Before visiting Panama the first time, I thought I'd have to wear full-strength Deet every day to protect myself from the little blood-sucking mosquitoes. The truth about mosquitoes in Panama is much different than my pre-conceived notions. Mosquitoes are actually fewer and further between than I had imagined. I rarely get bitten, and almost never put on insect repellent.
Here is some mosquito information, and a bit of trivia.
Here is some mosquito information, and a bit of trivia.
- There are more mosquitoes in rainy season than in dry season. Well, of course! Mosquitoes love water, especially dirty standing water.
- Mosquitoes (the ones that bite people) don't typically fly above 25 feet. That means if you're on the third floor or higher, you can sit out on your balcony and remain bite-free. That's also why condos in Panama don't come with screens on the windows.
- Only female mosquitoes bite. Why? Because they need blood to produce eggs. (Hey, I know what you were going to say!)
- Some mosquito varieties prefer the ankles while others prefer the face and neck. Researchers don't know why.
- The most mosquito-prone month in Panama is May. The rest of the time I simply avoid going out at dawn or dusk and I rarely get bitten.
- The New Yorker reported that mosquitoes are more attracted to beer drinkers than to wine drinkers. Yet another reason to drink more wine.
- Mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and stinky feet, so if you keep yourself very clean, you are less likely to get bitten.
- Mosquitoes are attracted to floral fragrances, so leave your perfume and scented lotions at home.
- Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon monoxide (CO2). If you find yourself in a swarm, hold your breath.
- Many people who live in Panama who walk their dogs or workout at dawn and dusk swear by natural repellents, such as oregano oil, eucalyptus oil or whole-leaf aloe vera gel. I am a fan of aloe vera and keep a spray bottle nearby. The trick to aloe vera is that is has to have a strong--almost stinky--herbal scent, or is won't have enough of the good stuff to be effective.
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