Mozzy, etc. repellent??
Since I am considered a delicacy by mosquitoes and other biting critters, I have been investigating various repellents for our June safari. In addition to not wanting Malaria, I would like to avoid the mosquito bite welts I get that last several days. After reading the reviews on Amazon (not always the best indicator, but all I have to go on at this point. . . ) I decided that possibly Sawyers or Cutters Backwoods (pump spray) might be the best. But here is what I gleaned from the reviews:
3M Ultrathon (cream) with 34.4% DEET (supposedly designed for the military) is popular and works well but imparts a greasy feeling to your skin. Even people who rated it 4 out of 5 stars as far as protection, mentioned the greasy feeling. Greasy is out!
REPEL "Sportsman Max" with 40% DEET also works but, like Ultrathon, the cream makes your skin feel greasy. Users also reported that it (both spray and cream) will attack plastics (some clothes?) and in one case ruined the tinting on a pair of sunglasses, but from what I can tell, that is a function of the DEET which is present in all the products I list here. Damning with faint praise, someone also said, "smell wasn't awful." Greasy feeling and potential smell make this one a non-starter. (One version of REPEL has 98% DEET, but I suspect that is for spraying clothing?)
Backwoods by Cutter (pump spray) with 25% DEET is very popular- got all 4 & 5 star reviews
Sawyer Products Ultra 30 Insect Repellent Lotion. Claims to have extended protection and supposedly similar to Ultrathon but better if you can believe their hype: "is a Liposome-based repellent that's the newest advancement in insect repellent technology. Similar to the earlier generation of polymer-based controlled release systems (like 3M? Ultrathon), the Liposome envelops the DEET and slowly time-releases it as needed, thereby extending the effectiveness of the repellent. Unlike polymers, however, liposomes are a natural compound which is more comfortable to the skin and easier to wear. The Liposome base enables the 30% DEET lotion to be non-greasy, with little to no odor. Ultra 30 is also non-staining, resists perspiration, and is effective for up to 11 hours. Airline approved size." (I added the bolding and underline)
If I were to believe the hype and ignore marginal or bad reviews (most are good), the Sawyer product appears to win hands down.
There also seems to be a common issue that many of the pump sprayers leak or clog easily.
I plan to pre-treat our clothing with Permithrin using something like Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent before we leave.
So, what are your recommendations, what have you tried and what do you like and dislike?
3M Ultrathon (cream) with 34.4% DEET (supposedly designed for the military) is popular and works well but imparts a greasy feeling to your skin. Even people who rated it 4 out of 5 stars as far as protection, mentioned the greasy feeling. Greasy is out!
REPEL "Sportsman Max" with 40% DEET also works but, like Ultrathon, the cream makes your skin feel greasy. Users also reported that it (both spray and cream) will attack plastics (some clothes?) and in one case ruined the tinting on a pair of sunglasses, but from what I can tell, that is a function of the DEET which is present in all the products I list here. Damning with faint praise, someone also said, "smell wasn't awful." Greasy feeling and potential smell make this one a non-starter. (One version of REPEL has 98% DEET, but I suspect that is for spraying clothing?)
Backwoods by Cutter (pump spray) with 25% DEET is very popular- got all 4 & 5 star reviews
Sawyer Products Ultra 30 Insect Repellent Lotion. Claims to have extended protection and supposedly similar to Ultrathon but better if you can believe their hype: "is a Liposome-based repellent that's the newest advancement in insect repellent technology. Similar to the earlier generation of polymer-based controlled release systems (like 3M? Ultrathon), the Liposome envelops the DEET and slowly time-releases it as needed, thereby extending the effectiveness of the repellent. Unlike polymers, however, liposomes are a natural compound which is more comfortable to the skin and easier to wear. The Liposome base enables the 30% DEET lotion to be non-greasy, with little to no odor. Ultra 30 is also non-staining, resists perspiration, and is effective for up to 11 hours. Airline approved size." (I added the bolding and underline)
If I were to believe the hype and ignore marginal or bad reviews (most are good), the Sawyer product appears to win hands down.
There also seems to be a common issue that many of the pump sprayers leak or clog easily.
I plan to pre-treat our clothing with Permithrin using something like Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent before we leave.
So, what are your recommendations, what have you tried and what do you like and dislike?
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Comments
That said, we were not aware of mosquitoes during this trip (I only heard one mosquito buzzing around at night and saw few at other times). Certainly there were some, but not like a bad summer day at home. We went in January which is during the (very) dry season, so your experience may be different. Of course, the potential ill effects from mosquito bites is greater than at home.
We took Malarone having previously found (during a Southeast Asia trip) that we had no side effects. Others taking Malarone experienced some nausea and strange dreams(!).
We swear by Ultrathon and are surprised by the "greasy" reviews. We have been using this for years in all sorts of buggy places! Because it is pricey and in a very small tube, we tend to dab it on and not smear it on like sunblock. Perhaps that is why we don't consider it greasy as we rub it in well and not all over our body, just in strategic places. Ohhh, that sounds kind of weird as I read it back...think wrists, elbows, ankles, neck and that sort of thing. Perhaps, there have been more effective products developed since Consumer Reports gave it a glowing review (and turned us on to it )many years ago , but we have been brand loyal and not disappointed. If the Sawyer's adds to the effectiveness of Ultrathon, check out Consumer's to see what they have to say. We never use sprays. Nothing is more annoying that someone applying spray (sunblock or insect repellent) and sharing the experience with any unsuspecting bystanders!
