constant bug assault?
 

While watching Africam, I notice that the animals are always twitching, shaking, flicking tails, ears and any movable part. Do the bugs go after humans in the same manner....which appears to be constant and irritating?
I expect some bugs but is it enough to drive you crazy?

My wife and I just got back from the Serengeti and the bugs were a non issue. I think my wife got bit once by a fly and that was it. I am from Minnesota and the bugs here are by far worse than in Tanzania.

I would say, it depends on the area. If you're going to tsetse areas (Ruaha, Katavi, Kafue, Kasanka, Luangwa Valley come to my mind) you sometimes watch people who behave in a very similar way.

Well, that DOESN'T mean that I've seen a traveller with a flicking tail.

I've had very few bug annoyances in the dry season when I travel. I'd have many more if I just stayed home.

When and where are you going? I've had some problems in some of the places Nyama mentions.

I have plenty of photos showing animals with clouds of insects on and around their heads, taken while we sat unbothered in our vehicle nearby. The only place I've been bothered by insects is the Aussie bush-- stick my head outside the tent half an hour before dawn and the flies descend in their millions and remain most of the day. Maybe that's my fault :D

John

Thanks for your input. We will be mostly in South Africa, Chobe are and VF/Zim side. We will be there the first 3 weeks in Nov. We will take our malaria pills. and will have bug repellant. I just wondered if we would be constantly swatting at flying pests.

As opposed to the possible pests sitting in the vehicle with us.

The latter is more likely, but still remote ;) I've never had to use repellent during the day in Africa, but then, I heartily dislike smearing or spraying myself with anything, even sunscreen, so I don't even think about it. Harking back to my reference to the Australian bush, that's when I have a problem: insect repellent or sunscreen? A combination of both is usually useless, so it's one or the other, and insect repellent usually gets the nod. But not in Africa (so far).

People who complain about African dust, sun or insects don't know what they're missing.

John

afrigalah - I can't wear sunscreen and insect repellent at the same time? Hmmm. That could cause me problems (I'm the only person I know who can burn inthe UK in December!)
We're going to be in the Delta, Chobe and Vic Falls in June/July - there shouldn't be too many bugs then should there? And none of these areas have Tsetse flies do they?

rockabelle,

I can't see you having any insect problems at all in those areas at that time of year. I didn't...same areas, same time of year. It would be sensible to use insect repellent in the evening, just in case, but not necessary during the day.

John

Rockabelle,

Sorry, I misread your first question. You could wear both at the same time; in fact, there are dual purpose products available. I just meant I've always found them pretty useless. And mixing both kinds is messy and probably counter-productive. But you should have no concerns at that time of year...use sunscreen during the day, and repellent at night.

John

Thanks very much, that's very helpful.

Burn some elle dung in your fire at night. It helps for mozzies.

Afrigalah I shuddered at the thought of returning to Australia because of the flies! But from what I gather they're seasonal.

When I went to Sydney in the spring the bugs were horrendous. In the fall; nothing.

I'd love to try a stay in the bush, but haven't been able to bring myself to do so. Do you think they're seasonal there, or year round?

As far as wearing sunscreen & insect repellent at the same time, there are a few different approaches. As another poster mentioned, some combination products are available. I generally prefer a different technique: I put sunscreen on when I first get up. It takes some time to be absorbed into the skin anyway, so it's best to do ahead of time. Then I put repellent on just when I need it, since it loses effectiveness.

Femi,

Mostly seasonal, but if you really go bush where there's little or no rain in winter and still plenty of sunshine, you can strike flies year round.

John