Bug Spray In Belize: What's The Deal?

Bug spray is an essential item to pack for a trip to Belize, as mosquitoes and sand flies can be a nuisance, especially at dawn and dusk. While some travellers have reported not encountering many mosquitoes, others have experienced being bitten multiple times. The CDC recommends selecting an insect repellent based on their guidelines, and it is worth noting that 100% DEET is not any more effective than 10% DEET—it just lasts longer and is nasty stuff that can melt plastic. A weaker concentration can be reapplied as needed. Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent and Ultrathon Controlled Release DEET formulas are recommended by some travellers, and Deep Woods Off is also suggested for use on the body, with a higher concentration on the feet, ankles and calves. It is also possible to treat clothing with permethrin, and some travellers recommend this as an effective way to keep bugs at bay. It is also possible to buy bug spray in Belize, although it is more expensive.

Bug spray is cheaper to buy at home than in Belize

While bug spray is available in Belize, it is more expensive than at home. Many travellers have attested to this, with one advising that bug spray is "a lot cheaper at home than on the island". Another traveller noted that bug spray is "cheaper to buy at home".

Bug spray is necessary in Belize, especially in the evenings when mosquitoes are more prevalent. One traveller reported that they "got eaten alive in the first 5 minutes" of a meal at a restaurant. Many restaurants keep cans of bug spray available for customers to use.

When choosing a bug spray, it is important to consider the concentration of DEET, which is the active ingredient that repels insects. A higher concentration of DEET does not necessarily mean that the product is more effective, but rather that it will last longer. For example, a product with 100% DEET is not more effective than one with 10% DEET; it just has a longer-lasting effect.

Some travellers prefer to use products with lower concentrations of DEET and reapply as needed, as DEET can be nasty stuff that melts plastic. It is also recommended to wash your hands after applying bug spray, as DEET can damage phones and other plastic items if touched.

There are alternative bug sprays available that do not contain DEET, such as those with picaridin or plant-based ingredients. These products are generally considered to be less effective than DEET-based products but are still sufficient for repelling insects in Belize.

In addition to bug spray, other measures can be taken to protect against insects. Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when insects are most active, can help reduce bites. Avoiding sandy areas and staying indoors during these times can also lessen the risk of being bitten.

100% DEET bug spray is not necessary; a lower concentration is more effective and safer

When travelling to Belize, it is important to take precautions against mosquitoes and other biting insects. Insect repellent containing DEET is an effective way to protect against bites. However, contrary to what some may believe, 100% DEET bug spray is unnecessary and even undesirable. A lower concentration of around 20-30% DEET is more than sufficient and has several advantages over higher concentrations.

Firstly, lower concentrations of DEET are safer, especially for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a maximum concentration of 30% DEET for infants over two months old and children. Products with 10% DEET are effective for up to two hours, and as the concentration increases, so does the duration of protection. For example, 24% DEET provides an average of five hours of protection. Therefore, a concentration of 20-30% strikes a good balance between effectiveness and safety.

Secondly, higher concentrations of DEET do not necessarily provide better protection against insects. According to the CDC, the efficacy of DEET tends to plateau at around 50% concentration. In other words, once you reach a certain concentration, maximum effectiveness is achieved, and increasing the concentration only prolongs the protection time. As such, 100% DEET is overkill and provides no additional benefit over lower concentrations in terms of repelling insects.

Thirdly, DEET can be unpleasant to use. It has a strong smell that many find offensive, and it can feel oily on the skin. Lower concentrations of DEET are more pleasant to use and are less likely to cause skin irritation.

Finally, DEET can be damaging to certain materials. It can harm plastic, synthetic fabrics, watches, sunglasses, smartphones, and other items. Therefore, it is important to be careful when using high concentrations of DEET to avoid damaging your belongings.

In conclusion, when travelling to Belize or other regions with mosquitoes and biting insects, it is advisable to use an insect repellent with a lower concentration of DEET, such as 20-30%. This will provide sufficient protection against bites while minimising the potential risks and unpleasantness associated with higher concentrations of DEET.

Bug spray with DEET can be harmful to plastic items

DEET is a member of the toluene chemical category, which are known solvents that can dissolve or melt certain materials, including plastic. This means that if you are wearing clothing made from plastic materials, such as nylon, you could experience chemical reactions or damage to your clothing if you are not careful when applying bug spray with DEET. Similarly, if you accidentally spray DEET on plastic items such as sunglasses, watches, or compasses, it may cause damage.

To avoid harming your plastic items, it is important to be cautious when applying bug spray with DEET. Make sure to read the label and follow the instructions for safe application. Avoid spraying it near your eyes or mouth, and do not apply it under your clothing or on irritated skin. Wash any treated clothing before wearing it again, and be mindful of the surrounding area to prevent overspray on plastic items.

It is worth noting that there are alternative bug sprays available that do not contain DEET, such as those with picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus as active ingredients. These alternatives have been found to be effective in repelling insects and may be a better option if you are concerned about the potential damage to plastic items. However, it is always important to read the labels and follow the instructions for any bug spray you choose to use.

Sand flies can be a problem in Belize

Sand flies, also known as no-see-ums, can be a problem in Belize, especially for those with sensitive skin. These tiny insects are most commonly found on or near sand, particularly in less populated areas where they lay their eggs. They are less prevalent in beaches that are frequently raked or heavily used.

Sand flies tend to be more active at sunrise and sunset and when the wind is low. While some people may not be bothered by them, others may experience irritating bites that can be challenging to treat. To protect yourself from sand flies, it is recommended to use an oily barrier, such as coconut oil or baby oil, or a repellent with a high concentration of DEET. Applying an anti-itch cream or natural tea tree oil can help soothe any bites that occur.

In addition to sand flies, mosquitoes and botlass flies are also common in Belize and can be a nuisance to travellers. To minimise your risk of being bitten, it is advisable to use insect repellent and take other preventive measures, such as wearing long pants and sleeves when hiking or engaging in outdoor activities.

Bug spray should be applied liberally to feet, ankles and calves

Bug spray is an essential item to pack when travelling to Belize. The CDC recommends selecting an insect repellent based on their guidelines, and packing permethrin to treat clothing, as well as a bed net for protection against insect bites while sleeping.

When it comes to applying bug spray, it's important to be thorough, especially when it comes to your feet, ankles, and calves. Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide we emit when we breathe, and they can sense it from more than 30 feet away. They use this to find us, and then they keep smelling to locate the best spot for their meal.

Our feet tend to emit stronger odours than other parts of our bodies, making them an easy target for mosquitoes. The skin on our feet is also more sensitive, so bites tend to itch more and may be aggravated by socks, clothing, and shoes. Additionally, mosquitoes may target our feet and ankles because we are less likely to notice them biting us there, giving them a better chance of survival as we can't reach them as easily.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites, liberally apply bug spray to your feet, ankles, and calves. This will help mask your scent and create a barrier that makes it harder for mosquitoes to reach your skin. It is also recommended to wear long pants and close-toed shoes when outdoors to further reduce your risk of being bitten.

Frequently asked questions