A mosquito bite can be an irritation. In some parts of the world, it can also carry a risk of diseases including malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika and West Nile virus. This World Mosquito Day, the importance of bite prevention is particularly relevant. Mosquito-borne diseases have traditionally been associated with tropical and subtropical destinations, but recent evidence shows a changing picture in Europe too. That doesn’t mean mosquito-borne disease is suddenly a high risk everywhere. Your level of risk depends on where and when you travel, current outbreaks and the activities you have planned. It does mean that checking the risks and taking appropriate precautions should be part of preparing for your trip. Mosquito-borne disease is a changing risk In July 2026, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) described dengue, chikungunya and West Nile virus as an increasing public health concern in Europe. Dengue and chikungunya remain largely associated with international travel, but local transmission is occurring more frequently in parts of Europe where mosquitoes capable of carrying these viruses are now present (ECDC, 2026). The spread of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, helps illustrate that change. In 2025, ECDC reported that it was established in 369 regions across 16 European countries, compared with 114 regions around a decade earlier. Europe also recorded 27 chikungunya outbreaks during 2025, a record for the continent (ECDC, 2025). Surveillance has continued throughout 2026, with locally acquired cases of mosquito-borne disease again being monitored in mainland Europe. For travellers, the message is simple. Check the current health information for your destination rather than assuming mosquito protection is only needed for long-haul or tropical travel. How to protect yourself from mosquito bites There isn't a single measure that prevents every mosquito bite. Using several forms of protection together can reduce your exposure, particularly in areas where mosquito-borne disease presents a risk. This can include applying an effective insect repellent to exposed skin, covering up with suitable clothing, treating clothing where appropriate and using a mosquito net while sleeping. Choose a repellent that suits your trip An effective insect repellent is one of the simplest ways to reduce your chances of being bitten. The UK Malaria Expert Advisory Group (UKMEAG) recommends a repellent containing 50% DEET as its first choice for travellers. It also recommends alternatives including 20% icaridin and Eucalyptus citriodora oil, hydrated and cyclised, for travellers who don't tolerate or prefer not to use DEET (UKMEAG, 2026). Our Expedition MAX Mosquito Repellent contains 50% DEET and uses DermaLOC® technology to keep the repellent on the surface of the skin. It has been developed for use in tropical conditions, is water and sweat resistant and is suitable for children aged 2 years and over. DEET isn't the only option. Expedition Sensitive uses 20% Saltidin®, an icaridin-based active ingredient, and provides up to six hours of protection against biting insects. It's DEET-free, suited to sensitive skin and suitable for children over 2 years. For younger families, Expedition Natural contains 40% PMD Citriodiol®, derived from Eucalyptus citriodora oil. It provides up to eight hours of mosquito protection per application and is suitable from 6 months of age. The best repellent for you will depend on your destination, who is using it and personal preference. Always follow the instructions for the individual product and reapply as directed. There's plenty of conflicting advice about DEET, natural repellents and how insect repellents should be used. Read our Debunking Common Myths About Insect Repellents guide for a closer look at some of the most common claims. Cover exposed skin Clothing creates another barrier between you and biting insects. Long-sleeved tops and long trousers are recommended by travel health authorities when visiting areas where mosquito-borne disease presents a risk. Clothing and other fabrics can also be treated with an appropriate insecticide. EX4 Anti-Mosquito Spray contains permethrin and can be applied to clothing, tents, mosquito nets, blankets and sleeping bags. One treatment lasts for up to two weeks and a bottle treats up to 3.5 m² of fabric. Treated clothing doesn't replace repellent on exposed skin. Instead, the two can be used together to provide different layers of protection. When are mosquitoes most active? Different mosquito species are active at different times. Those that transmit diseases such as dengue and yellow fever are active during the day, while malaria-carrying mosquitoes mainly bite from dusk to dawn (UKMEAG, 2026). Bite prevention may therefore be needed throughout the day and night, depending on your destination. Protect yourself while you sleep A mosquito net creates a physical barrier while you sleep and is particularly important when staying somewhere without effective screens or air conditioning. Lifesystems mosquito nets are available in both treated and untreated options. Our treated nets combine the physical protection of fine mesh with an insecticide treatment, while untreated nets provide a straightforward physical barrier. UKMEAG recommends insecticide-treated mosquito nets for travellers to malaria-endemic areas where appropriately screened or air-conditioned accommodation isn't available (UKMEAG, 2026). The right net depends on your destination, how you're travelling and the type of accommodation you'll be staying in. Size and hanging options also matter, particularly when you don't know what your accommodation will look like before you arrive. Our Complete Guide to Mosquito Nets for Travel & Adventure explains the different types of mosquito net, when to consider a treated net and how to choose the right design for your trip. Take bite prevention seriously this World Mosquito Day The changing distribution of mosquito species in Europe is a reminder that bite prevention shouldn't be an afterthought. For anyone travelling further afield, understanding the health risks at your destination remains an important part of preparation. Check current travel health advice before you leave, choose protection appropriate for your destination and use it correctly throughout your trip. For World Mosquito Day, explore our range of insect repellents, mosquito nets and anti-mosquito treatments and prepare for your next trip with the protection you need. References European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) (2026). Enjoying the summer safely: health risks to keep in mind. 6 July 2026.https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/enjoying-summer-safely-health-risks-keep-mind European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) (2025). World Mosquito Day 2025: Europe sets new records for mosquito-borne diseases. 20 August 2025.https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/world-mosquito-day-2025-europe-sets-new-records-mosquito-borne-diseases UK Malaria Expert Advisory Group (UKMEAG) (2026). Malaria prevention guidelines for travellers from the UK 2026: Bite prevention. UK Health Security Agency. Updated 31 July 2026.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/malaria-prevention-guidelines-for-travellers-from-the-uk-2026/bite-prevention
