Here at Travelpharm we have a passion for keeping our travellers healthy and that includes preventing mosquito bites. Learn how to stop annoying mosquito bites with Travelpharm.
Check out Travelpharms guide to preventing mosquito bites. Here are some simple but essential precautions that you can take to avoid getting mosquito bites.
Did you know that whilst mosquito bites are a nuisance, mosquitos can also spread many deadly diseases? Read on to find out more!
KNOCKDOWN PRODUCTS: Use mosquito and insect killing or "knockdown" products in the bedroom. Regular use of these products is necessary so that the product comes into contact with any new insects that enter the room. Typically knockdown products use pyrethroids like permethrin which are deadly to insects. Keep windows and doors shut to prevent mosquito coming back in.
SKIN PROTECTION: Apply insect repellent to all exposed areas of skin, avoiding eyes and mouth. We advise the use of DEET containing products, which has been widely used for over 50 years and has clearly been shown to be one of the most effective repellent products. The use of 50% DEET products is usually sufficient in normal conditions. There are however many alternatives to DEET available which are becoming more and more popular. One of the most popular repellents is Saltidin (Picaridin which is a key ingredient in Trek Sensitive and Lifesystems Expedition Sensitive.
MOSQUITO NETS: Mosquito nets are essential when sleeping in high-risk areas, especially nets that have been treated with insecticide which kills insects & mosquitoes on contact. There are various size and shapes of nets available which ensures you are protected through the night. If you are travelling through many areas then portable, lightweight nets are available and if you are unsure about hanging points then consider a pop-up mosquito net, like these ones from Pyramid.
AIR CONDITIONING: If possible, it is best to stay in air-conditioned accommodation as this helps keep the room cool and reduce the number of mosquito.
WINDOW & DOOR SCREENS: Try to stay in accommodation that supplies window and door screens to keep mosquito out.
CLOTHING: Wear long-sleeve shirts and long trousers as these cover most of the body. Ensure any clothing you wear is loose fitting and not tight to the skin as mosquitoes may be able to bite through thin clothing. Most DEET products are not suitable for application to clothing so there are specialist products available to help. Lifesystems Expedition Ex4 Mosquito Control Fabric Treatment is brilliant for spraying clothes and will help to repel biting insects. Ideally, wear light coloured clothing during the day as these attract mosquitoes less than dark clothing.
AVOID AFTERSHAVE OR PERFUMES: These smells can attract mosquitoes, especially during the evenings. Did you know that pregnant women are also more prone to mosquito bites?
AVOID FLOODED OR AREAS CLOSE TO WATER: Mosquito and other biting insects breed or hatch eggs around watered areas, which will increase the risk of being bitten.
Insect bites are generally small, red itchy bumps, it is important not to scratch them as they could become infected. To reduce the swelling, antihistamine creams or tablets can be used, this also helps to reduce itching. If your bite does look infected then it is important to visit a doctor as you may require antibiotics.
It's estimated that mosquito cause nearly 750,000 deaths per year through the spread of diseases like Malaria, Yellow Fever, and Dengue Fever to name just a few.
It is important to be aware of the symptoms of diseases such as Malaria, which include a high temperature, sweats and chills, muscle pain, vomiting, headaches and diarrhoea. Symptoms can take up to 15 days before they begin to show, so you may already be at home when symptoms begin. It is important to visit your doctor if you feel you have symptoms, even if it is several months or even a year after you have returned from your trip.
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USING INSECT REPELLENT SAFELY:
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