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Nothing destroys a vacation more than itching and scratching from mosquito and sandfly bites. And you certainly don't want to find out you’ve contracted Lyme disease or a Zica, or Dengue virus. This post will provide you with tips on how to plan ahead to prevent insect bites when you’re traveling so you can stay safe, healthy, and itch-free.
Isn’t it exciting to plan for a vacation in a tropical paradise or a trip to explore a gorgeous wilderness area?
While you’re planning, remember that these types of trips often come with the challenge of dealing with insects that are annoying―like the mosquitoes and biting flies, we have in the U.S.
It's even more important to protect against the dangerous ticks that carry Lyme disease and the life-threatening mosquitos that carry West Nile Virus, Zika virus, Dengue fever, and malaria.
Lyme disease used to be rare, but no more. West Nile has been circulating for awhile and Zika and Dengue fever have been showing up in the U.S. lately.
Since there are no vaccines against these diseases, you must be extra cautious!
Here’s what you can do to prevent insect bites on your next vacation.
Use Effective Insect Repellents
Eco-friendly insect repellents
When packing for your trip, selecting the right insect repellent is crucial.
As a former clinical herbalist who spent many years as a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild, my first choice is to use an eco-friendly insect repellent made from natural ingredients like citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, lavender, geranium, eucalyptus, tea tree, and/or lemon essential oils.
Mountain Rose Herbs is a reputable site you can visit to purchase their natural bug sprays. Just type "bug spray" in the search box). You can also purchase the ingredients to make your own from Mountain Rose. You can also usually buy natural bug sprays at your local health food store.
As a word of caution, the oils in these sprays deter insects because of their smell. So, according to research conducted by the National Institutes for Health, you’ll need to apply them every 20-60 minutes.
Synthetic insect repellents
When I go to areas with a high rate of Lyme disease reported or areas with known viruses like West Nile, Zika, and Dengue, I use DEET—or Picaridin-based repellents, but I use them very sparingly.
Preventing insect bites with DEET
Repellents containing DEET have been proven for their long-lasting effectiveness against a variety of insects.
Although the NIH has indicated neurotoxicity if used under sunscreen, and the EU has banned DEET products containing more than 50%, most research shows DEET to be safe if used correctly.
Use this list of tips from the EPA to be sure you are using DEET safely And as a caution, don’t apply it to synthetic clothing or anything plastic like your sunglasses, as it can start to dissolve them. It is best to wear cotton, wool, or other natural fabric when you’re using DEET.
Preventing insect bites with Picaridin
Picaridin is a synthetic compound developed in the 1980’s. As with DEET, Picaridin has been shown to have no adverse health effects if used correctly (see the list of tips from the EPA for DEET in the section above), although there have been several reports of skin irritation.
The reason I prefer Picaridin over DEET is that it isn’t greasy, it doesn’t smell, and I can use it on synthetic clothing.
Wear Insect-Repellent Clothing
Investing in clothing containing insect repellent is the best way to prevent insect bites over a large skin area. These clothes are specially treated with permethrin which is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring insecticide, pyrethrum, which comes from Chrysanthemums.
Choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothes with long sleeves. ExOfficio is a reputable brand available at REI, L.L.Bean has a nice selection of bug free clothing, and Shoo for Good has a cute selection of large scarves and wraps.
The insect repellent washes out over time so be sure to read the label so you know how many times you can wash the item.
Opt for a Bug Nets When Camping
If you’re camping, be sure your tent or RV has bug nets, insect screens, or other type of protection from insects.
Check occasionally for small tears and be sure to keep the screens on tent flaps and RV doors fully closed unless you’re going in or out.
Choose the Right Accommodation
Look for accommodation that provides air conditioning or window screens.
Before you unpack, inspect each room for any gaps in windows, doors, or ceilings that could allow insects to enter. If you find a tear, notify the owner or manager and ask them to fix it or assign you to a different room. You don't want to be swatting insects all night.
👉 Special Note: Traveling to Areas With Malaria
If you’re traveling to areas with malaria, you will want to consider taking malaria tablets before you go. Your doctor or a travel health clinic nurse can provide you with more information.
Other Steps to Prevent Insect Bites While Traveling
Here are some additional steps to take to prevent insect bites while traveling:
- Take along an antihistamine cream for bites, hydrocortisone cream to soothe irritation if you do get bitten, and tweezers to remove ticks.
- Be sure to reapply repellents according to instructions as well as after sweating or swimming.
- Before your trip, research the destination’s bug seasons and plan accordingly.
- Check with the CDC before you travel for any insect-related diseases you might encounter.
- If possible, steer clear of standing water, dense forests, or sandy beaches where bugs are more prevalent.
Final Thoughts
Making sure you have a bug-free travel experience requires some planning.
By using effective insect repellents—whether eco-friendly or synthetic ones like DEET or Picaridin—you can protect yourself from bites and the health risks they pose.
Investing in insect-repellent clothing further shields you from those annoying insects as well as helps you avoid using too much repellent.
Selecting accommodations with air conditioning or screened windows can keep the bugs away, while screens for your tent or RV are essential for camping trips.
Take these simple steps and you’ll have a much better time on your vacation, not to mention protect yourself from serious disease.
I’d love to hear your favorite methods to repel bugs! Share your tips in the comments below and help your fellow travelers stay protected.
And don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more travel tips and tricks.
Safe travels! 🛶🏝️🍹
❇️ ❇️ ❇️ Here are some other tips to help you plan the perfect vacation.
10 Travel Planning Tips to Create the Perfect Trip
Stress-Free Travel: 10 Tips for a Relaxing Vacation
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