Protecting yourself and your family against biting mosquitoes

Although there are vaccines and medication to protect against vectorborne diseases (diseases carried by biting arthropods such as mosquitoes) such as malaria and yellow fever, the best protection against these diseases is to protect yourself against their bites. The major reason for this is that for some vectorborne disease such as dengue and chikungunya there is no prevention or treatment so preventing mosquito bites is the only method of prevention. Mosquitoes bite in order to feed on blood. Following the precautions below can markedly reduce your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Know when you are likely to be bitten: Mosquitoes can bite at any time of day but they can be predicted with some certainty. Mosquitoes that carry dengue, chikungunya tend to bite during daylight hours. Those that carry malaria, dengue and West Nile virus tend to feed mainly at twilight (i.e. dawn and dusk) or in the evening after dark. Older people and children should tend to remain indoors during these periods if there are a lot of biting mosquitoes around. Mosquitoes bite from April until October in temperate climates and all year round in tropical areas.

Know where you are likely to be bitten: mosquitoes are most frequently found near stagnant water in pools, ponds, old tyres, water gathered on roof tops and other such places.

Wear appropriate clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, boots, socks and hats. Tucked in shirts and closed shoes instead of sandals may reduce the likelihood of being bitten. Clothing may also be treated with insect repellents.

Protect your room: mosquito bites can be reduced by air conditioning, insect-proof screens on windows and doors and spraying the room with insecticide.

Protect your bed: Bed nets and cot nets should be used if rooms are not adequately screened or air conditioned be used if necessary and are particularly effective if treated. If bed nets do not reach the floor, they should be tucked under the mattress.

There is a range of insecticides that can be used on skin and to treat clothes and bed nets. However, the UK's Health Protection Agency's (HPA) Advisory Committee on Malaria Prevention (ACMP) strongly recommends DEET-based insect repellents as these are the most effective. The HPA has a section on myths about malaria prevention here. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a useful resource on Protection Against Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Insects and Arthropods.

Finally, general advice on protecting your health while travelling is available here.

Last updated: 12th July 2010