Travelling is an exciting way to explore new cultures and environments, but it can also expose you to various health risks, including insect and tick bites. These bites can lead to illnesses such as malaria, dengue fever, Lyme disease, and other vector-borne diseases. By taking preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of bites and enjoy a safer trip. Here are our Makewell top tips for preventing bites.
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Understand Your Risk
Before you travel, it’s crucial to understand the specific risks associated with your destination. The prevalence of insects and ticks varies by region and season. Visit our Makewell Travel Clinic in Milton Keynes for personalised advice and information about the areas you plan to visit. Our travel specialists can provide up-to-date information on the local risks and recommend any necessary vaccinations or medications.
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Use Insect Repellents
Using a reliable insect repellent is one of the most effective ways to prevent bites. NaTHNaC recommends repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), with concentrations of 20% to 50% providing optimal protection. Apply the repellent to all exposed skin, reapplying as necessary, especially after swimming or sweating. For those sensitive to DEET, alternatives such as Picaridin or IR3535 can also be effective, but may need to be applied more frequently.
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Dress Appropriately
Wearing the right clothing can create a physical barrier against insects and ticks. Choose long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes, preferably in light colours, as dark colours can attract mosquitoes. Tuck your trousers into your socks or boots to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs. Consider treating your clothing with permethrin, an insecticide that can provide added protection.
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Use Bed Nets
Sleeping under a mosquito net is essential in areas where malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases are common. Ensure that your net is free of holes and properly tucked under the mattress. For extra protection, use a net treated with insecticide, which can kill or repel insects that come into contact with it. If you are unsure if your accommodation will have suitable nets, mosquito nets for travellers can be purchased online or from outdoor retailers.
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Stay in Screened or Air-Conditioned Accommodations
When choosing accommodation, opt for places that are well-screened or have air conditioning. These features help to keep mosquitoes and other insects out, reducing your exposure while indoors. If screens are not available, consider using an indoor insect spray or repellent device to create a bite-free environment.
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Be Aware of Peak Activity Times
Many insects, like mosquitoes, are most active during dawn and dusk. Plan outdoor activities during times when these insects are less active to minimize exposure. If you must be outside during peak times, ensure you’re using repellent and wearing protective clothing.
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Perform Regular Tick Checks
Ticks can be difficult to detect due to their small size, so it’s important to check your body and clothing regularly, especially after spending time in wooded or grassy areas. Pay particular attention to areas like the armpits, groin, and scalp. If you find a tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure.
Visit Makewell Travel Clinic for Expert Advice
At Makewell Travel Clinic in Milton Keynes, we offer comprehensive travel health services to ensure you are fully prepared for your journey. Our healthcare professionals provide personalised consultations, vaccinations, and the latest travel health information to keep you safe abroad.
Visit us before your next trip to get tailored advice on preventing insect and tick bites and protecting yourself from other travel-related health risks. Your safety is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Further advice may be found at the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC): https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/pdfs/generate/factsheets.php?new=38