To stop getting bitten in Thailand, use high-strength repellent (30-50% DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus) daily on all exposed skin, particularly ankles and wrists. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, stay in air-conditioned or screened rooms, use mosquito nets, and reapply repellent frequently, especially after swimming.
Avoid dark clothing. Use deet. Aim a fan at your ankles when sitting in a restaurant/cafe. Carry a bottle of Gold Cross Yellow Oil for when you inevitably get bitten and apply it instantly and generously for 2 days.
What happens if you get a mosquito bite in Thailand?
Especially if you're coming from another country with a more temperate climate, it might be tempting to dismiss mosquito bites as no big deal. Unfortunately, in Thailand, these annoying little pests can sometimes carry dengue fever, a serious illness.
Wear long sleeve pants and shirts, weather permitting, in the evenings and mornings. Even wearing full coverage shoes, and not flip-flops, can make a big difference. Use mosquito repellent. 7-Elevens and Mini Tescos, which are scattered across every block in Thailand, sell sprays and lotions.
Mosquitoes hate strong, natural scents like citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, basil, and catnip, which disrupt their ability to find hosts, with essential oils and plants being common ways to use them as repellents, though DEET-based repellents remain highly effective. Coffee grounds, garlic, tea tree oil, and cinnamon also deter them.
There is simply no evidence taking vitamin B will offer any significant protection from mosquito bites. In reality, if there was even moderate scientific evidence that taking a vitamin supplement could prevent mosquito bites, our supermarket shelves would be full of “mosquito repellent pills”.
How to make yourself less attractive to mosquitoes?
Basically, to avoid being a mosquito-target you should stay as scent-free as possible, wear light clothes, avoid bogs and use an effective repellent (such as those containing DEET or icaridin).
The clinical bottom line is that antihistamines, used before and after, appear to be effective in reducing the immediate/early symptoms of mosquito bites in both adults and children.
Many travelers also benefit from taking probiotics before and during their trip, as studies from Harvard Health Publishing (2022) suggest probiotics may help strengthen gut health and lower the risk of traveler's diarrhea.
For most varieties of bug bites and stings, antihistamines will help to stop itching and lessen swelling, and acetaminophen can help relieve any pain. Or ibuprofen can be used to help reduce swelling while relieving some pain.
Chemical-based repellents like DEET, Picaridin or Permethrin (not actually a repellent but will get to that), are the most effective way to prevent mosquito bites in Thailand.
A few parts of the U.S. also have dengue. Those living in or traveling to these regions — more than half the people in the world — are most at risk. Children and those who are elderly are at higher risk for serious illness.
Most people with dengue have mild or no symptoms and will get better in 1–2 weeks. Rarely, dengue can be severe and lead to death. If symptoms occur, they usually begin 4–10 days after infection and last for 2–7 days.
Mosquitoes tend to prefer larger people (both heavier and taller) because they release more carbon dioxide (CO2) and have larger visual targets, but other factors like body heat, lactic acid, sweat, dark clothing, and blood type (Type O) are also major attractants, making it less about being fat versus skinny and more about a combination of these cues. Overweight individuals produce more CO2 and have higher metabolic rates, making them more visible and attractive.
“Essential oils high in Citral include lemongrass, may chang, lemon tea tree, and citronella.” Wooley also agrees that citronella is a great oil to help repel insects. “Lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint are [also thought] to have insect-repelling properties,” she says.
The first clue suggesting that you may have a bed bug infestation is often the presence of itching bites. However, bites reactions are quite variable and may not be due to bed bugs at all. Be aware of the other signs that bed bugs leave behind: fecal spots, molted skins, and aggregations.
How likely is it to bring bed bugs home from a hotel?
Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers. They can easily latch onto your luggage, backpack, purse, laptop bag, or any other personal item you bring into an infested room. Once they've crawled into the seams, zippers, or pockets of your belongings, they're coming home with you—whether you realize it or not.
