Insects are one of the most underestimated travel hazards. Mosquitoes transmit malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and Ross River fever. Sandflies cause painful bites that itch for days. Ticks carry Lyme disease and Australian tick typhus. The right insect control — repellent, clothing, and nets — significantly reduces your exposure to all of these, particularly in tropical and subtropical destinations.
Travel Gear stocks travel insect control products for Australian and international travel, shipping from our Charlestown NSW warehouse. For destination-specific advice on insect-borne disease risk, consult a travel health clinic or your GP before departure.
Types of Insect Control
Insect Repellents
The most important insect control measure for travel. DEET (diethyltoluamide) is the most effective active ingredient against mosquitoes and ticks — concentrations of 20–50% provide 4–8 hours of protection. DEET-free alternatives using picaridin (icaridin) are equally effective against mosquitoes and less irritating to skin and synthetic fabrics. The Australian Department of Health recommends DEET or picaridin-based repellents for travel to malaria-endemic regions.
Mosquito Nets
Essential for sleeping in areas with high mosquito activity, particularly in tropical destinations where malaria and dengue are present. A permethrin-treated mosquito net provides both a physical barrier and a chemical deterrent. Freestanding nets suit camping; hanging nets suit accommodation without bed frames. Look for nets with a mesh size of 1.2mm or smaller to exclude sandflies as well as mosquitoes.
Permethrin-Treated Clothing
Clothing treated with permethrin repels and kills insects on contact, providing protection even when repellent wears off. Particularly useful for hiking and outdoor activities where you're in insect habitat for extended periods. Permethrin treatment lasts through multiple washes and is safe for humans when dry. Pair with travel clothing in light colours — ticks and insects are easier to spot on light fabric.
Insect-Proof Accessories
Head nets, insect-proof gloves, and ankle gaiters for high-exposure environments. Useful for dawn and dusk activities in areas with heavy mosquito or midge activity, and for tick-prone bushland in eastern Australia.
Insect Control by Destination
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Tropical Australia (QLD, NT, WA north): DEET or picaridin repellent, long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk, mosquito net for outdoor sleeping
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Southeast Asia: DEET 30–50% repellent, permethrin-treated clothing, mosquito net — malaria and dengue risk varies significantly by country and region
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Sub-Saharan Africa: DEET 50% repellent, permethrin-treated clothing, mosquito net, and antimalarial medication (consult your GP)
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Australian bushland: Tick repellent (DEET-based), light-coloured clothing, tick checks after every outing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DEET safe to use?
Yes — DEET has been used safely for over 60 years and is approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). Concentrations up to 50% are safe for adults; concentrations above 30% are not recommended for children under 12. Apply to exposed skin only, avoid eyes and mouth, and wash off when no longer needed. DEET can damage some synthetic fabrics — picaridin is a better choice for use around synthetic clothing and gear.
What's the difference between DEET and picaridin?
Both are effective against mosquitoes and ticks at equivalent concentrations. DEET has a longer track record and is slightly more effective against some species. Picaridin is odourless, less irritating to skin, and safe for use on synthetic fabrics and plastics. The Australian Department of Health recommends both as effective options for travel to malaria-endemic regions.
Do I need a mosquito net for travel in Australia?
For most Australian travel, no. For camping in tropical Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern Western Australia — particularly during the wet season — a mosquito net is recommended, especially for sleeping outdoors or in open shelters. Ross River fever and Barmah Forest virus are transmitted by mosquitoes in these regions.
For complete outdoor protection, also see our emergency gear range and camping equipment collection.
