Moskito Bites : Frequently Asked Questions for Travelers

Insect Bites and Stings: Frequently Asked Questions for Travelers

Why should I worry about insect bites when traveling? Many diseases are transmitted through insect bites and stings. The most common mosquito-borne diseases worldwide include dengue fever, malaria, West Nile fever, chikungunya fever, yellow fever, and Zika virus infection. Ticks can transmit other illnesses such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).

Are these diseases becoming more common? Yes. The occurrence of mosquito-borne diseases has increased in recent years, though their geographic distribution varies from region to region.

Where and when am I at risk? In tropical and subtropical regions, you can be exposed to insect-borne diseases throughout the year. In temperate areas, transmission can also occur during the summer months.

What time of day are mosquitoes most dangerous? There's no single safe time. Some mosquito species bite during the day, others at night, so it's important to protect yourself around the clock. Transmission can also happen in both rural and urban environments.

Mosquito Nets: Your Most Important Protection

What's the single most effective tool against mosquito bites? A good quality, impregnated mosquito net. Of all the prevention methods available — repellent, clothing, air conditioning, screens — a properly used mosquito net is the one that protects you during the hours when you're most vulnerable: when you're sleeping and can't swat, cover up, or reapply repellent.

In malaria-endemic regions, mosquito nets have been shown for decades to be one of the most reliable ways to prevent infection. If you take only one piece of equipment seriously, make it this one.

What's an "impregnated" mosquito net? It's a net that has been treated with a long-lasting insecticide (usually a pyrethroid). The treatment kills or repels mosquitoes that land on the net, so even small gaps or accidental skin contact with the netting offer some protection. These are sometimes labeled LLINs (long-lasting insecticide-treated nets) and are far more effective than plain, untreated nets.

Should I bring my own mosquito net or rely on the one at my accommodation? Bring your own if you can. Many hotels and guesthouses in tropical regions provide nets, but the quality varies — some have holes, missing hooks, or no insecticide treatment. A pre-treated, travel-sized net is light, compact, and gives you full control over your protection.

How do I use a mosquito net properly?

Hang it so it completely encloses the bed, with no gaps.
Tuck the edges under the mattress all the way around.
Make sure the net doesn't touch your skin while you sleep — mosquitoes can bite through the netting where it presses against you.
Check for holes before each trip and patch any you find.
Close the net before you get into bed, not after, so no mosquitoes get trapped inside with you.

What about protecting babies and small children? This is where mosquito nets matter most. Use impregnated nets over:

Prams and strollers
Playpens and cots
Baby baskets (line the basket with mosquito-proof fabric too)

Small children can't apply repellent themselves, can't tell you when they've been bitten, and are at higher risk of serious illness from diseases like malaria — so physical barriers like nets are especially important for them.

Do I need a net if my room has air conditioning or window screens? A net is still a smart backup. Power can fail, screens can have small tears, and doors get opened. The net provides a final layer of protection right where you spend the most vulnerable hours.

Avoiding Mosquito Bites During the Day

What should I do during the day, when I'm not under a net?

Cover up as much as possible with long sleeves and trousers.

Use insect repellent containing DEET (at least 20%) or icaridin on exposed skin and clothing.

Use air conditioning when available — mosquitoes avoid cool environments.

Are there any precautions when using repellent? Yes:

Avoid applying repellent to wounds or damaged skin.

For children, adults should apply the repellent for them.

Make sure children don't get icaridin on their hands or near their eyes or mouth.

DEET is not recommended for children under 2 years old — making a mosquito net even more essential for the youngest travelers.

How can I make my room itself less mosquito-friendly?

Use mosquito screens on windows.

Use electric mosquito repellents or other indoor mosquito control devices.

Remove standing water from flowerpots, buckets, and containers nearby — that's where mosquitoes breed.

Avoid turning on lights before closing doors and windows, since mosquitoes are attracted to light.

Avoiding Tick Bites

How do I protect myself from ticks?

Wear clothing that covers your skin, and tuck your trouser legs into your socks if possible.

Choose light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.

Use insect repellent containing DEET (≥20%) or icaridin on skin and clothing.

Avoid walking through tall grass, heather, and dense vegetation in tick-infested areas.

Do the same repellent precautions apply with ticks? Yes — don't apply repellent to wounds or damaged skin, adults should apply it for children, keep icaridin away from children's hands, eyes, and mouth, and don't use DEET on children under 2 years old.

Where do ticks usually attach themselves? Ticks can crawl quickly upward along your legs and body. They often find their way under clothing and attach around the arms, neck, and hairline. Check these areas carefully after spending time outdoors.

What should I do with my clothes after being outdoors? Shake out outdoor clothing thoroughly, and wash or air it afterwards.

What do I do if a tick bites me? Remove it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection. The longer a tick stays attached, the higher the risk of disease transmission. Detailed tick-removal instructions are available through pest control guides, such as the Sheep Ticks and Tick Bites guide from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Medicines and Vaccines

Are there medicines to prevent insect-borne diseases? Yes, for malaria. Malaria prevention medicines (antimalarials) are available by prescription and are essential in malaria-risk regions. They work best combined with bite-prevention measures like nets and repellent — neither pills nor nets alone are 100% protective.

Are there vaccines for insect-borne diseases? Yes — vaccines exist for some insect- or tick-borne diseases, such as yellow fever and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Others, like malaria, dengue, and Zika, do not have widely used travel vaccines, so prevention relies on avoiding bites.

Who can advise me on what I need? A healthcare professional can give you advice tailored to your specific travel destination, your medical history, and other relevant factors. Don't rely on generic online advice — talk to your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip.

A Final Word

The hierarchy of protection is simple: a properly used impregnated mosquito net is your foundation, especially at night and especially for children. Around it, layer on repellent, covering clothing, screens, air conditioning, and — where needed — antimalarial pills and vaccines.