Joyce
I agree about some people spraying the other stuff all over the place and in your face and it smells horrible.
Once again, and your Tour Director will confirm this, the mosquitoes that give you Malaria are not the same appearance wise as those in the US, they are not easily seen and don't make buzzing noises. In fact, for example, in a bedroom, they will sit patiently on a wall or somewhere and then pounce on their victim.
DEET does not work on tsetse flies, and yet another reason we always wear long pants on safari vacations, along with not needing to apply so much toxic Deet to our skin.
Malarone does not cause weird dreams, that was Larium, the really old fashioned malaria medication.
I just ordered a 12 oz. spray bottle of Sawyers Permithrin, but, based on what I just read about the recommended amount to apply and coverage, I think I should have purchased a larger one. I planned to apply it to only the areas around shirt collar and cuffs, and pants cuffs and not treat the entire article of clothing.
How did you all apply this stuff and how much was required to treat various articles of clothing?
In addition, the hotels all have some sort of bug wipes or sprays in the room. If I did use anything, it was their stuff. Save your money and packing space and use the ones supplied. The lack of mosquito bites wasn't because they don't like me. Like you, I usually get attacked regularly if they are present.
By the way, I enjoyed my two trips this winter (Yellowstone and Antarctica). I haven't stopped in to write up a review yet. I am getting settled in Florida for a few months before my two months in London. I'll get in soon and give my thoughts on the two most recent trips. They are probably a bit different than most I have read in the past, but we all see things differently. It was interesting to sit down at the airport in Buenos Aires and spend time talking to others who took the Antarctica tour and compare notes, especially when some were repeat Taucktourians and others were first timers. I am meeting some new Yellowstone friends to take in a spring training Yankees game and dinner next week. I also have some Antarctica friends who are visiting close to me in Florida and we'll get together also. It is nice to make some long term friends from these trips.
Enjoy your African adventure. It is my #1 ranked Tauck tour, by far!!!! I have been on six of them now and I was asked to rank them. Tanzania and Kenya is number one by a large margin. The rest are all very close.
Thanks! And thanks for the input. Our K&T starts 13 June, not many weeks after the end of the rainy season, so I figure better safe than sorry, plus my wife will have had the chance to evaluate the "no odor" claims. From what most say, no product seems to deter tsetse flies.
Have you been on the Peru & Galapagos tour? Many claim that was their favorite (working on LOML for that one). Then there are those who claim Classic Italy is the best, etc., etc. and those who always seem to claim their most recent trip is their favorite
I neglected to say how we went about applying the Premethrin. This stuff should be sprayed on preferably outside. My husband put on a mask and made sure he had big sunglasses on. Rigged up a laundry line under our high deck, hung up all our clothing and sprayed the areas we wanted treating. We left them there until completely dried. My husband took off his clothing, I washed it separately and he showered. Overkill maybe, but he is my soulmate and don't want to lose him by accidentally poisoning him. Don't do this too soon before the trip, it's only effective for a certain timeline which I forget just now.
I have just returned from an appointment with Passport Health to discuss vaccinations for the Kenya/Tanzania safari. The agent was recommending everything from polio, to hepatitis a & b, to menengitis, to typhoid, to malaria, to yellow fever. We did opt for the yellow fever to start. We are traveling on the June 13th trip. Can anyone comment on what is ACTUALLY needed for this tour? We want to be safe, but not spend all of our money on shots that we don't really need. Thank you.
Here is what I got...for what it is worth. I went to a travel physician, recommended by my primary care physician, and he suggested, and I accepted, the Yellow Fever shot. I was already up to date on my Tetanus. I also took a once a week, for seven weeks, anti-malarial pill. I have had malaria but he said that plays no role in my susceptibility or immunity to the disease. We really didn't see many mosquitoes on the trip, but that doesn't mean you won't.
As long as you don't plan on playing with the wild animals (including dogs), you won't need the rabies shot. Unless you are an IV drug user or plan on consorting with hookers, the Hepatitis shots probably aren't necessary. All of this is your call. I would get a second opinion from another provider if it was me, but that is an additional office visit charge. Check your insurance about covering a second opinion.
Enjoy the trip...it is a great one.
I am on the May 16th K/T safari and have had: Hep A/B series of 2 shots (the 3rd is when I return), typhoid, malaria (pill form), and will be getting my yellow fever in a few weeks. I also separated each shot in case of a reaction....this way, if I had one, I'd know what my reaction was from. For the yellow fever, I was also told that a fever is common and to know it is within 10 days AFTER the shot (generally 3+days later), so I made sure not to make plans during this time, just to be on the safe side. The only other thing I did, was get up to date with an overdue tetanus shot. None of the other shots you mentioned are needed although each was mentioned when I had my appointment at the travel center. While they mentioned others, none were needed as I am not a health care worker going overseas to work in a hospital. The shots were not covered under my insurance, although the tetanus is, which is why I had it at my doctor's office instead of the travel clinic. The malaria pills were costly (I think they were about $130US). Hope this helps. Have a wonderful safari.
