closed shoes.

Mosquito protection for children

Sprays in particular sometimes contain very strong ingredients. They are therefore not suitable for children under the age of three. Sprays and lotions specially developed for children are better. These mosquito repellents contain active ingredients that are less harsh.

There are also wristbands that keep the insects away. They give off a fragrance that does not come into contact with the skin. The wristbands are waterproof, refillable and keep insects away for up to 30 days.

Regardless of age, long, bite-proof clothing or mosquito nets are suitable for mosquito protection.

Fragrance sticks, incense spirals and diffusers

Essential oils are available as mosquito repellents in various products. Fragrance sticks, similar to room fragrances, incense spirals to burn or electric diffusers emit a fragrance that keeps mosquitoes away. However, these products are quite weak and are therefore mostly suitable for regions where mosquitoes do not transmit diseases.

Household remedies such as scented candles or coconut oil as a lotion can also keep mosquitoes away. However, they also only have a limited effect and offer little protection in risk areas.

Mosquito and insect protection: more tips

• Dark clothes are more likely to attract insects than light-coloured ones. It’s best to wear light-coloured clothing.

• Avoid heavily fragrant perfumes and care products, as the strong scents attract mosquitoes.

• Mosquitoes are particularly likely to be near in stagnant water, but less likely to stay in windy, dry places. Take this into account, especially when it comes choosing where you are going to sleep. Smoke also keeps many mosquitoes away, which is a nice side effect when cooking over a fire, for example.

• If you do get a bite, ointments or roll-ons relieve the itching. A heat pen can also help. You charge it using your smartphone, hold it on the sting and leave it on the skin for a few seconds. The heat destroys the proteins of the poison that the mosquitoes leave behind which causes the itching. Regardless of what works best for you, try not to scratch the stitch. This can lead to infection.

• Find out about the symptoms of possible illnesses and any medical care before you travel. Make a note of the emergency numbers and find out about the necessary precautions or emergency medication.