Stay one step ahead of mosquito bites
A few simple habits can make a real difference abroad. Pop in to Davyhulme Pharmacy and we'll talk you through how to keep the bites — and the illnesses they can carry — to a minimum.
In many parts of the world, a mosquito bite is more than just an itch. Mosquitoes can spread illnesses such as malaria, dengue, Zika and chikungunya, and for several of these there's no jab and no tablet — so avoiding bites in the first place is your best line of defence. The good news is that the basics are easy to get right once you know them.
Whether you're off to a beach resort, backpacking, visiting family or working overseas, our pharmacist can give you clear, practical advice tailored to where you're going. We'll help you put together a sensible bite-avoidance routine and point you to the right repellents before you fly.
Why avoiding bites matters so much
Different mosquitoes are active at different times. The ones that can pass on malaria tend to bite from dusk through to dawn, while those linked to dengue, Zika and chikungunya often bite during the day, particularly around early morning and late afternoon. That means there's no single "safe" time of day in many destinations — which is exactly why a steady routine of repellent, sensible clothing and a protected place to sleep works better than relying on any one thing on its own.
Repellents, clothing and your room
A good insect repellent applied to exposed skin is the cornerstone of bite avoidance — DEET-based repellents are widely recommended, and we'll explain the right strength and how often to top it up, including when you're also using sunscreen. Cover up where you can with loose, long-sleeved tops and trousers, especially at higher-risk times. At night, air-conditioned or well-screened rooms help, and a mosquito net — ideally one treated with insecticide — is well worth packing if your room isn't sealed.
Where bite avoidance fits into your wider travel plan
Bite avoidance sits alongside the rest of your travel-health preparation rather than replacing it. For some destinations, antimalarial medication may be appropriate as well, and your pharmacist will assess whether it's suitable for you and your trip during a consultation — where clinically appropriate, medication can be provided. For illnesses like dengue and Zika, there's no tablet to take, so the measures on this page do the heavy lifting. Come and see us a few weeks before you travel and we'll pull the whole plan together for you.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Antimalarial medication, where it's suitable for you, reduces your risk but isn't a guarantee, and it does nothing against dengue, Zika or chikungunya. Using repellent and avoiding bites is recommended for everyone, tablets or not.
It depends on your destination and who's travelling, including children. Higher-strength DEET lasts longer between applications. Our pharmacist will recommend a suitable option for your trip and show you how to apply it properly, including alongside sunscreen.
Often a well-sealed, air-conditioned or screened room is enough overnight. If your accommodation is more basic or open to the outdoors — common when backpacking or in rural areas — an insecticide-treated net adds a useful extra layer of protection.
Generally yes, with a few sensible adjustments around strength and how it's applied. This is something we're always happy to talk through in the pharmacy, as the right approach for a baby, a child or in pregnancy can differ from an adult's.
This information is grounded in NHS and TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) guidance and is for general information — not a substitute for a personal consultation. Your travel consultation is carried out by our pharmacist.
Get bite-ready before you fly
Call in or book a travel consultation at Davyhulme Pharmacy and we'll tailor your mosquito-protection plan to your trip.