Together Against Malaria

Insect repellents you put on your skin

A huge range of topical insect repellents are available on the market, which when applied to bare skin can be very useful in keeping mosquitoes and numerous other biting insects away. Repellents which have the chemical pesticide Deet (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) in them are very effective at giving protection, and are generally regarded as the most helpful. When putting topical insect repellents immediately on the skin special attention should be paid to the advice on the label.

Mosquito room sprays

Insecticide room sprays can assist in preventing mosquitoes from entering the room. Try spraying rooms just before leaving them. Spray in the vicinity of doors and windows, and make sure they remain closed as much as possible. In order to prevent becoming too warm, try and spend time in rooms that have air conditioning or fans, as air turbulence has a habit of making mosquitoes inactive.

Plug in insecticides

Plug in insecticides are plugged into electrical sockets, and different styles are available for specific sockets depending on where in the world you may be. The plugs are filled with insecticide liquid or impregnated tablets, which discharge an insecticide vapour into the air discouraging and destroying biting insects. Liquid and tablet top ups for the plug units are extensively available, and it is vital they are used frequently so that the defence the plug ins offer against mosquitoes can be continued.

Insect screens for windows and doors

Stop mosquitoes and other insects from coming into the room through doors and windows by fixing fine mesh fly screens, which can be bought ‘made to measure’ or trimmed in ‘do it yourself’ style to the needed dimensions. Adhesive strips or hinges are used to mount the screens to door and window frames so that fresh air and daylight can be allowed in and the insects can be barricaded out.

Protective Mosquito nets

Mosquito nets provide cover from a mosquito attack, and are available to buy soaked with insecticide for more security. They can be suspended from the ceiling above the bed, or mobile, self-supporting nets that bounce into shape for use above a portable bed when moving from place to place may be more convenient. You can purchase nets in various shapes and dimensions depending on what you need, and they are also available to cover pushchairs and infants’ play enclosures.

Insect smoke coils

Insect smoke coils are made use of outside and should not be used inside. When smouldering, the coils unleash an insecticidal smoke, which wards off biting insects. Smoke coils are very handy for staving off flying pests when relaxing outside in the evenings, and for stopping them slinking indoors via doors and windows.

Mosquito wristbands

Wristbands which contain insect repellent are obtainable that might give a shield against biting mosquitoes, and are a more practical option than lotions which are tiresome and awkward to rub on. What’s more, mosquito wristbands can also be put on around the ankle. You are also able to get mosquito repellent adhesive patches, the adhesive surface of which is stuck on to clothes or skin.

Extra precautions to deter biting mosquitoes

Conceal skin with clothes as much as you are able by dressing in long trousers, and long sleeved tops and socks, and bear in mind mosquitoes can bite right through close-fitting clothes. Put on light colours, as it is believed that mosquitoes are more tempted by dark colours. Hairspray, antiperspirant deodorants and body sprays will make you more appealing to them as well, so contemplate making use of fragrance-free toiletries. As a rule people are more likely to get bitten by mosquitoes at dusk and at nighttime, so endeavour to steer clear of going out in the open air between these times.