How to prevent mosquito bites?

Summer is the perfect season to go out to nature and have fun. But while enjoying nature, mosquito bites can be very annoying. When preparing for outdoor activities, it is recommended that everyone take measures to prevent mosquito bites: try to wear light-colored and long-sleeved clothing, avoid wearing perfume or fragrance that attracts mosquitoes, and spray mosquito repellent beforehand. Early morning and evening are the times when insects like to come out. Therefore, try to avoid activities near water, parks, or forests during these times. 

There are many types of mosquito repellent products with similar main ingredients. Most of them contain DEET - one of the oldest traditional mosquito repellents that can effectively protect against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and blackfly bites. The higher the concentration of DEET, the longer the protective effect: 5% DEET can provide approximately two hours of protection against mosquitoes, while 30% DEET can provide protection against mosquitoes for up to six hours. DEET is suitable for adults or children over 12 years old. Products with a DEET concentration of 20%-30% can be used up to three times a day. 

Another good mosquito repellent option is 20% Icaridin (US name: Picaridin). Icaridin is quite safe, it’s non-greasy and odorless. Unlike DEET, Icaridin does not dissolve plastic or leather, and duration of effect lasts for up to 8 hours - making it the best choice for children from six months to twelve years old. If you can't buy a mosquito repellent with Icaridin, children under two years old can also use a mosquito repellent with 10% DEET up to three times a day (for children under two years old, apply once per day) to prevent

mosquito bites. Children under six months old are not suitable for mosquito repellent. It is recommended to use more clothing and an umbrella for protection. 

If you don’t want to use chemical mosquito repellent, a more natural alternative is eucalyptus oil which is suitable for children over three years old and adults. However, its effect only lasts about two hours. Children can also apply soybean oil: Soybean oil is quite safe and can repel mosquitoes for three and a half hours. Unfortunately, natural oil repellents cannot prevent tick bites. Some people have also tried to use lavender oil or citronella essential oil (oil of citronella) to prevent mosquito bites. However, the effect of these natural oils only last about half an hour to two hours. Plus there is not enough research to show the safety of these two essential oils, hence they should not be used by children under the age of two. 

If you need to use sunscreen, apply it first and wait 20 minutes to make sure it is absorbed by your skin before spraying on your mosquito repellent. Because DEET can also cause slight neurotoxicity, do not use excessive amounts of it for an extended period of time, or apply it directly to open wounds or mucosal tissue. Furthermore, it is recommended to wash off the mosquito repellent with water and soap after returning home. When used appropriately, mosquito repellent can be a great outdoor companion in summer. 

When traveling abroad, proper anti-mosquito bite measures can effectively reduce the risk of contracting dengue fever, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, Malaria, and other infectious diseases. The Zika virus, which is mainly transmitted by vector mosquitoes, may cause neonatal microcephaly. This virus is prevalent in China, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently strongly recommending pregnant women

avoid traveling to virus-endemic areas unless necessary. Taking adequate measures to prevent mosquito bites when going on a trip allows you and your family to have a fun and healthy vacation!