Travel Habits That Attract Mosquitoes

It’s a question many travellers quietly ask, often after the first few evenings away. Two people, same place, same weather… yet one comes back covered in bites while the other barely notices a thing. The good news is that it’s rarely bad luck. More often, it comes down to a handful of everyday habits that are easy to adjust once you know what to look for.

At incognito®, we like to think about protection using a simple framework: C.L.O.A.K. A few small, consistent habits that help keep insects from becoming part of your travel story.

C — Cover up where you can

Clothing choices matter more than you think. Light, loose clothing helps keep you cool, but it can also offer gentle protection. Bare skin is naturally more appealing to insects, especially around ankles, wrists and necklines.

Evenings are a good time to swap shorts for lightweight trousers or add a loose long-sleeve layer. For an extra boost, some travellers like to soak clothing before a trip using incognito® Java Citronella Essential Oil, mixing 10–20 drops with water and leaving garments to soak briefly before drying. It’s a simple step that adds an extra layer of defence without changing how you dress.

L — Light and loose works best

Opting for light-coloured, breathable fabrics isn’t just about comfort. Mosquitoes are drawn to darker colours, so keeping clothing bright and airy helps reduce attention. Loose fits also make it harder for insects to reach skin, especially in warm or humid climates where you’re spending more time outdoors.

O — Odour control matters

Scents can be an invitation. Strong fragrances including perfumes, aftershaves and heavily scented lotions can attract insects without you realising, particularly in warmer climates where scents travel further.

Washing with low-scent or citrus-based products can help keep things subtle. Many travellers choose incognito® Hair & Body Wash, which cleans thoroughly without leaving heavy fragrance behind. Keeping odour control simple works well for families, sensitive skin, and anyone spending long days outside.

A — Apply repellent before you need it

Timing plays a quiet role. Insects are most active early morning and around dusk, which often coincides with breakfast plans or evening meals outdoors. Building repellent into your routine makes protection effortless.

Using incognito® Insect Repellent Spray, Roll-On, Lotion or Sunblock on exposed skin before heading out helps prevent bites rather than reacting to them. Reapplying every 4–5 hours keeps protection consistent, much like topping up sunscreen.

K — Keep them out of your space

Protection doesn’t stop at skin. Keeping mosquitoes out of your immediate surroundings makes a noticeable difference, especially in accommodation or shared spaces.

Using incognito® Room Refresher or Incense Sticks helps deter insects indoors or on balconies, while eliminating nearby standing water reduces breeding areas. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as five days, so a quick check around your space goes a long way.

Why preparation beats reaction

People who seem to avoid bites altogether often aren’t doing anything dramatic. They’ve simply built protection into their travel habits from day one. Packing repellent early, choosing products you’re comfortable using regularly, and understanding what works for your routine all play a part.

Whether you prefer plant-based options like PMD or want protection that fits easily alongside sun care, planning ahead removes the guesswork once you arrive.

Making protection feel normal

Protection doesn’t need to feel like a special precaution. Treated as part of everyday travel prep, alongside sunblock or a reusable water bottle, it becomes second nature.

Whether you’re travelling with children, exploring thoughtfully, or enjoying a well-earned long-haul break, the C.L.O.A.K. method keeps insect bites firmly in the background — so you can focus on enjoying the journey.