SANParks.org Forums

Me again folks! (going 16th July -getting closer!)
I've been reading past posts on this subject and found lots of useful info but I still have some queries for you! I am finding some of the Info quite worrying so I hope you will bear with my questions!

Many people are talking about mosquito coils-what are they ?How are they used ? Where do you buy them from ?

Are the huts screen doors an windows sufficient to keep Mossies out at night or should we consider taking our own mossie nets ?

Would it be best to leave the shorts and tee shirts at home and wear long sleeve shirts and trousers all day?

We will buy 50% DEET spray to use but what about natural Citronella repellants-would it be a good idea to spray this on clothes and bedding?

Any other tips to keep them at bay?

We shall be taking the prescribed tablets from our doctor of course but It seems that if we are bitten we could still spend up to a year worrying that any time we feel ill it is Malaria! So would like to avoid this anxiety as much as possible!

Yes you guessed it I am a born worrier!!

Thank everyone!

Jan

Firstly its the middle of the South African winter when mozzie activity is at it lowest. Having said that you do need to take precautions.

Coils are just that - coils of insect repellant that you burn. Same principal that the electric repellants work on only you don't need a plug.

Yes the screens on the hut doors are enough to keep out creepy crawlies. You don't need mozzie nets in the bungalows, Someone here suggested spraying with insect repellant when you first go into the accommodation - its worth doing, especially in the shower/WC areas. The just burn a coil when you are in. Avoid opening the door after dark if the light is on. Basic precautions that you'd use to keep out insects in the Med.

Is it worth wearing trousers and shirts all day - no you'll bake, especially in the car. Just cover up at twilight and use a spray of repellant around the ankles.

If you spend too much time worrying over this then you won't be able to relax and enjoy the holiday.

Hi Jan,

(from one worrier to another )

Saraf has answered your questions - I am just going to add my point of view.

We visit Kruger at different times during the year - mozzies are about least during winter. We camp so end up sitting outside most of the time - and I suggest that you spray yourselves (or use the cream) with Peacefull Sleep or Tabard as soon as you rise in the mornings and top up at about 4pm each day (and after you hae showered). Burn citronella candles and the coils you mentioned as soon as you return from your drives in the evenings. I am not a fan of spraying with poison as this effects the whole food chain and other innocent bugs get killed. I have been bitten by mozzies everytime I have visited Kruger in the summer months and never caught malaria. Not all the mozzies there carry Malaria. Just be aware. One cannot downplay the threat of catching malaria but you are going at a very low risk time. You might not even see a single mozzie! The Kruger Park shops are well stocked with every anti mozzie spray and coil etc you might need.

Do not leave your shorts and t-shirts at home!! As Saraf says - you will boil. If you are worried about being bitten rather wear socks that cover you ankles.

I have noticed that mozzies are very well present in most of the bathrooms. Be carefull when you are in the bathroom after a shower etc. It is a very possible threat to get bitten while in there.

Hi Jan,

If you are going during winter I would suggest only taking precautionary measures to keep the mozzies at bay as the side effects of anti-malarials vary and could end up putting a dampner on your trip.

With that said I would suggest burning a coil (if you don't mind the vapours or alternatively using an electrical mosqitoe repelant. In the subject of clothes, I must disagree with saraf (Sorry) I would always suggest wearing a pair of long trousers, preferably made of light weight material and in a khaki or light beige colour, as most rental cars are airconditioned (Check on this first). The added advantage is that it prevents sun burn when travelling in the car. T-Shirts should be fine but have a button up with long sleevs for later in the evening (specially once the sun starts to set).

Colours are important, a friend of mine is busy doing a study on how insects are attracted to different colours. So far it seems the brighter whites and colourful reds and yellows seem to attract a variety of insects (up to and including mozzies). The earthy tones (browns and greens) seem to have the least effect on insects.

I would also suggest (if possible) getting a mozzie repellant clothes wash and treating your clothes before coming through to the park. I'm not sure if they are available overseas but they should be. The one I find most effective uses Peripal, a general insect repellant.

Going to throw a spanner in the works here ceruleanwildfire!! You are going to miss out on so much if you drive with your car windows closed and the aircon on!! You will not hear the wonderful birdsong and sounds of the bush or smell the special bushveld smells!! Also when you get out at picnic stops - you are going to be very hot at midday!! Best bring both!

Actually I'm used to wearing long plants in the heat (Right fabric and colour and you can get away with anything) so I drive with all the windows open.

Majority of my best sightings have been based on hearing the sound of smaller animals scurying through the bush as I drive past.

I forgot to actually mention that, for those who can't handle the heat you can get the long trousers which allow you to unzip sections off to make three quarters or shorts.

Besides that, how are you going to show off your new tan when you get back? Use sunscreen during the day (For your english skin I would get the highest factor I can find), but don't wear long pants during the day, that is silly, you will probably need them at night though.
Keep your windows open and your aircon off while driving during the day. I have heard many animals before I have seen them. You will also not hear the bird calls etc etc etc.

I just get hot looking at people in long pants in the heat
I have been bitten by mozzies through my clothing - I know it was light clothing but they do bite through clothing so you are right about the colour being important I think. What about certain odours attracting mozzies?

Dark colours attract mozzies, but not as much as bright yellow, white and light blue. So does the CO2 you exhale, sweat and perfume.

[edit on colours]

And stinky feet!!! Someone told me that

That's why I would suggest washing your clothes with insect repellant before entering the parks. I find the beige chinos from Mr Price are pretty much the best when in the park. They are light weight yet thick enough to prevent being bitten through. Sure they get dirty easy but you're in the park not at a fashion show.

As for odours, I'll speak to my friend but I'm sure certain odours must attract mozzies. I know fruity smells will attract the males as that is what they eat. I've also read somewhere that ticks are attracted to smell of carbon dioxide when we exhale, but I'm somewhat sceptical on that one.

I have also seem some products which combine insect repellant with sun block. That would be ideal during the day.

I have also heard that - so going with what Gwen and Loams and Clwf have said and that I found if I used awful smelling soap I don't get bitten - I suggest you leave your nice 'smellies' at home for your bushveld experience Jan and wear socks...

Maybe someone with stinky feet can help us here? Anyone?

Use lemon grass and citronella glycerine soaps, available in most outdoor shops.

Smells good and is pretty useful as a shampoo too.

As for stinky feet. No idea. Powder?