Montpellier Travel Forum

Can anyone please tell me how July is looking for Mosquitoes in the area? Are the Mosquito numbers up or down for this time of year? Do they bite even in the daytime? Would you advise the use of Mosquito nets if staying in a Campsite chalet? Please excuse if this all sounds paranoid - it's just have read of some bad experiences on travel blogs and wonder if it all depends on the weather/season?

Thanks in advance for any help?

Mosquitoes, Malaria and Dengue Fever.

This is a question that appears quite a lot here on VT.
You will hear from people who never take any kind of medication.
You will hear from those who do.

May I suggest that you contact your own doctor, practice nurse or travel clinic and ask for their advice?
If they recommend that you use some form of medication, get them to recommend the treatment.
You may find that some treatments you make you ill, if so, ask the doctor for an alternative.

Different anti malaria medication effects different people in different ways, what is good for one person is not always good for another. You won't know this until you have tried a particular medicine.

At present, there is no cure for Dengue Fever.
Unlike the mosquitoes that cause malaria, dengue mosquitoes bite during the day.

Is prevention better than the cure?
Of course it is.
DEET based products are the most effective way of repelling mosquitoes.
Available in different forms and strengths, users should always read the instructions carefully

“I will only be there 3 or 4 days, do I really need to take the medicine”
It does not matter, if it is an infected area, 3 or 4 minutes is all it takes to get Malaria.

Either way, you can return from your holiday with some great photographs, a sun tan and good memories or in a body bag.
The choice is yours.

True fact: - Malaria has killed more than half the people who have EVER lived.

This reply may appear to be a little melodramatic and over the top.
IT IS MEANT TO BE.
Too much irresponsible and bad information is given out over forums regarding the mosquito and its potential to kill.

We've stayed at a campsite next to a nature reserve about an hour from Montpellier for 30 years. A lot will depend on the vegetation of the campsite and whether they have sprayed to prevent them. We've never had the need or the luxury of nets! Cover up, spray if you need the urge, and buy a mosquito spiral available from Mr. Bricolage or any decent camping shop. Mosquito candles are available from any small shop and they do a very effective job.

If you're planning to swim in the Med. I would strongly suggest that you look into getting your Polio shots updated, as our GP told us it was rife in the Med but kept under wraps as it wasn't good news for tourism.

Have fun