Mosquitoes, midges, sandflies, ticks: tiny creatures with a big impact. Insect bites can ruin sleep, leave you itching for days, and in some parts of the world, carry real health risks. The good news? With a few smart travel hacks, you can dramatically reduce your chances of being bitten.
Here’s how seasoned travellers keep the bugs at bay without overpacking or suffering unnecessarily.
Why Insect Bites Are More Than Just Annoying
In many destinations, insect bites are more than an inconvenience. They can lead to infections, allergic reactions, and in some regions, serious diseases. Even when health risks are low, constant itching, swelling, and disturbed sleep can derail an otherwise great trip.
Avoiding bites is one of the highest-return travel hacks there is.
Hack #1: Choose the Right Repellent (It Matters)
Not all insect repellents are equal, and natural doesn’t always mean effective.
What actually works:
- DEET (20–50%) – Very effective and long-lasting
- Picaridin (also called Icaridin) – Comparable to DEET, less smell, gentler on skin
- PMD (lemon eucalyptus extract) – Effective but shorter-lasting
What to know:
- Higher concentration = longer protection, not stronger protection
- Reapply after swimming or heavy sweating
- Avoid mixing sunscreen and repellent — apply sunscreen first, let it absorb, then apply repellent
Travel hack: Bring a small roll-on or solid repellent for flights and daypacks: no leaks, no aerosol issues.
Hack #2: Wear Bug-Unfriendly Clothing
What you wear can make a huge difference.
Best choices:
- Long sleeves and trousers in the evening
- Loose-fitting clothes (tight fabric is easier to bite through)
- Light colours — dark clothing attracts mosquitoes
Even better: Clothing treated with permethrin. This repels and kills insects on contact and lasts through multiple washes.
Travel hack: Treat clothes before you leave. It’s lighter and cheaper than buying specialist gear on the road.
Hack #3: Master the Art of Timing
Insects are creatures of habit.
- Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk
- Midges thrive in still, damp air
- Ticks love long grass and woodland edges
Travel hack: Plan outdoor activities for mid-day when possible, and double down on protection during peak biting hours.
Hack #4: Make Your Accommodation Bite-Proof
You don’t need luxury — just a few smart tweaks.
Do this:
- Use plug-in repellents or coils where available
- Sleep with a fan on — mosquitoes are weak flyers
- Close windows at dusk or use mosquito nets
- Avoid leaving lights on near open windows at night
Travel hack: A lightweight travel mosquito net weighs almost nothing and can be a trip-saver in budget accommodation.
Hack #5: Smell Less Tasty to Bugs
Insects are drawn to scent — especially floral and sweet smells.
Avoid:
- Strong perfumes or aftershaves
- Scented deodorants
- Sweet-smelling shampoos and lotions
Better options:
- Unscented toiletries
- Soaps with citronella or eucalyptus
Travel hack: Switch to unscented products just for the trip — you can always go back afterward.
Hack #6: Eat and Drink Strategically
Some foods and habits can make you more attractive to insects.
Things that may increase bites:
- Alcohol (especially beer)
- Heavy sweating
- Overheating
Travel hack: Stay hydrated, pace alcohol intake, and shower after long, sweaty days — it genuinely helps.
Hack #7: Citronella — Useful, but Know Its Limits
Citronella is one of the most well-known natural insect deterrents, commonly found in candles, sprays, wristbands, and lotions. It can help reduce mosquito activity, especially in small, still areas.
What citronella is good for:
- Creating a short-range “no-bug zone” (e.g. balconies, campsites)
- Evening use when sitting still
- Travellers who prefer plant-based options
Its limitations:
- Protection is short-lived and needs frequent reapplication
- Less effective in windy conditions
- Not reliable as a sole defence in high-risk or high-mosquito areas
Travel hack: Use citronella as a supporting layer, not your main defence. Pair it with proven repellents (like DEET or picaridin) for best results.
Hack #8: Insect-Repellent Clothing (Built-In Protection)
Some travel clothing brands go a step further by embedding insect repellent directly into the fabric. These garments are treated with permethrin-based technology that repels (and in some cases kills) insects on contact.
A well-known example is Craghoppers, whose insect-repellent range is popular with travellers heading to mosquito-heavy regions.
Why this works:
- Protection is long-lasting (often effective for 50+ washes)
- No need to reapply repellent to covered areas
- Ideal for evenings, hikes, and sleeping in basic accommodation
Things to know:
- Treated clothing protects only the covered skin
- It should complement, not replace, topical repellent
- Not all brands use the same treatment quality or durability
Travel hack: Insect-repellent clothing is especially useful for trousers, socks, and long-sleeve tops — the areas bugs love most and where reapplying repellent is a hassle.
Hack #9: What to Do If You Do Get Bitten
Even with perfect prep, bites happen.
First aid basics:
- Clean the area with soap and water
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Use antihistamine cream or hydrocortisone for itching
- Avoid scratching — it prolongs healing
Travel hack: A small after-bite pen takes almost no space and works faster than rummaging for creams.
Final Takeaway: Small Prep, Big Comfort
Avoiding insect bites isn’t about fear — it’s about comfort, sleep, and staying healthy on the road. A few lightweight items and smarter habits can mean the difference between enjoying a destination and counting down the days until you leave.
Travel is hard enough. Don’t let bugs win.