As usual, I look at things differently. I would recommend even more shots if you are over 55, and I would recommend them even if you aren't leaving these shores. Are you up to date with tetanus, polio, have you had a measles shot, have you had an MMR? have you had a shingles shot, your flu shot, your Prevnar 13 pneumonia shot, meningitis shot? These are just the ones that come to mind off the top of my head.
For traveling to other countries, Hepatitis A that can easily be contracted, Hepatitis B, even if you are not going to get friendly with the locals, because if you end up in a hospital you could catch it much more easily than say, HIV, which dies pretty quickly once out of the body. Typhoid, Yellow Fever, yes required in some countries.
Malaria meds, yes yes yes! But it is different meds for different parts of the world. For this prescription I know which one we need and how many pills each and get my family doctor to give me a script and I just pay the regular co-pay, was fooled by a travel dr in getting them from him once and paid a fortune, since then I do it this way.
If you are going to be doing even more exotic trips in the future, it makes sense to get these shots now because you will need them for other locations. We have been to Africa three times, India, Costa Rica, can't remember where else that we needed most of these vaccines and meds for, so it is cheaper each time around.
Normally I would say, always consult your travel Doctor specialist and have your medical history available to be seen, rather than relying on strangers on a forum to tell you, but you did go to your travel Doctor, so I assume they know everything about you, I don't.
Enjoy Africa, it's amazing! Will go again as soon as I can!
As to other inoculations- better safe than sorry. As to getting a Hep A/B shot, it has nothing to do with being at risk because of drug use or sex, but what happens if you are involved in an accident or get severely dehydrated from not drinking enough (bottled) water or from a severe case of diarrhea and need an IV?? Do you want to take the chance? I am lucky that I am retired military and am able to use the shot clinic at the nearby Marine Corps base clinic- they are experts on travel to some of the most inhospitable corners of the globe. They looked and our medical records and did blood tests for antibody levels, then gave us new inoculations and also updates/boosters as necessary for Yellow Fever, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Typhoid, Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), Varicella (Chicken Pox), Polio, Hep A/B, etc. I don't have my shot card handy, so don't know if I got an inoculation for Meningitus, but the CDC recommends that for travel to Africa. This is the last time we will ever need most of these inoculations.
Other than minor soreness at the site of the shot, neither my wife nor I had any side effects from any of the shots. We still need to get our last (of a series of 3) Hep B shot.
(don't get me started about the crazy people who aren't having their children inoculated!)
50joanie- my wife and I are on the 13 June K&T trip as well.
When we did our first trip to Africa, it was the K and T tour, there were people who were richer than God, others who had saved for years, and everything in between, we were some of the betweens, but we have certainly been in the scrimping and saving category until we came to live in the US. Guess who were the ones who we still call ' The Complainers' yes those who kept telling us they were rich and were just checking K and T off their 'Go to' list. They complained about everything, even that they could not get photos with their fancy cameras through the safari vehicle roof supports. I'd have killed a lion myself to get a chance to have a camera like that. Contrast that with the three women teachers who had saved for years to do the trip and relished every second, one was a bird fanatic and we enjoyed being in the same vehicle as them because the Complainers thought birds were a waste of time. African birds are beautiful by the way, I particularly like the Secretary bird. How our dear Tauck Director kept her cool we just don't know. We still laugh about that trip. But Joanie, get saving, you will want to go again.
Thanks for the chuckles! Yes, we are still researching thru our prescription plan... Love the richer than God analogy. My next trek would be the Peru and the islands. If it takes me as long to save for that trip , I'll be 120. But I will have had some of the shots!
You made my day!
Joanie
With the upmost respect to fellow travelers, I consulted both my cardiologist, internist as well as the travel center who provided me with a ream of paper that included every possible inoculation one could possible have. I am over 55, and spent a great deal of time discussing which shots were not necessary for me, and the same may also not be true for you. I took all the recommendations from the travel clinic to my cardiologist and internist. They (all 3 agreed) that an endless array of shots was not necessary. You have probably had chicken pox and measles as a child, and as all 3 told me....not going as a health care worker/provider and assuming you are not planning on petting stray dogs/animals, etc., removes the need for certain additional inoculations and precautions. Your personal physician is the best place to go to decide what is best for you. Many of the inoculations you will take are good for future voyages, so you will not need to repeat them. Just a little more to think about as you decide what is necessary for you. Safe travels.....
Had you received the shingles vaccine? Even if my doc hadn't strongly recommended it, I would have had the shot anyway after hearing how painful it can be.
Thanks for the good wishes. I'd still quite like that Clooney gig, though.
edit alert: beware of even more bizarre typos.
So sorry to hear you have shingles. I understand it is very painful. Hope you are recovered soon! At least you still have your sense of humor!
Sue
Thanks, everyone, for your kind thoughts.
Jan