Sat 25 May 15:12

Mosquito Bites

They itch for ever, and can bring illness, so how do you avoid mosquito bites in the first place?

Published March 21, 2011

Use a repellent that contains DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide). This comes in various strengths — you’ll need at least 30-50% in order to ward off the biters.

If you can’t stand the smell, try non-DEET Jungle Formula, Bayrepel or Mosiguard, made from eucalyptus oil.

Wear long, loose clothing in light or neutral colours.

Use repellent on your clothes or buy DEET-impregnated items.

Avoid using fragrances.

Keep away from still water.
Stay indoors at dusk and dawn.

Sleep under a mosquito net, ideally one impregnated with insecticide.

While you sleep, leave citronella candles or mosquito coils burning or use a plug-in vapour deterrent.

a mosquito patch or armband that contains thiamine, or vitamin B1 — a repellent scent to mosquitoes.

Take anti-malaria drugs: malarone and doxycycline are best for short trips. Be aware, however, that some can make users photosensitive: no, not better at taking pictures, but more prone to sunburn.