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Yes, Sweden Has Mosquitoes – Check Out Our 4 Tips to Handle Them

  • peeterssandra
  • Apr 14
  • 3 min read

Yes, Sweden definitely has mosquitoes – we won't pretend otherwise!

But we'll share our best tips on how to handle these little buzzers so they don't spoil your holiday.


The Swedish Mosquito Reality


There are indeed mosquitoes in Sweden, but their numbers vary dramatically depending on where you are.

The further north you go in Sweden, the more mosquitoes you'll encounter and the bigger they get! In Lapland and other northern regions, you might indeed meet some impressive swarms during summer months.


You can also encounter swarms when hiking in forests, especially near still water like small ponds or swampy areas. This is where mosquitoes breed and gather in large numbers.


But here's the thing: at Nygård Cabins, we're blessed with a mosquito situation that's much more manageable. Our location is ideal – though we're next to the forest, we have a lot of open space around the cabins and always enjoy a nice breeze that naturally keeps mosquito numbers down.


When we first moved here in 2022, we were surprised at how few mosquitoes there were compared to what we expected. Most of our guests mention the same thing – they packed loads of repellent but barely needed it!


When Are Mosquitoes Most Active in Sweden?


Mosquitoes in Sweden have a specific season. They start appearing in May, peak in July (especially after rainy periods), and gradually disappear by September.


The time of day matters too. Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk – exactly when you want to enjoy those magical long summer evenings on your cabin terrace!


But don't worry – we've got solutions.



Our 4 tips against mosquitoes:


After three years living here, we've perfected our mosquito strategy:


  1. Dress smart – Light, long-sleeved clothing in a bright colour (preferrably white) provides simple protection.


  1. Use the right repellent and also spray it on your clotes – Swedish pharmacies sell excellent repellents specifically formulated for Nordic mosquitoes. Our guests find these work much better than what they bring from home.

    Our favorite is the one by Sjö & Hav, but we have to warn you - it comes with a smell so powerful it might just repel humans too! We jokingly call it our 'summer perfume'. The good news is that despite its powerful smell, it contains no DEET and is made with biological ingredients that are climate-friendly.






  1. Thermacell devices – our best discovery ever! These portable, odor-free repellent devices create a 20m² protection zone without sprays or lotions.


    We've placed a Thermacell in every cabin for our guests to use during their stay. Just switch it on when sitting on your terrace and enjoy a mosquito-free evening!







  1. Make a fire – One of the most enjoyable ways to keep mosquitoes at bay is to light a campfire.

    Mosquitoes hate smoke, and sitting around a crackling fire in the evening is not just practical but creates that perfect Swedish outdoor experience.

    Our fire pits at Nygård are perfectly positioned for both mosquito protection and cozy evening gatherings.





Many of our guests have been so impressed with these strategies that they've implemented them back home – especially the Thermacell device, a practical souvenir!



 


So there you have it – mosquitoes in Sweden are manageable, especially here at Nygård Cabins. With a few simple precautions, you'll barely notice them as you enjoy all the natural beauty that Swedish summer has to offer.


Questions about your stay? We're here to help make your Swedish adventure completely comfortable!


 

 

FAQs About Mosquitoes in Sweden


Q: Are Swedish mosquitoes dangerous? 

A: No, Swedish mosquitoes don't carry diseases like malaria. They're annoying but not dangerous to your health.


Q: Will mosquitoes ruin my hiking trip in Sweden? 

A: Not necessarily! The key is to keep moving. Mosquitoes have difficulty landing on you when you're in motion, and the air movement on trails naturally keeps them away. It's when you stop for breaks that they'll likely find you – so that's when you should apply your repellent.

Our advice? Save longer breaks for breezy, open areas rather than still, shaded spots, and keep a steady pace on your hike to minimize mosquito encounters.


Q: Is it true Swedish mosquitoes are bigger than in other European countries? 

A: In northern Sweden, yes – they can be larger. In our region of Värmland, they're similar in size to what you'd find in central European countries.


Q: Do I need to bring special mosquito protection to Sweden? 

A: Basic repellent is useful, but we recommend buying locally once you arrive. Swedish products are specifically designed for local species.


Q: Are mosquitoes a problem year-round in Sweden? 

A: No – mosquitoes are only active during the warm months (May to September). Winter visitors won't encounter any!

 
 
 

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