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No matter which tropical destination you’re visiting, there’s probably one thing they all have in common: mosquitoes.

Here’s how to avoid mosquito bites—the safe way.

Depending on where you travel, mosquitoes can carry some serious diseases, like malaria, Dengue fever, and West Nile.

If you’re going to a place where those diseases are endemic, talk to your doctor. They’ll probably tell you to wear a strong repellent with at least 10 to 25 percent DEET.

But if the mosquito issue is just a nuisance, you can try some alternative options.

In some countries, you can find mosquito-repelling patches that go on your clothes, instead of your body.

There are also some lesser-known ingredients that have proven to be pretty effective, like picaridin and lemon eucalyptus oil.

The EPA even has a an online tool to help you figure out the best products containing these ingredients.

But the basic rules of common sense always apply: long sleeves and pants, avoid going out at peak evening hours, and look into local remedies like bed nets and repellent coils when traveling abroad.

For more information, visit the Travel Health Archives.

Keep reading for more travel tips.