Bugs In Belize: A Tropical Paradise's Pest Problem

Belize is a country located near the Equator, and as such, bugs are a fact of life. The country is home to a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, sand flies, scorpions, spiders, snakes, and more. While bugs can be a nuisance, they can be managed with proper preparation and precautions. Here's a rundown of some common bugs in Belize and how to deal with them:

- Mosquitoes: These are prevalent during the rainy season (June to November) and are attracted to standing water. They can carry diseases like malaria and dengue fever, so it's essential to protect yourself at all times. Use mosquito repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing to cover exposed skin, and consider using mosquito coils, fans, screens, and mosquito nets.

- Sand Flies: These tiny insects breed in wet, sandy areas and can cause intense itching and red bumps if scratched. To prevent bites, use a thick oil like baby oil or lavender oil as a repellent.

- Scorpions: Found in jungle and forest areas, scorpions in Belize are not as lethal as those found elsewhere. However, their sting can be dangerous for people with asthma and allergies, potentially triggering anaphylactic shock. Avoid wood piles where scorpions tend to gather.

- Spiders: While spiders in Belize are generally scared of humans and try to avoid biting, they may crawl into dark places like linens and clothes. It's advisable to shake out your clothing and inspect your shoes before putting them on to avoid surprises.

- Snakes: Belize is home to around 59 types of snakes, ranging from harmless to deadly. Most snakes tend to avoid humans, but it's essential to wear hiking boots when trekking to avoid accidental encounters.

- Botlass Flies: These small black flies are found primarily in the Silk Grass Creek area of Belize. They leave a tell-tale drop of blood on the skin after biting and can cause intense itching and swelling. To prevent bites, use a heavy oily bug spray or repellent with DEET.

- Doctor Flies: These yellow-bellied flies are larger than houseflies and have a pointed abdomen. They are aggressive and can deliver a painful bite. Unfortunately, repellents don't seem to work effectively against them. To alleviate itching and swelling, use anti-itch oil and take Benadryl pills if necessary.

Mosquitoes and sand flies

To protect yourself from mosquito bites, it is essential to take precautions all day and night as some mosquitoes carry malaria and dengue fever. It is recommended to expose as little skin as possible and use a strong repellent on any exposed skin. Mosquito coils are also effective in repelling mosquitoes, but be sure to keep the smoke trail away from your face. Fans, screens, and mosquito nets are additional measures to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Sand flies, also known as sand fleas, no-see-ums, or midges, are tiny insects that can be found on or near sand, especially in less-travelled areas. They are more common in remote locations and during times of low wind, such as sunrise and sunset. An oily barrier, such as coconut oil or baby oil, is recommended to protect against sand fly bites.

Overall, while mosquitoes and sand flies are a nuisance in Belize, especially during the rainy season, taking the appropriate precautions and using the right repellents can help minimize their impact on your visit.

Scorpions, spiders, and snakes

Belize is home to a wide variety of arachnids and reptiles, including scorpions, spiders, and snakes.

Scorpions can be found on the cayes and on the mainland, and are mostly nocturnal. Scorpion stings are rarely fatal, but they can be dangerous for children, the elderly, and those who are ill. The stings can cause numbness in the tongue and lips, and can be highly dangerous for people with asthma and allergies, potentially triggering anaphylactic shock. To avoid scorpions, it is recommended to stay away from wood piles, as they are a favourite hiding spot.

There are several species of spiders in Belize, including the black widow, the brown recluse, and tarantulas. The black widow is the most venomous spider in North America, with venom that is 15 times more poisonous than that of the prairie rattlesnake. They are identifiable by their dark thorax and red pattern on their underside. Black widows are shy and avoid human contact, but it is still recommended to check footwear and clothing before use, especially when in wooded areas. The brown recluse spider is not aggressive and usually only bites when pressed against the skin, such as when tangled in clothing or bedding. Their bites are often painless and may go unnoticed, but can cause necrosis and lead to deep scars. Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders that are commonly sold in pet stores. Their bites are considered painful but not dangerous unless the victim is allergic to the venom.

Belize is home to a variety of venomous snakes, including pit vipers, coral snakes, and rattlesnakes. The Fer-de-Lance is considered particularly dangerous due to its aggressive nature and potent venom, which can cause tissue death and blood clotting issues. The Mayan coral snake is another highly venomous snake found in Belize, with a neurotoxic venom that is considered one of the strongest in Central America. However, they are shy and rarely bite humans. The Neotropical Rattlesnake is the only rattlesnake species found in Belize and can be identified by its large size and distinct diamond-like pattern. Their bites can cause impaired vision, muscle paralysis, and respiratory failure.

Doctor flies

The female doctor fly bites humans in order to obtain a blood meal to develop her eggs, and their peak season is from April to June, although they can be present from March through November. They are attracted to bodies of water and tend to hide in trees nearby. Their bites leave itchy welts and can be very painful.

One person described the doctor fly as follows:

> "I’ve been bit in Hopkins by a Doctor fly, yup deer fly, horse fly. Smaller than a house fly and black with yellow wings. I am very allergic to them, usually end up in ER after a bite. They are the same as a deer fly or a yellow fly in Florida. Very quiet and very light, you only feel them after they bite."

To protect yourself from doctor fly bites, it is recommended to use insect repellent containing DEET. Physical barriers such as gloves and headnets can also be effective. If you are bitten, some people find that the itch goes away on its own within 20 minutes. Others use antihistamines, hot teaspoons as a compress, or rub Vicks, lemongrass oil, or lavender oil on the bite mark.

Fire ants

The sexual male and female workers have wings, which allow new colonies to disperse. The sexuals (known as alates) fly into the air, sometimes as high as 100 feet (30 meters) in a large cloud and mate on the wing. After inseminating the female with sperm, the male dies. The female then searches for a suitable nest site, drops her wings, and begins laying eggs.

Contrary to popular belief, fire ants do not simply "bite." They anchor themselves with their jaws before injecting venom with a sting at the tip of their abdomen, like a bee or wasp. They can continuously sting for an extended period by attaching to the victim's flesh with their strong mandibles.

If you're in a forest, it is recommended to wear closed-toed shoes to protect yourself from fire ant bites. These nasty pests frequently reside close to tree roots or foundations in sandy environments, where they also dwell. To treat fire ant bites, use an oral antihistamine to reduce itchiness, swelling, and hives. Apply a cold compress or a simple ice pack to the affected region if it starts to swell. You can also put some soothing ointment on, such as hydrocortisone cream. To make the most of this cream, put a sterile bandage over the affected area.

Botlass flies

The botlass fly's bite is quite distinctive. While the bite itself is not felt due to anaesthetics in the fly's saliva, the aftermath can be unpleasant, with reddish-purple blood spots appearing beneath the skin at the site of each bite. These red welts are accompanied by intense itching that can last for several days. Moderate to severe swelling may also occur, particularly around the ankles and legs.

The direct injury caused by botlass fly bites is not the only concern. In several countries in Central and South America, and Africa, botlass flies are known to carry filarial worms that can invade the human body and cause serious health issues. These worms can occupy small tumours under the skin, and in some cases, they can migrate to the eye, causing permanent sight loss, a condition known as river blindness or Robles disease.

While botlass flies can be a nuisance and potentially carry harmful diseases, it is important to note that they are not known to spread any diseases in Belize. Additionally, the use of insect repellent can help reduce the risk of being bitten.

Frequently asked questions