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Mosquitoes are small flying insects that are found throughout the world. In many areas they are primarily a nuisance, buzzing around and leaving itchy little welts where they bite. In other areas mosquito bites pose a serious health hazard for travellers, transmitting tropical diseases such as dengue fever, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, West Nile virus, and yellow fever.

Mosquito repellent[edit]

Avoid being bitten in the first place: cover your arms and legs as much as possible, and use repellents. The US "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" (CDC) has recommendations to prevent mosquito bites.



Permethrin - an insecticide used to treat fabrics, mosquito nets, etc (and not suitable for application to the skin). Clothing is usually impregnated by soaking in a permethrin solution; a single application will last several washes.


Oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol) - another option for those sensitive to DEET or dislike its smell. Considered to be the strongest of the plant-based repellents and according to some studies may be similar to DEET in terms of effectiveness. Has a strong lemon-like odor, but without the acrid chemical edge typical of DEET. Less toxic than DEET.





Mosquito nets[edit]





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