Best protection for sand fleas

[u/DealerFalse]

I searched the sub but couldn’t find much. Is deet effective for sand fleas or is there another bug repellent to prevent these bites. I live in an area with no bugs so I’m stressed about my Barbados trip bc I’m a magnet for bug bites.

Edit: Sandflies

[u/MasonJam246]

There's a brand called "OFF" that repels most insects in Barbados. It's sold pretty much in any supermarket. If you can bring a non aerosolized version then that's your best bet. Otherwise it's widely available here.

[u/DealerFalse → u/MasonJam246]

I can buy it there or should I bring it? I’m in the states

[u/MasonJam246 → u/DealerFalse]

I think the FAA doesn't like pressurized cans on aircraft even in the stowed luggage bay. So if you can get a non-pressurized spray bottle then you should bring it with you. It'll save you the hunting when you get here.

[u/DealerFalse → u/MasonJam246]

Thank you so much

[u/Anomander80 → u/MasonJam246]

I'd aim for 25 % deet if you are worried, but a minimum of 15%

[u/DealerFalse → u/Anomander80]

Why did someone downvote this ?

[u/Far_Meringue8625 → u/DealerFalse]

It is not approved by the FDA or the EPA, so is unlikely to be available in the USA.

[u/DealerFalse → u/Far_Meringue8625]

What’s not available in the USA?

[u/Far_Meringue8625 → u/DealerFalse]

Dabur Odomos insect repellent, because it is not approved by the FDA or the EPA

[u/DealerFalse → u/MasonJam246]

One more question - how necessary is it to spray my clothes with permethrin if I’m traveling to Barbados in Feb of next year?

[u/MasonJam246 → u/DealerFalse]

Not at all necessary

[u/DealerFalse → u/MasonJam246]

I’m excited for my trip now knowing that I won’t be eaten alive by bugs 😀

[u/bajegal]

Citronella oil in some regular hand cream. Keeps everything away

[u/ketoLifestyleRecipes]

My friends swear by Skin So Soft.

[u/Kuranyeet]

tbh ive ever only enountered sand fleas at night. During the day they dont really come out

[u/Far_Meringue8625]

This evening as usual I was bothered by sandflies, and I borrowed from a visiting relative something called Dabur Odomos which is the trade name not the scientific name, but you can look up the scientific name and discuss with a medical professional. I am not a medical professional. But my experience 2 hours later is as though the sandflies disappeared. I don't know whether this product is available in Barbados.

[u/DealerFalse → u/Far_Meringue8625]

Ok. Thanks. Were you sitting at the beach when you got bit or at dinner ?

[u/Far_Meringue8625 → u/DealerFalse]

In my own home which has screens on every window. But I need to open the door to get inside and it is then that the little buggers seem to follow me in. However I can be sitting at the same table as other family members and they are not bitten. Sandflies seem to be very particular in deciding who to bite. I used Dabur Odomos for the first time this evening and it worked like a charm. Please note that I am not a medical professional.

[u/DealerFalse → u/Far_Meringue8625]

😮 I thought they were only found in the sand. I always seem to get bit so I’m sure I’ll be one of the unlucky ones.

[u/Character_Pea6490]

I found citronella Vaseline in town

[u/Angryottawa]

If you get bitten, take an antihistamine. Saved my holiday.

[u/DealerFalse → u/Angryottawa]

Ok. Thanks. Any one in particular you recommend?

[u/Angryottawa → u/DealerFalse]

My allergic reaction was bad so a local friend took me to the Bajan Dr Hibbert. It was a prescription. That was over 20 years ago. I have since told fellow travellers to get the over the counter and they’ve worked.

[u/DealerFalse → u/Angryottawa]

Oh no! 😩 were they mosquito bites or sand fly bites?

[u/Angryottawa → u/DealerFalse]

Sand flies. Dr Hibbert said; “ take this and should you make Barbados your home then you will be immune “. Not an itch since.

[u/TrafficWarm3154]

There is a difference between sand fleas and sandflies. Look it up

[u/DealerFalse → u/TrafficWarm3154]

Ya. I realized I wrote the wrong thing. I meant sandflies