Prevent Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bite prevention in the UK is mostly about using repellent correctly, covering up, and removing standing water around homes and gardens. The same habits also help reduce the risk of bites when travelling.
The simplest approach is also the most effective: protect exposed skin, keep mosquitoes out of the house, and remove standing water once a week.
Why Mosquitoes Bite
Female mosquitoes need blood to develop eggs, which is why they bite people and animals. They are often most active around dusk and dawn, though some species will bite in daylight too.
Quick Steps
- Use a proven repellent on exposed skin when needed, and reapply it as directed.
- Wear loose-fitting long sleeves and trousers, especially when travelling or spending time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
- Use mosquito nets or screened rooms where mosquitoes are common.
- Empty, scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out water-holding items once a week.
At Home
- Install or repair window and door screens, and keep doors closed when possible.
- Use air conditioning if you have it.
- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water such as tyres, buckets, plant saucers, toys, birdbaths, and bins.
- Keep water butts, drains, gutters, and outdoor containers covered so mosquitoes cannot lay eggs in them.
When To Be Extra Cautious
Warm, humid evenings and sheltered gardens can increase mosquito activity. If you are travelling, follow destination-specific advice as well, especially where dengue, malaria, or West Nile virus risk is higher.
UK guidance says travellers should cover up, use repellents, and use nets. If you are visiting a higher-risk destination, book travel health advice before you go.
Myths and Facts
Not every product that claims to repel mosquitoes is effective. CDC and TravelHealthPro recommend using well-supported repellents such as DEET or icaridin, and they do not recommend relying on unproven options like electronic buzzers or most natural repellents.
If you use sunscreen as well, apply sunscreen first and repellent second.
If You Think You Found an Unusual Mosquito
Take a clear photo if you can and use the reporting guidance on the Citizen Science page. If you already collected the mosquito, the UKHSA recording scheme can also accept specimens.