This is a pretty important topic for Belize goers. I knew going to Belize there would be mosquitoes to worry about, but viewing an old classmates photo album with photos from a recent trip to Belize made me think twice about researching more about the topic.

A well known fact about Belize is that it has subtropical climate which gives bugs an enjoyable location to set up camp. Mosquitoes present themselves both in the early morning and after sundown. There are also no-see-ums, sand flies, gnats. The Sittee River area is the worst place for bugs in Belize. Also, June to October, which is the rainy season, is the worst time of the year for bugs. Our trip falls right in the highest time for bug presence and I’m not to thrilled about that. So we best be prepared!

My friend said they used all of the pictured bug repellents while in Belize and not one worked. They left with their legs looking like a connect the dot picture as shown below. If none of those bug repellents worked for them, what will?

It is recommended to take an anti-malarial medication with you if you are staying in the remote jungles of Belize. There have been isolated cases of Malaria and Dengue Fever in the dense jungle near the Guatamala border. Also, the grass and dirt seem to run rapid with fire ants that will bite your ankles and feet when walking with flip flops. So be careful! You don’t want to be itching for days and nights on end, do you?

I also read online where a person got an infestation of worms while in Belize. These worms traveled through the bloodstream and exited through various boil like growths on the surface of the skin. The infestation made this person very sick for many months. While it is not likely this will happen to you, it is important to remember that pets and animals in Belize may not be properly cared for and can carry a variety of diseases, parasites, worms, etc. It’s recommended to not wonder barefoot, regardless of how beautiful and tropical the climate is, because this can happen to you.

Also, ticks seem to prosper in the jungles and you should keep an eye out for them in your skin. They can really dig themselves deep and you can’t get rid of them unless you soak in water for about 45 minutes or you have a significant other who loves you enough to pick these off your body for you with tweezers. ICK!