to be combined
Clothing, repellent, shelter barrier and suppression of stagnant water.
10Vector prevention
Mosquitoes: choosing and combining protections
No single measure protects in all situations. The level of prevention depends on the location, the hours of activity of the species present, the housing, the duration of exposure and the individual situation.
AnswerThe essential first
In practice
The short answer
Wear suitable coverings, apply an authorized repellent to the skin, respecting the label, protect openings or sleeping and regularly remove small containers of standing water around the place of life. In malaria or active transmission areas, ask for medical advice before departure.
dose and renewal
The duration of protection depends on the product, the concentration and the conditions.
report fever
Quickly indicate the places and dates of stay to a professional.
01Understanding the situation
Adapt protection to exposure
Mosquitoes don't all sting at the same time. Maintain protection consistent with local recommendations rather than relying on a single rule.
Before outside activity
Choose covering clothing and apply the product only to areas discovered.
After bathing or sweating
Check the label to find out if and when to renew the application.
In housing
Check mosquito nets, openings and air conditioning, and use a bednet if the context recommends it.
Around the home
Empty, cover or store containers that retain water, including saucers, buckets and games.
Before a trip
Check out destination alerts and recommendations on malaria, vaccines and pregnancy.
02Step by step
Apply a repellent without forgetting the other barriers
The product label and the age of the person determine the use. Proper protection avoids sensitive areas and limits unnecessary applications.
Read label
Check active substance, minimum age, contraindications, announced duration and maximum number of applications.
Cover first
Prefer long sleeves, pants, closed shoes and fabrics suitable for heat.
Apply to the skin discovered
Spread a regular layer without spraying directly to the face.
Protect your face with your hands
Place the product in the hands of an adult and apply it avoiding eyes, mouth and damaged skin.
Respect the order with the solar
Apply the sun protection first, let it dry, and then use the repellent according to the package leaflet.
Renew only if necessary
Follow the indicated duration and take into account swimming, sweating and friction.
Wash back
Clean the treated skin when it no longer needs protection and wash the clothes according to their instructions.
03Decision points
Strengthening according to context
The context determines the right measure. Use these markers to choose the next action and when to ask for help.
Current exposure
Clothing and authorized repellent may be sufficient, supplemented by the removal of stagnant water.
Night or accommodation with little protection
Add a suitable mosquito net, check its integrity and avoid it resting on the skin.
Transmission area
Follow the official destination recommendation; malaria may also require a prescribed medicine.
In practiceObserve and understand
Organise protection at three levels
Reducing bites combines skin protection, measures in the building and reducing standing water around the home. Choose a product suitable for the person and follow its label.
On your body
Covering clothing and a suitable repellent.
In the building
Bed nets and window screens in good condition.
Around the home
Empty or cover containers that hold water.
| Before the activity | Practical check | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing a repellent | Read the age limits, precautions and instructions. | Applying a product without checking its restrictions. |
| Preparing the sleeping area | Check that the net closes properly and has no holes. | Forgetting that bites can occur outside sleeping hours. |
| Checking around the home | Look for plant saucers, buckets and outdoor containers. | Checking only large bodies of water. |
Keep in mind
Bite protection complements guidance for the trip or area. It does not replace medical prevention when indicated.
References for these explanations
04Not to be done
Frequent errors
- Use an essential oil as an automatic equivalent of an authorized repellent.
- Spray directly on the face or on irritated skin.
- Apply under clothing or multiply doses without reading the label.
- Forget the small containers of standing water close to the housing.
- Consider a holed or mislined net as a complete protection.
Important limitAsk for advice for an infant, pregnancy, allergy, skin disease or a stay in malaria area. A fever during or after a trip may require a quick assessment: indicate the destinations and dates, even if the bites have not been noticed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mosquitoes only sting at night?
No. Some species are mostly active during the day, others at dusk or at night. Local recommendations should guide the protection period.
Is a repellent bracelet enough?
It does not replace the application of an authorized repellent on exposed skin, covering clothing and shelter barriers.
How do I combine sunscreen and repellent?
First apply the sun protection, then the repellent after drying, following the instructions for each product.
Why empty the saucers and buckets?
Small volumes of water can be used as larval lodgings. Emptying and brushing them regularly reduces reproduction nearby.
Check implementation
These points serve as a reminder to prepare the action. The boxes are not registered.
Sources used
These institutional references provide a means of checking the guide and accessing the full recommendations.
PratiqueCheck before deciding
Votre liste de vérification
- Vérifier les recommandations du lieu et de l’itinéraire.
- Lire les limites d’âge et précautions du répulsif.
- Prévoir vêtements et protection du couchage adaptés.
- Remove avoidable small collections of standing water around the home.
Use alongside the guide’s steps, limitations and sources.