How to avoid mosquito bites

Applying a topical insect repellent in the form of a lotion, cream, spray or wipe is among the more popular ways of avoiding bites from insects. Look for insect repellents that contain proven insect repelling ingredients, such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus and citronella oil. If you don't want the hassle of slathering yourself with sprays and lotions, a mosquito wrist band is an effective alternative. Worn around wrists or ankles, insect repellent wrist bands release vapours that are unpleasant to insects, creating a halo of protection around you. Plug in mosquito repellents are small devices that release insect repellent vapours when they are plugged into the mains, effectively clearing the room of mosquitoes and other biting insects. Citronella candles and mosquito smoke coils also help keep bugs at bay, and for more adventurous travellers or outdoor workers who spend time off the beaten track, insect repellent clothing can be a worthwhile investment.

Not only is sleeping under a mosquito net a great way to protect yourself against mosquito bites, it is also one of the most effective ways to avoid malaria infection. If you are staying in a country or area of a country where malaria is present, you must think seriously about taking a mosquito net with you. Travel mosquito nets pack away easily into your luggage, are lightweight and easy to assemble. Nets are available for double and single beds, babies cots, pushchairs and prams, in a variety of styles and colours. An insecticide-treated mosquito net will give you extra protection. If you spend time outdoors fishing, hiking or working with swarms of biting insects around your head and face, why not invest in a mosquito net hat? Not as daft as it sounds!

Insect screens for windows and doors prevent mosquitoes and other biting insects from flying indoors. Screens are available in a variety of styles to suit the entrances you need to screen - choose from hinged insect screens, patio door screens, retractable fly screens, insect net curtains and door strip blinds. You can even buy lengths of insect screen mesh material, which you can trim yourself and fix in place with Velcro - this is ideal for screening awkward-shaped windows in tents, boats, cars, gazebos, greenhouses and caravans. Insect screens don't block out the light or reduce visibility and are easy to open and close. No longer will you have to worry about that mosquito lurking in the room, because it won't be able to get in!

In addition to using insect repellent, installing insect screens and sleeping under a mosquito net, here are a few common sense measures you can take to reduce your risk of mosquito bites.

1. Cover your arms, legs, ankles and other areas of exposed skin with clothing at dusk and at night. This is when many mosquito species are most likely to bite


2. Avoid wearing fragranced toiletries such as deodorant and perfume; this makes you more attractive to mosquitoes


3. Wear light-coloured clothing instead of dark. Dark clothing retains heat, a signal that mosquitoes detect when they are looking for their next meal


4. Don't allow stagnant water to accumulate around your home - this is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Regularly change the water in bird baths and children's paddling pools, and check around for objects that can hold rain water, such as buckets, flowerpots, guttering or old tyres


5. Use air conditioning and a free-standing fan. Mosquitoes are not good fliers in air turbulence and prefer warm temperatures