Mosquitos in Mallorca | Season | Avoiding | Treatment

Like in most warm climates, you can find mosquitos in Mallorca. They are a nuisance and their bites cause itching or discomfort. It’s important to note that Mallorca is not considered a high-risk area for mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria or West Nile virus. However there have been a few cases of Dengue-fever in resort areas in Mallorca as well as Ibiza spread by a particular species of mosquito.

Here is what I can tell you about my experience in Mallorca with mosquitos as well as other useful information.

Mosquito Season in Mallorca

The mosquito season in Mallorca starts around May or June and lasts until September or October. However, the exact timing and intensity of the mosquito season varies from year to year depending on weather conditions and local mosquito populations. Mosquitos are most active at dawn and dusk during these times.

While I was holidaying in Mallorca I found the mosquito situation similar to what we have in my home country of Malta. The species I encountered are the same with similar behaviour patterns.

Mostly during the day we had absolutely no issue with mosquitos in Mallorca, so there is no need to apply any repellents. Additionally since my husband and I have dinner early, we were able to enjoy our dinner on the terrace in peace. That is to say even though our holiday rental was at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains among the countryside areas.

However later on as the sun started to set, mosquitos came out to bite. Once we noticed them, we quickly went inside to avoid them.

Keeping Mosquitos at Bay

My husband and I could have easily bought some citronella candles like these from the supermarket in Mallorca and placed them next to us in the evening. In this way, we would have enjoyed the view from the terrace for longer.

However whenever we bought candles back in Malta they were only effective to some degree. They didn’t keep the annoying insects away completely so I suggest you use other strategies if you are outside at dawn or dusk.

You can either wear long sleeves and trousers or use mosquito repellent. If you opt for mosquito repellent, you are better off buying a repellent like Jungle Formula which has a high amounts of DEET as is recommended by the WHO.

Unlike standard repellents that are only effective against the most common mosquitos, repellents with a high amount of DEET offers exceptional protection against Tiger Mosquitos as well. This is particularly beneficial as in some cases Tiger Mosquito bites can cause more problems and spread disease.

Jungle Formula is particularly good because it is 90ml and perfect for carry on luggage. Additionally it does not have that metallic smell that is associated with most other repellents that have high amounts of DEET.

Types of Mosquitos in Mallorca and Their Bites

There are several species of mosquitos in Mallorca:

Common House Mosquito: Is brown in colour and the females mostly bite humans during the night. They can transmit diseases, but in Mallorca this is not an issue.
Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus): This mosquito has black-and-white striped legs and body. It is an invasive species that has spread to various parts of the world, including Mallorca. It is a daytime biter and in some rare cases has spread Dengue-fever in Mallorca.
Culiseta Longiareolata: This species is commonly found in wetland areas, including marshes and ponds. The females of Culiseta Longiareolata typically feed on birds but may occasionally bite humans as well.
Anopheles Atroparvus: This species is primarily associated with the transmission of malaria. However, malaria is not endemic to Mallorca, and the presence of Anopheles mosquitos on the island is minimal.

The most common mosquito is called the Common House Mosquito. As the name suggests, they are often found around houses. Their bites usually cause mild irritation, but some people can have more severe allergic reactions.

On the other hand, Tiger Mosquitos have bites that are more bothersome compared to other mosquitos. Their bites can cause more discomfort and irritation to the skin. Some people have gotten severe allergic reactions with their bites and needed hospitalisation.

Treating Mosquito Bites

Whenever I have been bitten by any mosquito including the Tiger Mosquitos, I resisted the temptation to touch and itch the affected area. This is because whenever I did, I would make the reaction and redness worse.

So if you can help it, don’t touch the bite area. You can also apply some inexpensive After Bite which you can buy from Amazon or select pharmacies to the affected area.

It is a popular and well-rated treatment specially formulated to alleviate the discomfort of insect bites and stings. It has a fast-acting formula that provides instant soothing relief from itchiness and discomfort.

However if the reaction to the bite takes long to subside or is getting worse you should consult a doctor.

Where There Are More Mosquitos in Mallorca

Mosquitos are often found near bodies of water, such as wetlands, ponds, and stagnant pools. This is because they serve as breeding sites for them. Therefore, areas close to these water sources may have a higher concentration of mosquitos.

Additionally, urban areas with gardens, parks, or areas with vegetation can also attract mosquitos. They may find suitable breeding sites in containers, flower pots, or other areas where water can accumulate.

While I travelled all over Mallorca, I did not have issues with mosquitos except for the evening on the terrace. That is to say even though I walked through some country areas with more vegetation during the day. However if I was out at dawn or dusk in these areas I would have applied mosquito repellent.

Can You Get Sick From Mosquito Bites in Mallorca?

In Mallorca, the risk of getting sick from mosquito bites is generally low. Mallorca is not known for having endemic mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria or significant outbreaks of other mosquito-transmitted illnesses.

However the Asian Tiger Mosquito has spread Dengue-fever in Mallorca as well as Ibiza. The good news is that Dengue-fever is not usually serious and does not always cause symptoms. Most of the time anyone infected with the disease gets better on their own, and only in rare cases does it result in a more severe illness.

Mostly mosquito bites in Mallorca cause discomfort, itching, and, in some cases, allergic reactions. Additionally, while rare, it’s theoretically possible for imported cases of mosquito-borne diseases to occur if an infected individual travels to Mallorca.

If you are travelling to a resort in Mallorca and want to prevent mosquito bites, then the buying a repellent with high amounts of DEET is crucial. As mentioned earlier this mosquito repellent I’m suggesting can put off all mosquitoes including the Asian Tiger.