How to prevent mosquito bites while sleeping
Mosquitoes are far more active in the evening and early morning than they are during the heat of the day. Because of this, you likely notice you end up getting bit during the night. Waking up in the morning with itchy mozzie bites is unpleasant but can be avoided if you follow our tips on how to prevent mosquito bites while sleeping.
How do I stop getting mosquito bites at night?
Wondering why mosquitoes bite more at night? It’s because that’s when they’re more active. Since mosquitoes are out and looking to feed at night, they can get in the way of outdoor activities in the evenings. Instead of enjoying summer nights out in nature, you’ll find yourself slapping away mozzies or scratching itchy bites. Note though only female mosquitoes will bite you! If this is familiar to you, you should know how to get rid of mosquitoes at night by repelling mosquitoes.
How to get rid of mosquitoes at night outdoors
You can take steps to keep mosquitoes away from your outdoor areas. Whether you’re sitting out in your garden at night or sitting around a fire while camping, follow these tips to repel mosquitoes:
- Consider using mosquito coils or citronella candles in outside areas you plan to spend time in. You can place these on outdoor tables or hang them from your patio.
- Remove or cover any water source. Mosquitoes breed in still water, so having an open source of water - no matter how small - can exasperate your mozzie problem.
- If your space allows for it, use a mosquito net. This is an especially useful tip for avoiding mosquito bites at night if you are camping.
How to stop mosquito bites at night by protecting yourself
As well as keeping mosquitoes away outdoors, you can also take steps to stop them from biting you. These tips are great if you’re not staying in one place. For example, if you’re going on an evening walk or doing any outdoor activities at night, these are perfect:
- Use insect repellent on any areas of skin that aren't covered by clothing.
- Opt for long sleeved shirts and pants to limit the amount of exposed skin mosquitoes can find.
- Wear loose clothing, mozzies are able to bite through tight fabrics.
How to prevent mosquito bites while sleeping at home
Of course, it’s not just the great outdoors where mosquito bites pose a problem. Since they are so small, they can also easily turn up in your home. Once in, they’ll be on the hunt to feed, meaning anyone in your house will be at risk of being bitten. Take measures to keep them away to stop mosquito bites on kids and adults in your house.
Keep reading for tips on getting rid of mosquitoes in your home's rooms and how to prevent mosquito bites while sleeping.
Get rid of mosquitoes in your bedroom
Having mosquitoes in any room of your house will be irritating. Your bedroom is perhaps the worst, because mozzies are most active at night while you’re asleep. If you have mosquitoes in your bedroom, you’ll find yourself waking up covered in bites. Here are some tips to keep mosquitoes out of your room:
- Make sure there’s no standing water in your room. This attracts mosquitoes as it’s where they breed. Check your pot plants properly drain and don’t have puddles of water trapped in the saucer.
- Using insect repellents will add another layer of protection.
Top tips to prevent mosquito bites while sleeping
Despite your best efforts, you might not be able to keep every mosquito out of your room. However, there are more steps you can take to keep yourself protected. Learn how to prevent mosquito bites while sleeping with these tips:
- Sleep in clothing that keeps as much of your skin covered as possible. Make sure you choose loose fitting clothes, since mozzies can still bite through tight fabric.
- Apply insect repellents to any areas of exposed skin. There are odourless repellents available which will be suitable for individuals who are more sensitive to scents.
- Keep air conditioning on or a fan pointed at you. Mozzies don’t like air flow, so this can keep them away from you.
- Keep yourself protected with a night plug-in repellent to prevent bites.
Sources
- NHS Fit for Travel. (n.d.). Mosquito bite avoidance. https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/malaria/mosquito-bite-avoidance
- Mosquito Squad. (3 February 2022). 7 ways to keep pests away while sleeping. https://www.mosquitosquad.com/blog/tips-prevention/7-ways-to-keep-pests-away-while-sleeping/
- Better Health Channel. (Reviewed on: 08 February 2023). Mosquitoes: Protect your home checklist. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/mosquitoes-protect-your-home-checklist
- Queensland Government. (Last updated:22 February 2023). Prevent mosquito-borne diseases. https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/all/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites/prevent-mosquito-borne-diseases
- SA Health, Government of South Australia. (Last updated: 01 November 2023). Cover up, repel, eliminate from mosquitoes. https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect
