Like almost everywhere else in the world, there are mosquitoes in Bali. Find out whether these pests pose a danger, when they are particularly active and other important information in the following article.
Are there many mosquitoes in Bali?
Short answer: Yes! Bali has many bodies of water that are optimal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Of course, this is especially true during the rainy season, when many puddles and small ponds form. But the many rice fields also provide mosquitoes with good opportunities to lay their eggs. However, this does not mean that everyone has the same problem with these stinging insects. In general, the more standing water there is, the more mosquitoes there are likely to be.
One place where you would normally find no or hardly any mosquitoes is on the beaches. This is partly because mosquitoes don’t like salt water and partly because of the breeze that often blows by the sea.
Are mosquitoes dangerous in Bali?
The mosquitoes in Bali are not dangerous in themselves – just like in Europe. A single mosquito only sucks a little blood, which is not a big deal. The only problem is that mosquitoes are potential carriers of various diseases. This fact makes the mosquito one of the most dangerous creatures in the world. More people die each year from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes than from all other animal-borne diseases combined.
You shouldn’t panic, but you shouldn’t underestimate the danger either. If you protect yourself well against mosquitoes in Bali, you won’t be exposed to any great risk.
Is there a time in Bali without mosquitoes?
In general, there are mosquitoes in Bali all year round. However, the number is significantly higher during and just after the rainy season. This does not mean, however, that there are no mosquitoes in Bali during the dry season. There are just fewer and therefore the risk of bites is lower.
In terms of the time of day, it is important to know that mosquitoes can be active at any time of day. There are different types of mosquitoes in Bali. Some are diurnal, others nocturnal. There are particularly many mosquitoes at dusk and dawn.
How to avoid mosquito bites in Bali
As in all tropical regions, you should try to avoid mosquito bites in Bali. This can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the diseases they transmit. The following measures are recommended to protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- Avoid being outside in mosquito areas at dawn and dusk – the mosquitoes that transmit dengue are most active at these times of day.
- Use air conditioning. This ensures that the air in the room is dry, making it uncomfortable for mosquitoes.
- Use mosquito nets for the beds – the best protection against being bitten while you sleep.
- Wear long sleeves and long trousers. Even if this is rather unusual for the temperatures in Bali, you should wear long clothing that mosquitoes cannot bite through, especially during twilight hours.
- Use insect repellent. Using an insect repellent spray can keep mosquitoes away. However, you have to spray yourself regularly to maintain protection. And many of the sprays have an unpleasant odor.
Treat mosquito bites
The vast majority of mosquito bites in Bali are completely harmless – not every mosquito carries pathogens. But the bites themselves can also be very annoying. The bite site often turns red and starts to itch. This is usually due to a histamine reaction, a mild allergy. This reaction can best be treated with an antihistamine or an antihistamine cream. Both belong in a good first-aid kit, but can also be bought locally in almost all pharmacies in Bali.
Don’t scratch
No matter how itchy you are, you should never scratch mosquito bites. This can cause other germs to enter the bite site or wound, leading to infections in the worst case. Therefore, you should hold out until the bites no longer itch.
Conclusion: mosquito protection in Bali is important
Anyone traveling to tropical countries will inevitably have to deal with the issue of mosquitoes. These are of course also present in Bali – especially during the rainy season. Although Bali is considered malaria-free, there are numerous other pathogens that can be transmitted by mosquitoes. Therefore, you should protect yourself from being stung if possible. Wearing long clothing during the most active times of the mosquitoes or using a mosquito net can be very helpful. If you follow all of the above tips, you will significantly reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.
