Autumn in Malta: Why Am I Still Getting Mosquito Bites?

There’s a lot to enjoy about autumn in Malta: cooler evenings, walks without the summer heat, and finally being able to switch off the air conditioner… But why are we still getting mosquito bites?

Well, it turns out that a little lingering warmth, combined with rainwater collecting around our homes, can give them everything they need to breed and thrive.

Why Are Mosquitoes Still Around in Autumn?

Mosquitoes respond to their surroundings, so shorter days don’t necessarily mean fewer bites. When the weather stays mild and autumn showers leave standing water behind, they can continue breeding.

The Asian tiger mosquito, which is found in Malta, is particularly adaptable. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control notes that its young can develop throughout the year in southernmost European regions, including Malta. In other words, putting away the beach towels doesn’t mean it’s time to put away the repellent.

Could Your Balcony Be a Breeding Spot?

You might picture mosquitoes breeding beside ponds, but they can make use of much smaller collections of water. After a shower, an overflowing plant saucer, an uncovered bucket, or a toy left outside can become a suitable spot.

Take a look around your balcony, yard, or roof after rainfall and empty anything that has collected water. Once a week, scrub out water-holding containers, store unused buckets upside down, and check that water-storage containers are securely covered. Remember indoor vases and plant saucers, too.

Even if your only outdoor space is a small balcony, checking these easily overlooked places can help.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Alongside removing standing water, a few precautions can help you avoid bringing home itchy souvenirs from your evening walk.

For a start, use a suitable insect repellent on exposed skin, following the instructions for application and reapplication. DEET and icaridin are recognised repellent ingredients, but age restrictions vary between products. Ask a pharmacist if you’re choosing one for a child and aren’t sure what’s suitable.

Meanwhile, lightweight long sleeves and trousers can also provide extra coverage. At home, check window and door screens for tears or gaps, especially if you’re opening the windows more often now that the weather is cooler.

How Do You Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a mosquito gets through. Once the itching starts, scratching can feel almost automatic, particularly when you’re lying awake at night. Unfortunately, it can break the skin and increase the risk of infection.

Gently wash the bite with soap and water, and, if it’s swollen, apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for around 20 minutes.

If that isn’t enough, ask a pharmacist about a suitable cream for mosquito bites. Hydrocortisone cream or an antihistamine may help, depending on your circumstances. Always check suitability before using treatments on children.

It’s also worth keeping the basics together so they’re easy to find when needed. Our home first-aid kit checklist is a useful place to start.

Are Mosquito Bites Dangerous?

Most mosquito bites cause temporary itching and swelling, then settle within a few days. Occasionally, however, a bite can become infected or cause a more significant allergic reaction.

Seek medical advice if redness spreads, the skin becomes increasingly hot, painful or swollen, pus appears, or you develop a fever. Difficulty breathing or sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat requires emergency help.

For everyday bites, prevention and gentle care usually go a long way. Keep an eye on standing water, maintain your insect screens and keep repellent within reach while mosquitoes remain active.

FAQs