Every summer, the same advice starts doing the rounds. Someone will tell you to eat more Marmite, another person swears by Vitamin B tablets, while somebody else insists citronella candles are the only answer. You may even have heard that wearing certain colours can make you more attractive to mosquitoes.
The problem is that everyone seems to know someone who swears by a different method.
So what actually works and why do mosquitoes always seem to pick on you?
Have you ever sat outside with a group of friends and been the only one to wake up the next morning covered in bites?
It is not your imagination.
Research suggests mosquitoes are attracted to a combination of factors including body temperature, carbon dioxide, sweat and natural body chemistry. Some people genuinely do seem to attract more bites than others.
Unfortunately, if you are one of those people, you probably already know it.
When are you most likely to get bitten?
Many people only think about insect repellent when travelling abroad, but bites can be a problem much closer to home.
Mosquitoes and other biting insects are often most active around dawn and dusk, during warm summer evenings and anywhere near lakes, rivers or areas of still water.
That relaxing drink outside as the sun starts to go down is often exactly when mosquitoes decide it is dinner time.
Camping trips, evening walks, outdoor dining and sitting in the garden are all situations where bites become much more common.
Marmite and Vitamin B: fact or myth?
The Marmite theory appears every year and has become a regular talking point on TikTok and social media. Every summer, videos claiming that Marmite or Vitamin B supplements can help prevent mosquito bites seem to resurface, often attracting thousands of comments from people convinced it works.
The idea is that Marmite contains Vitamin B1 and other B vitamins which change your scent, making you less attractive to mosquitoes.
Many people genuinely believe it works. A quick search on TikTok will bring up plenty of videos from travellers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts sharing their own experiences. Some swear they notice a difference, while others remain unconvinced.
The problem is that scientific studies have found little evidence that Vitamin B supplements significantly reduce mosquito bites.
That does not stop the debate returning every summer, and if you enjoy Marmite there is certainly no reason to stop eating it. Marmite may be great on toast, but it should not be relied on as your only defence against mosquitoes.
What about citronella candles?
Citronella candles are another popular summer favourite.
The theory is simple. Mosquitoes do not particularly like the scent of citronella, so burning a citronella candle may help discourage them from hanging around nearby.
The challenge is that the scent disperses quickly outdoors, especially if there is any wind.
While they may help a little, most experts would view them as an additional layer of protection rather than your main defence against bites.
Do plug-in mosquito repellents work?
Many travellers swear by the plug-in mosquito repellents commonly found in hotel rooms and holiday apartments. They work in a similar way to citronella candles however, because they work in enclosed spaces, they can often be more effective than outdoor solutions.
While they are not a substitute for protecting exposed skin outdoors, they can certainly provide an extra layer of defence while you sleep.
So how can you reduce your chances of being bitten?
There is no magic solution, but a few simple habits can make a noticeable difference.
Using a reliable insect repellent remains one of the most effective ways to protect exposed skin. Being particularly careful around dawn and dusk can also help, as these are often peak feeding times for mosquitoes.
If practical, lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs can reduce exposed skin, especially during the evening. Avoiding areas of still water where mosquitoes breed can also lower your chances of being bitten.
Most importantly, make sure you have protection with you when you need it. The best insect repellent is often the one you remembered to pack.
Why insect repellent wipes are becoming increasingly popular
One of the biggest challenges with insect repellents is simply having them with you when you need them.
You might leave the house expecting to be home before sunset, end up staying out longer than planned or decide to sit outside for one more drink. Before you know it, the mosquitoes have arrived and your insect repellent is sitting at home.
Traditional sprays and bottles can be bulky, take up space in a bag and are not always ideal for travelling.
That is why many people are switching to insect repellent wipes.
mywipe Insect Repellent Wipes are individually wrapped, making them easy to keep in a pocket, handbag, backpack or suitcase. Having a few sachets with you means you are always prepared, whether you are travelling, camping, enjoying a summer evening outdoors or simply spending longer outside than you expected.
They are also ideal for hand luggage, with no concerns about liquid restrictions or leaking bottles.
As an added bonus, the wipes are 100% biodegradable, making them a more sustainable choice for people looking to reduce plastic waste without sacrificing convenience.
Simply open a sachet and apply it to exposed skin whenever you need protection.
Powered by Citrepel® 75
mywipe Insect Repellent Wipes contain Citrepel® 75, a natural insect repellent derived from eucalyptus citriodora oil.
Rich in p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), Citrepel® 75 helps repel a broad range of biting insects including mosquitoes, midges, ticks, gnats and sand flies.
When applied to exposed skin, protection can last for up to 4 to 6 hours.
The wipes are suitable for adults and children over 6 months of age when applied by an adult.
Travelling abroad? Check before you go
If you are travelling overseas, it is always worth checking whether your destination has any mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever or Zika virus.
In some parts of the world, avoiding bites is about much more than comfort.
Depending on where you are travelling, additional precautions such as antimalarial medication, mosquito nets or specialist travel advice may be recommended.
Insect repellent wipes can form part of your protection strategy, but they should never be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice or destination-specific travel health guidance. Always check travel health advice for your destination, including disease and other health risks for each country and how best to reduce them, using NaTHNaC’s country information pages.
Enjoy summer without the scratching
There may never be a guaranteed way to stop every insect bite.
Unfortunately, Marmite is probably not the miracle solution many people hope for.
But by understanding when insects are most active, taking a few sensible precautions and carrying a reliable insect repellent, you can dramatically improve your chances of enjoying summer without becoming this season's favourite snack.