There is a very good reason for keeping your room fan on during the night, and it is one every traveler loves to hate. It is the bite of the dreaded mosquito. They are not only annoying as their bites itch and swell, but in some countries, they can carry harmful diseases like malaria, West Nile virus, and dengue fever.
The reason mosquitoes like to drink our blood is that it gives females the protein they need to produce eggs. It is easy for them to find us, even from a distance because they can detect the carbon dioxide that we exhale. Mosquitoes can potentially sense sweat and body heat, too. A fan can help circulate the air, which will deter them from trying to get in your room. If you don’t have a fan, then putting the air conditioner on can similarly help move air around your abode. While there is no perfect way to keep these pests away, there are other things you can do to deter them.
Other ways to keep mosquitos away
Make sure to stay somewhere with fly screens, as these will stop mosquitoes from entering your room altogether. If there are screens, check them carefully for holes because they are easily damaged and mosquitos can get through the tiniest spaces. Ask the hotel to fix them or cover the holes with duct tape yourself.
You can also use a net over your bed if you are in an area with a lot of mosquitoes or you are not able to fully stop them from coming into your room. Bug zappers that “shock” these insects and kill them can help if they’re already buzzing around your room and you can’t get them out. It is also useful not to stay or eat near any stagnant water, as this is where mosquitoes breed and a hotspot for getting bitten. You can also buy repellent that can deter mosquitoes from landing on you when you’re out and about.
Different types of mosquito repellent
The two most common ingredients that sprays use to deter mosquitoes are DEET and picaridin. As these chemicals can be quite strong, make sure to use them according to the instructions, especially when it comes to children. If you are unsure, speak to a pharmacist and make sure that your repellent is registered as safe to use with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
If you prefer a chemical-free repellent, then lemon eucalyptus can also be used. Another natural hack to keep mosquitos away is lavender oil. Cinnamon oil, thyme oil, soybean oil, and Greek catmint oil are also believed to have repellent properties. No chemical is an absolute deterrent to these critters, and repellents can be sweated off in hot countries, so make sure to cover as much skin as possible to protect it against bites. If you follow all of these methods, your vacation will be as bug-free as possible, which will make it much more enjoyable!
