Avoiding insect bites while traveling in tropical and subtropical regions of the world is necessary to prevent diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, lyme disease, tick typhus, and chagas disease. Care should be taken to protect yourself and your family from most of the flying bugs you might encounter. This brochure tells you how to do that.
Avoiding Bites and Stings
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Learn about the feeding and nesting habits of insects at your destination and take extra precautions and/or minimize activities accordingly. Ask your hosts about seasonal or local pests to be on the lookout for.
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Use an appropriate insect repellent. DEET (N,N-diethylmetatoluamide) has a long and safe track record and is very effective at sufficient concentrations. (see Product Info)
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest DEET strengths of up to 30-50%. Concentrations up to 30% are considered safe in children 2 months and older. Concentrations greater than 50% do not provide better protection, but may have longer lasting protection. We do not recommend concentrations greater than 50%.
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Repellents containing Picaridin at 7% and 15% concentrations are also available, and compared to the products above, may be as effective, but need more frequent application.(see Product Info)
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When applying both insect repellent and sunscreen, always apply the sunscreen liberally first, wait 10 to 15 minutes if possible, then apply insect repellent.
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Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants whenever practical. Shirts should be tucked in. Foot wear that provides maximum coverage is ideal, including socks, (sandals are not recommended). Avoid jewelry and bright or dark-colored clothes; the best colors are light green, tan and khaki.
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Do not walk barefoot.
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When at the beach or pool, lie on a chair or, at the very minimum, on a blanket or long towel. Do not lay clothes on ground since perspiration or other scents may attract insects. Shake them vigorously before putting them back on.
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Sleep in well-screened areas, air-conditioned rooms, or use bed (mosquito) nets.
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Clothing and bed nets can be impregnated with permethrin insecticide (see Product Info)
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Avoid using fragrance-containing products such as perfumes, colognes, after-shaves, scented soaps, shaving creams, hair sprays, etc. Use only unscented hygiene products.
Insect Behavior and Habits
Mosquitoes
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Species that carry malaria and Japanese encephalitis bite from dusk till dawn.
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Species that carry dengue fever, chikungunya fever, and yellow fever bite during daylight hours.
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Mosquitoes are most active right around dawn and right around dusk, so extra care at those times is necessary.
Ticks
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Burrow into your skin.
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Are carried on animals, but picked up by humans from brush, grass, trees.
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Check your skin at least once daily for presence of ticks if in high risk areas. Armpits and hairline are common places for ticks.
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Remove ticks with a slow steady tug, pulling perpendicular to the skin at the site of attachment of the tick, using tweezers or a tick remover, if available.
Fleas
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Especially present on and around animals and in sand and soil.
Product Information: What to Buy
The following products are used to avoid bites and stings of insects, and thereby reduce the risk of contracting the diseases they carry. They can be purchased in many pharmacies and outdoor supply stores (e.g., REI). Some specific products are listed for your information.
Repellents for Use on the Skin
NOTE: Please note that these repellents are to be used only on 'exposed skin' and not under clothing.
DEET repellent – DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is the most effective repellent against mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks, fleas, and biting flies. Controlled release formulations have longer lasting effectiveness. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and synthetic materials. Toxic only if swallowed.
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Sawyer's Controlled Release® (20% DEET) lotion
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3M Ultrathon® (34% DEET) lotion is another controlled release formulation.
We strongly recommend DEET-containing repellents over all others, based on its proven safety, effectiveness, and ease of use. Minimum concentration of 20%, maximum 50%.
Other Repellents
Picaridin—available for many years in Europe at 21% concentration. Higher concentrations provide longer duration of protection.
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Cutter Advanced® sprays containing 7% and 15% picaridin are available.
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Sawyer Go Ready® spray contains 20% picaridin
Higher concentrations provide longer lasting protection.
Newer repellents
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Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus® spray contains Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD), approved by the EPA and CDC as a "biopesticide repellent"
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Sawyer makes a DEET-free repellent containing IR-3535, another biopesticide repellent approved by the EPA and CDC.
Insecticide/Repellent for use on Clothing/Nets
Permethrin--available in various formulations, as a spray for clothing, or as a liquid for 'soaking' clothing or bed nets. It effectively repels and kills insects. See manufacturer's recommendations for application of and duration of effectiveness for the various formulations available.
Some manufacturers now offer clothing that is already impregnated with Permethrin. Check outdoor clothing suppliers for more info.
Mosquito Nets
Locally, REI sells mosquito nets. Various companies sell mosquito nets and netting on the web. Here is a sampling, in no particular order, and without endorsement.
Military surplus stores also may stock mosquito nets.
Bee Stings
Talk to your travel consultant at Hall Health or your personal health care provider if you are allergic to bee stings. The products discussed above may not be effective against bee stings and you should be appropriately prepared to manage a bee sting reaction.
