Mosquito Protection for Travel
Mosquitoes transmit malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and yellow fever. Personal protection measures — repellents, treated clothing, and bed nets — are essential components of travel health, especially in tropical destinations.
Mosquito protection works alongside — not instead of — vaccines and malaria prophylaxis. Our physician at Peel Travel Clinic provides a complete protection strategy at your pre-travel consultation. Call (905) 890-2757.
Repellent Comparison
| Repellent | Concentration | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEET | 20–30% (recommended) | 4–8 hours | Gold standard. Safe 6 months+. Can damage plastics/synthetics. |
| Picaridin (Icaridin) | 20% | 8–12 hours | Equal to DEET; gentler on skin and fabrics. Odourless. |
| IR3535 | 20% | 4–8 hours | Gentle. Good for young children. Slightly less effective than DEET. |
| Lemon Eucalyptus Oil (OLE/PMD) | 30–40% | 4–6 hours | Plant-based; CDC-approved. Not for children under 3. |
| Permethrin (clothing treatment) | 0.5% spray | 6+ washes | Applied to fabric only, not skin. Kills on contact. Very effective. |
Layered Protection Strategy
1. Repellent
Apply DEET 30% or Picaridin 20% to all exposed skin. Re-apply every 4–8 hours and after swimming or sweating. Apply sunscreen first, then repellent on top.
2. Clothing
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed shoes — especially at dawn and dusk. Light-coloured clothing is preferable. Treat clothing with permethrin for added protection.
3. Bed Net
Use permethrin-treated bed nets when sleeping in non-air-conditioned rooms. Tuck edges under mattress. Check for holes before use. Most critical for malaria-risk areas.
4. Environment
Sleep in air-conditioned rooms when possible. Keep windows and doors closed at dusk. Use a fan — mosquitoes are poor fliers in moving air. Use door/window screens.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases by Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
- Malaria — highest risk; prophylaxis + protection essential
- Dengue — urban areas; daytime biter
- Yellow Fever — vaccine required/recommended
- Chikungunya — widespread
Southeast Asia
- Dengue — high risk; major cities included
- Malaria — rural/border areas; low risk in cities
- Japanese Encephalitis — rural, rice-growing areas
- Zika — low-level ongoing risk
South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
- Dengue — widespread; year-round risk
- Malaria — region-specific; higher risk northeastern India
- Chikungunya — significant burden
Latin America & Caribbean
- Dengue — highest risk; most countries
- Zika — ongoing; pregnancy risk
- Malaria — Amazon basin, Haiti; low in resorts
- Yellow Fever — Amazon regions; vaccine recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mosquito repellent for travel?
DEET (20–30% concentration) is the gold standard insect repellent, effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. It is safe for adults and children over 6 months. Apply to exposed skin, avoiding eyes and mouth. Picaridin (20%) is equally effective and less irritating to skin and synthetic fabrics. IR3535 is a gentler option suitable for young children. For high-risk destinations (malaria, dengue, Zika), use DEET 30% or Picaridin 20%.
What is permethrin and should I use it when travelling?
Permethrin is an insecticide applied to clothing, not skin. It kills or repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects on contact. Permethrin-treated clothing provides excellent protection, especially when combined with skin repellent. Pre-treated clothing (Insect Shield brand) or home treatment kits are available. Permethrin survives up to 70 washes when factory-applied. It is particularly recommended for malaria, dengue, and Zika risk areas, and for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or jungle trekking.
Malaria mosquitoes bite at night — dengue mosquitoes bite during the day?
Yes — this is an important distinction. Anopheles mosquitoes (malaria vectors) primarily bite from dusk to dawn. Aedes mosquitoes (dengue, Zika, chikungunya vectors) are daytime biters, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. This means malaria prevention (bed nets, evening protection) does not fully protect against dengue. You need protection throughout the day in dengue-endemic areas — especially in urban and semi-urban Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Do I need a mosquito net when travelling?
Bed nets are strongly recommended when sleeping in accommodation that lacks air conditioning or screened windows — which includes most budget accommodation, rural lodges, and outdoor camping in malaria-risk areas. Use nets treated with permethrin (insecticide-treated nets, or ITNs), which are more effective. Ensure the net is tucked under the mattress without holes. In hotels with functional air conditioning and sealed windows, a bed net is less critical but still advisable in high-risk areas.
Is DEET safe to use on children?
Yes — DEET is considered safe for children over 6 months of age. Health Canada recommends: children 6 months to 2 years: maximum 10% DEET, applied by an adult, once daily; children 2–12 years: maximum 10% DEET, up to 3 times daily. DEET should not be applied to the hands of young children to prevent ingestion. Avoid applying to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin. DEET concentrations over 30% are not recommended for children under 12.
Get a Complete Mosquito Protection Plan
Malaria prescriptions, dengue advice, and Zika guidance at Peel Travel Clinic, Mississauga.
Call (905) 890-2757Related Services
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PharmacyPrescriptions, malaria meds & travel kits
Corporate HealthGroup vaccinations & deployment medicals
Pre-Travel ConsultationPersonalized travel health advice & vaccine plans
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Immunization RecordsYellow fever ICVP, vaccination documentation
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Fit to Fly CertificateMedical clearance letters for air travel
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Volunteer & Humanitarian Travel VaccinesPre-deployment vaccine planning for NGO, mission, and relief workers
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Adventure Travel MedicineVaccines and health planning for trekking, safari, diving, and expeditions
Travel Clinic GTATravel health services for the Greater Toronto Area
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Travel Clinic MarkhamTravel vaccines for Markham and York Region residents
Disclaimer: Mosquito-borne disease risk varies by destination, season, and activities. This page is for general guidance only and does not replace a consultation with our physician. Please book an appointment to discuss which vaccines and medications are right for your itinerary.