Utila without the Malaria

[susan6868]

Hi Gang- One of the nicest things about Scubaboard is that there are so many folks who have "been there, done that". I need some help. I'm going to Utila in a few weeks and I normally attract mosquitos like a Shell No Pest Strip.(showing my age!)
I know DEET seems to be the weapon of choice but there are so many products out there. I've scoured outdoor outlets and find you can buy different concentrations as well as products combined with R-236 to repel no see-ums and flies.
I've also heard that 100% DEET will melt a dashboard.
In short, I figure the best advice would come from folks cruising the Central and South America posts. What works best for you guys? I imagine this could ruin my long anticipated dream trip more than a leaky mask!
Thanks in advance for any pearls of wisdom.
Susan

 

[markfm]

Anti-malarials are the first step, unless you have some medical reason not to use them.

The skeets do seem to be a dawn and dusk phenomenon, like elsewhere, though they can be REALLY voracious at those times.

DEET, high concentration, is still the standard for avoiding mosquitoes. The non-DEET botanicals have different advocates, but if you want to try one you really ought to bring a DEET too.

 

[DeepBlueResort]

Hi

Officially we have no Malaria in Utila, but if you are coming through any other part of Honduras or Central America .....Any stop even in an airport, which you will have to as there are no direct flights to here take an anti malarial, see you doc, he will advise you on the best one, inform him you intend to dive.

It is more the sand flies here ..noseeumms that are the problem.

 

[susan6868]

Hi Steve, Mark-
Just made an appointment to see the doc and get the Anti malarial drug on Monday.
Thanks for the good advice. I hadn't even thought about taking a preventative medication I was so focused on avoiding being bitten.
I'll still get the deet and baby oil but at least I'll feel more secure if a few of the little buggers get me.
Thanks again!

 

[Sasquatch]

I recommend a solution with as much DEET in it as you can get for mosquitos and some mineral oil based lotion for the sand flies. I had zero problems with this combo.

As Steve mentioned, sand flies are real buggers.

Sea ya!

 

[Damselfish]

They've done studies lately showing that Picaridin is up there with Deet in effectiveness against mosquitos, though who knows about the buggers in Utila. I've used it, worked well and doesn't feel as nasty as Deet, might be another thing to try. Lemon Eucalyptus is also supposed to be good.

 

[hopefulist]

I highly recommend Sawyer's Time Release Deet Formula - worked like magic for us in the places in Belize where the mozzies were HUGE and THICK and it's formulated to maximize the effect and minimize absorption into your skin. I've heard a layer of oil (esp. around the ankles) is a good bet for sand flies.

 

[Diver Lori]

The CDC does not recommend a DEET concentration over 30%. According to their studies, as the DEET concentration increased, the effectiveness decreased in relation. And yes, 100% DEET will melt plastics etc.

There is an ever increasing level of cases of malaria in Roatan. With travel back and forth by plane, it won't be long till Utila is effected as well. The CDC recommends Chloroquine for those regions, which is fortunate as it doesn't have the negative side effects the others have.

Don't take my word for it....read for yourself. www.cdc.gov

 

[DeputyDan]

You should also consider

Typhoid
Tetanus
Hepitatis A and B
in addition to Malaria meds.

Probably spelled them all wrong but you get the picture.

 

[DeepBlueResort]

Good advice everyone