Why You Need Protection From Bugs When Camping Under the African Sky
Does the thought of drifting off to sleep to the sounds of the cicadas, the grunt of hippos, and the roar of lions give you goose bumps? The thought of sleeping under the stars might seem idyllic, but not so much the bites and stings from goggas!
While Africa might get under your skin, mosquito bites might get to your skin. This is something you won't enjoy if you don't come prepared. Camping in Cape Town or anywhere in South Africa is a wonderful experience.
Be sure to pack those Mozzie Patches for a good night's zzz's under the stars.
While Gazing at a Myriad Stars, Be Sure to Come Prepared!
The lions and leopards might not be interested in you, but the mozzies are. Bugs (also called goggas by South Africans), such as mosquitoes, fleas, flies, and ticks can carry diseases. Spider bites can also get nasty. As weather conditions warm up in Port Elizabeth and around South Africa, bugs become more active. They are especially attracted to body heat.
They also bring the nuisance factor to your tent while you're reading your Amazon book. If you are on a camping adventure in one of our beautiful game reserves, a mosquito hot spot, always come prepared. Wear long sleeves, socks, long pants, and shirts with collars. This is especially important as evening starts to set in, and mozzies come out to play and eat.
Sipping cocktails under an African sky while swatting mozzies buzzing around your head takes much away from the experience. Wearing Mozzie Patches is a great way to ward off mosquitos. Mozzie Patches last for 36 hours, are 100% natural, and easy to apply!
Avoid Mozzies to Avoid Diseases
Some diseases caused by vector carrying insects can easily be prevented with the right protection. The secret is to avoid bug bites wherever possible. The first signs of infection should be taken seriously.
Attend to any flu-like symptoms, abdominal pain, and swollen lymph nodes immediately, especially if you have been around malaria mosquitoes. This is also if you suspect you've been bitten by a tick. Everyone's immune system is different. Different people react differently to bug bites.
South Africa's hot summer months call for wearing sunscreen during the day. Ensure you apply sunscreen first, and repellent second.
Why Is It Important to Do My Homework Before I Pitch My Tent?
What you pack and what you need to prevent stings and bites is dependent on where you decide to camp. The right camping equipment will make a world of difference. Check your first aid kit. Do you have antihistamine meds, should you have an allergic reaction to stings and bites?
You need to prepare for everything when travelling throughout South Africa. Ensure you take the right camping essentials, and camping gear to ward off bugs and pests.Going beyond the borders of South Africa might be exciting, but remember to prepare everything you might need for an emergency situation.
If you are unsure of what emergency meds to pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How Do my Activities Attract Certain Goggas?
Outdoorsy activities will attract more bug bites than others. Some of these include swimming, camping, hiking along bushy walking trails, and working with animals. Some infected animals can pass diseases and cause human infections. Visiting forested areas and farms are also bug spots.
Best Ways to Fight the Bite When Planning a Camping Trip in SA
Spend time outdoors in South Africa this summer without fighting off mozzies. Apply a few simple techniques to enjoy camping and other outdoor activities, whether its along the Vaal River, or bundu bashing in the Kruger national Park.
The secret is out! Mosquitoes love long, summer days and nights almost as much as we do. Everyone knows that they are a real nuisance. But more than being a nuisance, they bring disease. It is important to be ready to take action when enjoying your summer fun.
1. Protective Clothing
Pack long, loose cotton pants and tops that are loose-fitting. Light colours work best. Cover up wherever possible. This rule applies to everyone, include grandma, grandpa and baby!
Loose-fitting clothes are better than clothes that are tight-fitting. The reason? Mozzies can bite right through your clothes. A good example is tight jeans. Yup, mozzies can get to you even through your new blue jeans.
2. Bug Repellents
Use insect repellent, coils, and candles inside and outside your tent. Apply Mozzie Patches every 36 hours to avoid being bitten. Mozzies hate this natural deterrent. Remember to follow instructions on repellents and sprays to avoid any surprises.
3. Nets and Barriers
Wherever possible, use netting on doors and windows. These barriers will help minimise bugs. Use preventative measures when travelling with your baby or toddler. Mosquito nets are a brilliant deterrent, and will reduce the risk factor . Pop these elasticated covers over prams.
4. Avoid Stagnant Water
Dinghies, boats, and canoes collect water. Ensure you store them so that water doesn't gather in them. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so ensure the creepy is running daily for any swimming pools you may be near. Inspect your campsite to ensure there are no puddles or pools to attract mozzies. Ensure you tackle anything that looks remotely like contaminated water.
Empty bowls and buckets that contain water. Remember that mozzies like salty and fresh water. Cover any dishes that hold water. Even the smallest containers could attract mosquitoes.
Find Out More on How to Fight the Bite
As the weather warms up beckoning South Africans from all walks of life to the great outdoors, the west coast or the Garden Route, remember to fight the bite. With so much to explore and do in South Africa, take time to ensure your adventure is unforgettable. And not for the wrong reasons.
Talk to us today to find out how to protect your family from mozzies this summer.
