What do you use for Mosquitos now? Going to Zanzibar and wondering what products you use?

[loveyouradvice]

I haven't been to a mosquito destination for ages. I'll be taking malaria tablets. What else do you use?

Any particular mosquito spray or cream? Even better bands to put round my wrists? And do those electric plug-ins work??

And after being bitten - what works for you?

Huge thanks

Check to see if sleeping nets are provided in your hotel/accommodation, and if
they are, also check them over for tears or holes when you arrive.

Some people also advise spraying the nets with mosquito repellent.

When we were on safari the hotel came and sprayed your room with some really strong formula before you went to bed. I had very few bites. But agree DEET all the way. It does stink but it's better than malaria

Following this thread as I got bitten to bits by a tiger mosquito (? not sure if this is correct) when we were in Spain last year. My shin especially was agony and I needed antibiotics when I came home for cellulitis. I’m trying to avoid this when I go on holiday again soon. Is Jungle Formula the go to DEET containing repellent? I’ll buy this if so and some After Bite.

Loads of good advice here, I travel extensively and I would say the following

1. Wear clothes that limit access, light long trousers (cuffs are good) and light long sleeves, fuller shoes (not sandals)
2. Deet, the strongest and in particular, roll on deet that you rub on and then work around any exposed skin. it is greasy, and it stinks (although I do not mind the smell personally), the aerosols make you choke and don't give you the same coverage. Some airports will not tolerate aerosols anyway and will take them off you.
3. If you can, ask for a higher floor room (mosquitos can only fly so far up), do not open your windows, especially if you have a light on.
4. You can get bitten in the day, less likely, they like twilight and water, but it does happen
5. Deet is quite corrosive, it can stain clothing, and can strip varnish, so put the top back on properly and don't take your best togs (I realise it is not sounding that great to put on your skin at the moment, but it is better than the alternative). Hope this helps, xx

Also worth noting that the Dengue fever carrying mossies are most active in the morning. DEET always.

I used lemon eucalyptus oil - it worked really well - got bitten after washing my hands after using the loo and walking back to transport and through my socks- so whatever you decide to make sure you respect after washing your hands and under your socks.

Deet and bed nets. And take your anti malarials. Wrist bands and natural remedies won’t do anything in a place like Zanzibar

Also Rohan make lightweight clothes with insect repellent built in that keep mozzies from biting through your shirt.

I use Repel Lemon Eucalyptus- approved by the CDC. I am a mosquito decoy - so when I’m around I’m the tastiest meal and this stuff really works - I’ve used it in India, Vietnam and all over Europe. If nothing else use it over your clothes and hair - it doesn’t melt plastic - I spray it liberally. So much nicer to use than Deet, but you can use both if you worry about it not being as good.

Which? best buys:

• Superdrug buzz off (50% DEET)
• Autan insect repellent (20% picaridin, no DEET)
• Jungle Formula maximum (50% DEET)

Also good but not best buys:

• Boots repel maximum
• Asda extra strength [great value as under £5]

Don't buys, as ineffective:

• Meadows organic citronella spray
• Pestects mosquito repellent bracelets

@loveyouradvice have you had an appointment at your GP practice with the nurse yet? They will go over all this and give you vaccines as needed. Here is a link to the travel website they most likely use - loads of good info.
travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/220/zanzibar-tanzania

We're off to Zanzibar in January, cant wait.

We use Odomos, first discovered it when we went to India and have used it everywhere since and not had a single bite

Many travel vaccinations are not offered on the NHS, and anti malarial medications are only available privately.

My GP requires you to be seen by a nurse at least 8 weeks before travel, so it's not a last minute thing either. I also find practice nurses are far from expert in discussing anti-malarials - probably better to see a specialist travel clinic these days, especially when travelling to such a high risk (for malaria) part of the world.

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/travel-vaccinations/

@TwattingDog you can get hepatitis A, tetanus, and typhoid on the nhs which is recommended for where OP is going. Yes, anti-malarials are a private prescription but still would be discussed and many gp practices do not require 8 wks before - but of course it makes sense at least having the appointment 2 weeks before to give antibodies time to develop

When we lived in a dengue area I used deet. It was the only thing that worked.

Definitely sleeping nets if possible. Every night before bed I’d go into the dc rooms and zap (with those racket zap things) the mossies that had settled on the outside of the net.

Not heard of Odomos so going to buy some of that, mosquitos where I live now but are just an annoyance, no disease.