mosquitoe true or false
 

I read somewhere that mosquitoes in Africa do not bite through clothing. Has anyone found that not to be true? I also read that they only bite at dawn and dusk. I am having a difficult time deciding what to do about protection. We will be in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania in late February. I have heard that we can not bring aerosols on the plane, even in checked baggage.

the malaria carrying mosquito comes out between dusk and dawn. take your anti-malarial meds. you can bring small amounts of aerosols in checked luggage (check the airlines webpage) or you can bring lotions (also checked if leaving from the U.S.) the lodges should supply spray, all the places I've stayed (southern Africa) always had a can of Perfect Sleep repellant by the bed. as far as biting through clothes, I think that's true as it's recommended to cover up during that time period. not all mosquito bites will end up in malaria, but play it safe: cover up and spray/apply repellant.

It would seem that mossies wouldn't bite through clothing, the reason we're told to cover up between dusk to dawn. However, even though I rarely attract mossies in particular, I've been bitten thru clothing by "flying things." Not often for sure, unless they're attacking my bare ankles. Honestly, I wouldn't trust those little buggers... so on general principle assume they'll bite through anything.

Just remember your malaria meds and repellent. Aerosole cans, whether hairspray, deodoant, repellent or other, aren't allowed on planes. But, most repellents, if not lotion, are in regular spray/pump type dispensers which are fine - hairspray, after shave, perfume, repellent - spray or pump is good. Pack in a ziplock bag and place in your checked luggage.

brbrt

Hi
In almost any shop in Tanzania and Kenya you can buy aerosols spray for mosquitoes and a lot also have coils you can burn outside if you are sitting on the verandah for ex.also many sell repellents
On your first day there make this a priority
also dont forget to spray your room /tent every night before you go to bed

They'll bite through clothing which is next to the skin. Ankles through socks (even thick hiking socks) are a good target, so spray your socks with repellent.

John

<i>Non-flammable</i> aerosol is permitted in both carry on (must be within 3 oz limit if going through US/EU security) and checked baggage. <i>Flammable</i> aerosol is prohibited in both carry on and checked luggage. It should say on the side of the can whether it's flammable or not.

I carried non-flammable aerosols in both my carry on and checked luggage this past trip.

Also if it's considered a personal care item, I don't think a distinction is made between flammable and non-flammable as long as the container size is not over 3 oz (carry on) and 17 oz (checked). Mine were non-personal care items. This is according to TSA/FAA rules so could vary in other jurisdictions, but I was able to carry my non-flammable non-personal care aerosols through US/EU/Africa airport security.

Dennis,

Correct brand name is, &quot;Peaceful sleep&quot;. It tells me, it's about time you plan your next safari...haha

Hari

Thanks Hari, you're right and I am.

I can tell you that mosquitos in Africa, South America and Asia ALL bite through clothing!

My blood must be considered quite the delicacy for them to go through such trouble ;)

If you are doing any walking safaris, shower immediately after as the mosquitoes are more attracted to sweat and dirt.

Yep, they can bite thru lite clothing, socks etc etc.,

Hari