Mosquito nets, screens and insects in island rooms
You are worried about bites and bugs, especially with children, and want to know what to ask first.
Island rooms sit close to trees, sand and standing water, so insects are part of the setting. What matters is whether your room keeps them out and what the resort will confirm. Ask about screens, nets and door gaps before you book, and bring a few things of your own.
Our wider guide on how to choose an island resort puts this question in context. For a baby, read cots and baby beds on islands beside this page.
What actually keeps insects out of a room?
Four things matter, and a resort may have only some of them.
| Layer | What to look for | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Window and vent screens | Mesh on every opening, no tears | Are all windows and vents screened? |
| Door and gap seals | A door that closes tight, no wide gap at the bottom | Is there a gap under the door or around the bathroom? |
| Bed or cot net | A net that hangs and tucks in | Is a net supplied, and does it fit a cot? |
| Room habits | Lights off near open doors, no food left out | Can you cover your drinks and rubbish? |
Air conditioning helps because windows stay shut, but only if the room is sealed. Our page on air conditioning hours and fans on islands explains why the hours matter.
Why do chalets and open-air bathrooms matter?
Chalets and villas with open-air bathrooms or wide shutters give a lovely feel. They can also let in more insects. That is not a flaw, only a trade you should make knowingly.
If you have a baby, a very young child or a light sleeper, a sealed room with screens may be worth more than an open design. Read bathroom types on islands to see how this plays out.
What should you pack?
A short list covers most gaps:
- A repellent your family doctor or pharmacist has suggested for each age in your group.
- Light, loose, long-sleeved clothing for dusk.
- A small travel net or a portable cot net for babies, if the resort does not supply one.
- After-bite cream or whatever your doctor recommends for itching.
- A torch, so you are not opening a door with the light on.
- Tape or clips to close small gaps, only if the resort agrees.
Pack these in hand luggage, because a shop on a small island may not stock them. The island packing checklist can add them to your list.
What should you ask the resort in writing?
- Are all windows, vents and doors in my room type screened?
- Is a bed net provided, and is one available for a cot?
- Is there a gap under the door, and how do you manage it?
- Is the room treated for insects, how, and how often?
- Can I request that treatment is skipped?
- Do you provide repellent, or is there a shop on the island that does?
Send the same questions to every resort you compare. A reply that is specific, such as naming the screens and the net, tells you more than one that only says the room is comfortable.
A better fit if…
A sealed, air-conditioned room may be a better fit if you travel with a baby, sleep lightly, or are sensitive to bites.
An open-style chalet may be a better fit if you enjoy the outdoors, accept some insects, and are happy to use nets and repellent.
If you cannot get a clear answer, ask for a room change on arrival, and ask now whether that is possible.
Common questions
Will my island room have a mosquito net?
Do not assume so. Some rooms have a bed net, some rely on window screens and air conditioning, and some have neither. Ask the resort which applies to your room type, and ask in writing, because room types within one resort can differ.
Are insects worse at certain times of day?
Insects are usually more active around dawn and dusk, and after rain. Evenings on the veranda and early walks to the beach are when many guests notice them. Plan repellent and covered clothing for those hours, and keep doors shut.
Is it safe to use repellent on a baby?
Ask your child's doctor or pharmacist before you travel. Products and ages differ, and we cannot advise on a specific product. A cot net, light long-sleeved clothing and a closed room are usually the first lines of protection to ask about.
Can the resort treat or spray my room?
Some resorts do, some do not, and spraying may not suit babies or people with breathing problems. Ask what is done, how often, and whether you can ask for it to be skipped. Keep any answer in writing.