Bugs? Do I need to prepare?

hi looking at cruise out of Tampa in April, 7 days, takes in Cozumel, costa maya, Belize, harvest caye, never been to that side of world before, and wondered do I need any bug deterrent, just used to mosquito in Europe, any suggestions things that would be useful to take?

Thank you

We used to always take mosquito spray. However, in all the Caribbean cruises we've done never had any bug problem at all. Don't take it anymore.

It's going to depend a lot on what you plan to do.

Sand fleas may be an issue at the beaches, but not often.

Jungle tours will; have some bug issues, but different sprays do different things, they also smell.

I would definitely take some along. We use these wipes purchased from Amazon since we only carry on. I first saw them being given out at the Miami airport during Zika.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002YPD7YA/ref=asc_df_B002YPD7YA5337513/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395009&creativeASIN=B002YPD7YA&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198079638645&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7775145978274823155&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014632&hvtargid=pla-367294307907

I've used both DEET and picaridin based repellents and never had a problem, even in jungle areas. The DEET products seem a bit smellier than the picaridin products, though that may be brand-specific rather than a reflection on the active ingredient.

Some basic information:

https://www.consumerreports.org/insect-repellents/mosquito-repellents-that-best-protect-against-zika/

Some testing results, but these are mainly USA based brands I think:

https://www.consumerreports.org/products/insect-repellent/ratings-overview/

EDIT: here is what I normally take-- https://smile.amazon.com/Bens-Insect-Repellent-Ounce-Pocket/dp/B000WY4A50/?th=1 . A little goes a very long way-spray a bit on your palm and rub on arms, legs and back of neck. I almost never bother putting any on my face, unless I'm in a truly infested area. 1 oz should last 4 people through a cruise, I would think.

Edit #2: The picaridin based repellent I tried and liked: https://smile.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP544-Repellent-Picaridin/dp/B002CMQJYU/?th=1 .

The amount of pest insects in the area often varies widely with time of year (rainy season) so you may find that you don't need repellent at all. But I always take some. Also, mosquitoes are the main flying problem pest, though there are some crawling pests such as biting ants (just watch where you sit and you will be fine).

We usually have some Off wet wipes (just in case) and a can of Off if we know we need it.

If you're doing a "trek" thru forests/inland, then you should bring something with DEET. If you're going to beaches or in town, you won't need anything. Mosquitoes are partial to salt water and beaches, and you'll be there during the day, when they're not active.

Thank you all for information, labrat lots of good suggestions I appreciate you taking time to post.

Did that exact cruise in Jan 2017. No bugs . Maybe the time of the year is a factor too.

I too would take insect repellent to be on the safe side.

Keith

Ever watch the TV show "Monsters Inside Me" ?.....you can bet I'm spraying:')

hi looking at cruise out of Tampa in April, 7 days, takes in Cozumel, costa maya, Belize, harvest caye, never been to that side of world before, and wondered do I need any bug deterrent, just used to mosquito in Europe, any suggestions things that would be useful to take?

 

Thank you

Our experience has been with sand fleas in Roatan. To be safe, I would bring a small can of spray with you. These little devils can not be seen but they sure will make their and dinner using your feet and legs. I am lucky, they don't like the taste of me, but OMG how they love hubby.