Don’t Let Mosquitoes Come Home With You
As the National Day holiday winds down, travelers race to return to daily routines. But the trip home can come with unwanted passengers: mosquitoes. Uninvited guests—especially Aedes mosquitoes—can carry diseases like dengue fever and chikungunya. A few careful habits can drastically reduce the risk of bringing those pests—and their health threats—into your home.
Before you leave: Pack smart
Start your trip back with a quick check of your belongings. Inspect jackets, backpacks, purses, and other items for any signs that a mosquito or its eggs may be stowing away. After you return, wash all worn clothes promptly to remove any potential hitchhikers. When packing for the journey, choose light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Mosquitoes are less attracted to light colors, and proper coverage gives you a simple layer of defense.
Carry a reliable insect repellent. Look for products with ingredients such as DEET or picaridin. A 10% DEET-based repellent can provide several hours of protection, while a 20% picaridin formulation may last up to eight hours. Apply to exposed skin and reapply as directed, especially if you are sweating or have been outdoors for extended periods.
Consider adding loose, breathable clothing and tucked-in cuffs to minimize skin exposure. Wearing shoes, socks, and pants that seal at the ankles can help minimize gaps where mosquitoes could bite or crawl inside clothing.
On the way: Stay protected
Timing matters. Aedes mosquitoes are most active during the early morning (about 7–9 a.m.) and late afternoon to early evening (roughly 4–7 p.m.). During these peak times, avoid lingering in shaded areas, grassy spots, or near standing water where mosquitoes breed. If you must be outdoors, apply repellents to exposed skin—arms, neck, ankles—and reapply every 2–4 hours, particularly if you are sweating or splashing in water.
Dress to defend: wear long sleeves and long pants, preferably with cuffs that fit snugly around wrists and ankles. Tucking pant legs into socks and choosing breathable fabrics can create a physical barrier that reduces bites without overheating you.
Back home: Stay vigilant
After arriving, monitor your health for the next 14 days. Be alert for symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe headache, joint or muscle pain, or a rash—symptoms that can accompany dengue or chikungunya infections. If you notice anything unusual, seek medical attention and inform the clinician about your travel history.
Beyond personal health, take steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home. Empty, scrub, and wash pots, buckets, and other containers that can collect standing water. Refresh water in vases, pet bowls, and bird baths every 3–5 days. Indoors and around doors, use window screens, mosquito nets, or electric repellents to keep pests at bay.
If you use insecticides, target hidden spots where mosquitoes commonly hide—behind curtains, under furniture, and around bed frames. Pair chemical controls with environmental measures for best results. Regular cleaning and a little maintenance can dramatically reduce the chance that mosquitoes take up residence inside your home.
Healthy household, safe community
A smooth return trip starts with simple, practical steps. By inspecting belongings, choosing smart clothing, and using repellents properly, you protect your family and your community from mosquito-borne diseases. Let’s prevent mosquitoes from hitching a ride—stay aware, stay healthy.
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | AI-generated
Editor | Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
