The best rub-on repellents contain diethyltoluamide (or DEET). However, buy a good quality repellent. Some repellents wear off by dawn, when the mosquitoes often come back for more. Repellents come in a variety of forms, including creams, gels, sprays, wipes and wristbands, and can be bought at most chemists.
DEET is a powerful chemical substance that is not suitable for those with sensitive skin or children. Natural alternative repellents such as citronella can be bought at most health food shops or larger chemists. Mozzie patch, which contains citronella and comes in wristband form, is available at larger Boots stores.
Electric vaporisers are also useful if you do have a socket to plug them in. Boots offer an own brand which lasts up to 45 days but it is often cheaper to buy them at a local supermarket when you arrive at your destination.
Mosquito nets are cumbersome but useful. It is worth checking with your chosen accommodation whether or not it has nets in bedrooms or over windows. Otherwise, you might want to take your own. They can be purchased online from masta (or the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad) at www.masta.org
If you've already been bitten, antihistamine tablets help combat the effects of allergic reactions to bites and can be bought at pharmacies. Or, try 'click' - a non chemical product that, when clicked onto the site of an insect bite, delivers a high voltage current which breaks down the histamine and lessens the swelling. Available from Asda and some chemists.
There are also some simple tactics you can employ:
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