Chapter 1 of 7
When and where should you prepare for mosquitoes?
In my experience, the times to be most prepared are during warm evenings, especially if you're dining outdoors or spending time near gardens. And don't think you need to be near a swamp to find them. Mosquitoes can breed in tiny amounts of standing water, like in a flowerpot on a balcony. They are an urban issue as much as a rural one.
I tell visitors to treat sunset as a signal to check their protection, but don't assume that's the only time you can get bitten. Daylight, high heat, or being right by the sea won't make you invisible to them.
My advice is to choose your accommodation for the holiday you want, not by trying to guess a mosquito-free zone. A hotel's name or location can't tell you if your specific room is well-protected. If you want to know about seasonal conditions, use my Rhodes weather guide instead of trying to pick a month with zero mosquitoes.
Chapter 2 of 7
Use repellent properly, not just occasionally
Please don't just grab any old spray. Bring a repellent that is specifically labelled for mosquito protection and, most importantly, read the instructions before you go out. You need to know how often to reapply it; don't assume one spray lasts all night.
Here's a tip I always share: keep the repellent in the bag you take out with you. It does no good sitting in your hotel bathroom when you decide to turn a short walk into a long, leisurely dinner. For extra protection, I recommend pairing it with light, breathable long-sleeved tops and trousers.
- Apply repellent only to exposed skin, as the label directs. Check if it's safe to use on clothing—not all are.
- If you're also using sunscreen, my rule is sunscreen first. Let it absorb completely before you apply the repellent.
- Follow each product’s own reapplication schedule. Don't just lump it in with your sunscreen routine.
- If you have any doubt about a product being right for you or your child, just ask a local pharmacist.
Chapter 3 of 7
Make outdoor dinners and balcony evenings easier
Before I settle in for an evening on a restaurant terrace, I do a quick check: have I got repellent with me, and am I wearing clothes that offer decent coverage? A beautiful garden setting is something to enjoy, not avoid, but it's a place where being prepared makes all the difference.
Don't rely on myths. A breeze or a fan can help, but they are not a guaranteed shield. You still need your repellent, even at a waterfront table. I also wouldn't count on citronella candles or other gadgets the venue might have; think of them as a bonus, not a replacement for your own protection.
For example, if you're heading straight from a day out to dinner, I'd suggest taking a light long-sleeved top and your repellent with you to avoid a trip back to the room. If mosquitoes start to bother you, don't just suffer through it—ask the staff if you can move to a different table, perhaps indoors.
On your hotel balcony, make sure you don't leave any containers that can collect stagnant water. If you see standing water in public areas of your accommodation, please report it to the staff.
Chapter 4 of 7
Check your hotel room’s barriers before bedtime
Here's a mistake I see people make: assuming every hotel room in Rhodes comes with screens, a fan, or a plug-in mosquito device. You must ask about the specific room you're booking, especially if you're like me and prefer to sleep with a window or balcony door open.
Before you book or at check-in
I strongly recommend asking if the windows and balcony doors have insect screens, and whether the room has air-conditioning or a fan. Screens are the best solution if you want fresh air without letting pests in.
- Personally check any window or door screens. Make sure they close fully and don't have rips or gaps.
- If you find any damage, insist that the hotel staff fix it promptly.
- If a plug-in device is provided, I'd advise asking for clear instructions before you use it.
During your stay
Keep any unscreened doors and windows shut when you're not actively using them. This includes when you're sitting on the balcony. Turning the lights off inside isn't enough to stop them coming in.
Air-conditioning and fans help deter mosquitoes, as the WHO confirms, but they don't make a room impenetrable. If you're still finding them inside, the problem is likely a gap somewhere. Ask staff to check the screens and seals again rather than just relying on a fan.
Chapter 5 of 7
Take extra care with protection for children
Please be extra vigilant when it comes to children. Always check the age recommendations on repellent, as a product that's fine for an adult might not be suitable for a young child. Adults should be the ones to apply it, following the label exactly. If you're unsure, a pharmacist can give you the best advice.
In addition to repellent, I think lightweight clothing that covers their skin is essential. The WHO also suggests using mosquito nets for cots and carriers. I would ask your hotel about this before you arrive, so you know what they can provide.
My advice for families is to get your protection plan sorted before you leave for your evening out. It’s much less stressful to read instructions and apply repellent correctly in your room than trying to do it in a hurry at a restaurant.
Chapter 6 of 7
Know where to get help without self-diagnosing
Let's be clear: preventing bites is about more than just avoiding an itch; infected mosquitoes can carry diseases. However, a bite doesn't mean you're sick, and you absolutely should not try to diagnose yourself based on how a bite looks or feels.
For simple advice on a nasty bite, or questions about which repellent to buy, your best bet is a local pharmacy. Their opening hours rotate, so it's wise to check which one is on late duty ('diaterevon').
If you feel unwell at any point, either during your holiday or after you get home, please seek professional medical advice and tell them where you've been. For any severe symptoms, you need immediate help. In an emergency, call 112 (the general emergency number) or 166 for an ambulance. My guide to pharmacies and hospitals in Rhodes has more practical details.
In reality, mosquitoes are almost always just a nuisance here, not a major health threat. For the bigger picture on safety, have a look at my guide on how safe Rhodes is for tourists.
Chapter 7 of 7
Your quick evening checklist
You don't need to hide indoors every evening. Just run through this quick mental checklist I use before heading out or relaxing on the balcony:
Still have a question? My answers to dozens of common travel queries are in the main Rhodes practical travel questions hub.
- Is repellent packed in my bag, and do I know when to reapply it?
- Do I have a light, long-sleeved top or trousers if I need more coverage later?
- Have I used the correct, age-appropriate product for my children?
- Are the room's screens and unscreened doors properly closed?
- Do I have a plan B, like moving indoors, if the mosquitoes get too annoying?
Sources and product information
Frequently asked questions
Should I change hotels because one review mentions mosquitoes?
Absolutely not. One bad review reflects one person's experience in one room on one night. What I would do is use that review as a smart prompt. Call or email the hotel and ask them directly: 'Do your rooms have insect screens? What do you do if a guest reports a problem with mosquitoes?' Their answer will tell you far more than a random review.
Can I buy repellent after arriving in Rhodes?
Yes, you can buy it here in pharmacies and tourist shops. However, I strongly advise you to bring a brand you trust from home. This means you're protected from your very first evening and don't have to spend your precious holiday time searching for an open shop, especially if you arrive late at night.
Does a mosquito in my room mean the hotel is dirty?
No, it has nothing at all to do with cleanliness. Mosquitoes aren't attracted to dirt; they are attracted to you! They breed in standing water, which can be perfectly clean, and get in through an open door or a tiny hole in a screen. If you keep finding them in your room, it's a barrier issue, not a hygiene one. My advice is to ask the hotel staff to check your room's seals and screens.