5 Ways to Prevent Mosquitoes from Biting You While on a Safari

Mosquitoes can turn a peaceful night into a horrible experience. Not only can they disrupt your sleep but their bites also transmit diseases including Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue fever, and malaria. Here are effective ways to prevent mosquitoes from biting you while on a safari.

1. Use DEET-based mosquito repellent

Mosquito repellent is one of the important things to pack when traveling to Africa or any other place. Products containing DEET as an active ingredient are highly effective. Researchers discovered that mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide gas we exhale.

So, DEET makes it hard for mosquitoes to detect us. It is available in different formulations including lotions, sprays, and balms. Products with DEET concentrations higher than 30% do not confer much additional protection but do last longer.

DEET mosquito repellent should not be used on infants under 2 months of age. Experts also advise that children older than two months should use products with DEET concentrations of 30% or less. More important is to read the product label and follow all the instructions.

Tips for using DEET mosquito repellent

• Check the instructions if you need to shake the repellent before using and don’t spray it in an enclosed area.
• Let your sunscreen go on first before applying the insect repellent. Remember those easy-to-forget areas, like the ankles and behind the elbows.
• Spray the palm of your hand first, then use just enough to apply to the exposed skin. Avoid direct contact with eyes, mouth, cuts, wounds, sunburned or irritated skin.
• Spray the repellent on your outer clothing including shirts, pants, socks, boots, and hats. Avoid spraying your under clothing and remember to wash all treated clothing before wearing it again.
• Wash your hands after applying to prevent accidental ingestion. 

If you prefer natural ingredients, go for the oil of lemon eucalyptus. The ingredient offers better protection against a wide variety of bugs including ticks and biting midges. You may also see people using it for treating skin infections, respiratory conditions, and for pain relief.

Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is not recommended for children under the age of 3. The oil may also cause skin irritation in some individuals. It’s best to dilute in a carrier oil and test on a small patch of skin before using it on larger areas. Most importantly, keep it away from your eyes, mouth, or wounded skin.

2. Wear protective clothing

Proper clothing can offer a physical barrier against bug bites. If you’re wearing loose clothing made from tough fabric, mosquitoes won’t be able to inject you with their contaminated saliva. Avoid lightweight fabrics such as gauze or spandex as they can easily be penetrated by a mosquito’s sharp mouth.

Clothes that can protect you from bites include long sleeves, long trouser legs or a long skirt or dress, socks, and a high neckline top. For added protection, clothes can be treated with insecticides such as Permethrin which incapacitate mosquitoes when they land on the fabric.

Even when wearing the right clothing, it’s best to apply an effective repellent when outdoors. Clothing won’t cover every part of your skin and mosquitoes will still suck your blood through the exposed areas. So, protective clothing is just an added measure to prevent mosquitoes from biting you.

3. Sleep under a net

Sleeping under a net is one of the effective ways to prevent mosquitoes from biting you. The fine mesh won’t allow mosques and other bugs to squeeze through. Some nets come treated with insecticides which kill mosquitoes as soon as they come into contact with the mesh.

Most safari lodges and hotels have mosquito nets installed around the beds. Before you surrender to bed, ensure the net is properly tucked under your mattress or crib to avoid gaps. It’s also important to check if there are mosquitoes trapped inside and remove them.

4. Keep mosquitoes outside your room

Mosquitoes can easily sneak into your room through any opening and bite you during the night. It’s good that most safari hotels and lodges have installed screens on windows, doors, and vents to keep mosquitoes out while allowing fresh air to circulate. 

Running the fan in your room at high speed can also help in knocking off mosquitoes. A strong breeze created by the fan disrupts their flight patterns and makes it difficult for them to attack. Since fans on high speed can be noisy, it’s best to turn it off just before sleep.

5. Stay indoors when mosquitoes are active

Mosquitoes are active between dusk and dawn. During the day, they hide in cool shaded, and wet areas. They avoid sun exposure because it will dehydrate and kill them. When they first stir from their hideouts, mosquitos will actively search for food by biting humans and animals.

So staying indoors during the evening can save you from the lethal bites. If you have to hang out till late, then don’t forget to apply a repellent.

Final thought

Taking malaria-preventive drugs before a safari can help keep you safe from the dangers of mosquitoes.  In addition to that, it’s best to prevent these pesky bugs from biting you. Use effective repellents, wear protective clothing, sleep under a net, and keep mosquitoes away from your room. If a mosquito bites you, wash the itchy or swollen area with soap and water.