Bugspray Strategies For Belize: Planning A Tropical Getaway

Bug spray is an essential item to pack for a trip to Belize, as the country's tropical climate makes it a hotspot for mosquitoes and other biting insects. The wet season, which lasts from June to November, is when mosquitoes are most prevalent, but they can be a problem all year round, especially in the early morning and evening. Sandflies, or no-see-ums, are also common on beaches where they lay their eggs.

Most bug sprays with DEET are effective at preventing bites, but they tend to be oily and have a strong smell. Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent is a popular alternative that is safe, effective, and less likely to leave a residue on the skin. This product is available in a variety of sizes, making it convenient for both backpacks and glove compartments. If you are unable to get your hands on this product, Ranger Ready Picaridin 20% Tick + Insect Repellent is a good alternative that offers the same level of protection.

If you are unable to purchase bug spray before your trip, don't worry! Most convenience stores in Belize sell bug spray, although it may be more expensive than what you would pay at home.

Bug spray is easily available in Belize

Bug spray is a must when travelling to Belize, especially if you're going during the wet season (June to November). It's also essential if you're planning on doing any jungle tours or trips to Mayan ruins, as mosquitoes are most prevalent during the early morning and evening in these areas.

You can buy bug spray in Belize, but it will be more expensive than at home, so it's a good idea to bring some with you. Look for sprays containing light DEET or picaridin, which work best against mosquitoes. If you're headed into a mosquito-rich area, try a heavier spray with a more oily consistency—these tend to last longer when sweating and offer better protection against other insects.

In addition to bug spray, you can also treat your clothing with permethrin, an insect repellent designed for clothing and gear (but not skin). This will provide an added level of protection against ticks and mosquitoes.

Bug spray with DEET is effective but has drawbacks

Additionally, it is crucial to apply DEET products properly. They should only be applied to exposed skin and clothing, avoiding the face, areas under clothing, cuts or irritated skin, and the hands of young children. DEET should not be used more than once a day and should be washed off when returning indoors. It is also important to avoid inhaling it and to wash any treated skin and clothing after use.

While rare, some people may experience skin irritation, rashes, or blisters from DEET products. High-strength DEET or prolonged exposure may lead to adverse effects, and ingestion of DEET can be toxic. Therefore, it is essential to follow product guidelines and use DEET products safely and appropriately.

If you are concerned about the drawbacks of DEET, there are alternative insect repellents available, such as picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus, which have been recommended by the CDC and EPA. These alternatives work similarly to DEET and are considered safe and effective when used as directed.

Picaridin is a good alternative to DEET

Picaridin: A Good Alternative to DEET

Picaridin is a synthetic compound developed by Bayer in the 1980s. It is a newer alternative to the long-reigning DEET, which was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946. While DEET has been the standard for insect repellents for over 60 years, picaridin offers some advantages that make it a good alternative, especially when travelling to places like Belize.

Effectiveness

Both DEET and picaridin are highly effective at repelling insects, including mosquitoes and ticks. However, studies have shown that picaridin may be slightly more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes, and it is also effective against flies, which DEET is not. In addition, picaridin's protective effect lasts longer than that of DEET.

Safety

DEET and picaridin are both considered safe for human use when used as directed. The EPA has concluded that the normal use of both chemicals does not present a health concern. However, DEET has been associated with rare cases of skin rashes, and it can also damage certain plastics and synthetic materials, such as sunglasses and plastic eyeglass lenses. On the other hand, picaridin is odourless, non-greasy, and does not have any damaging effects on plastics or synthetic materials.

Availability

DEET is widely available and has been used by hundreds of millions of people. However, picaridin was only approved for sale in the United States in 2005, and it may not be as readily available as DEET. A limited but growing number of repellents contain picaridin, including products from brands like Cutter Advanced, Sawyer Premium, and Repel Smart Spray.

When travelling to Belize, it is important to protect yourself from insect bites. While DEET is a popular and effective option, picaridin offers some advantages, including longer-lasting protection, effectiveness against flies, and no damage to plastics or synthetic materials. Therefore, picaridin is a good alternative to DEET for those seeking an effective and safe insect repellent.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is not recommended

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is not recommended for children under three years old. OLE is a refined extract from the Australian lemon eucalyptus tree (Corymbia citriodora). Its active ingredient, para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), is responsible for its bug-repelling properties. While OLE is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild skin reactions.

OLE products can sometimes cause allergic skin reactions. Symptoms may include:

• Itching or rash
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Wheezing or other breathing difficulties

OLE is also not recommended for use near the mouth, eyes, or irritated/injured skin. If OLE gets into the eyes, it could be harmful.

Additionally, OLE should not be ingested. If OLE is accidentally ingested, seek immediate medical attention.

While OLE is a natural alternative to DEET, it is important to note that its safety profile is not as well-studied. Therefore, it is always advisable to follow the instructions on the product label and take the necessary precautions when using any bug spray containing OLE.

Permethrin is good for treating clothing

Permethrin is a highly effective insecticide that can be used as a first line of defence against biting insects. It is highly toxic to a whole spectrum of insects, including black flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. The best part is that you can treat your clothes with Permethrin before taking your first step into the great outdoors.

Permethrin is a synthetic version of a chemical that is naturally produced by the Chrysanthemum flower. Unlike the natural version, though, Permethrin lasts much longer—once you treat your clothes, they can be protected for up to six weeks or six washings (whichever comes first).

If you are worried about deer ticks, especially in areas where Lyme Disease is prevalent, you should focus on treating your shoes, socks, and the cuffs and waistline of your pants. If mosquitoes are the issue, you should treat all of your clothing. You may also want to treat your backpack, too, as it often comes into contact with the ground during rest breaks.

There are a few ways to treat your clothing with Permethrin:

• Buy pre-treated clothing from various manufacturers, especially those that specialise in outdoor gear.
• Send your clothes to Insect Shield, who will treat them with Permethrin and return them to you.
• Treat your clothing yourself with Permethrin spray.

If you choose to treat your clothing yourself, make sure to follow these safety tips:

• Spray only your clothing and gear, not your skin.
• Spray your clothing while it is off your body and hanging on a hanger outside.
• Never spray around cats, as Permethrin is highly toxic to them.
• Spray enough for your clothes to become damp and slightly darker in colour, but not so much that they drip.
• Let the clothes dry completely before wearing them.
• Re-treat your clothing after six weeks or six washings, whichever comes first.
• Wear your treated clothing during everyday activities like gardening, not just heavy-duty camping or hiking.
• Consider treating other gear, like tents, backpacks, and hiking boots.
• Wash treated clothing separately, ideally by hand-washing and air-drying.
• Only use Permethrin that is approved for clothing.

Frequently asked questions