Mexico: Outsmarting Mosquitos
[Disclaimer from Staci: My better half is in Mexico now (while I'm stuck in rainy, chilly Baltimore, filled with jealousy), so you're stuck with me for the week. (MWAHAHA.) That said, I claim no responsibility for the fear-mongering Jen wrote below before she left. Let's hope this one-woman CDC is actually chillin' with a margarita right now.]
I'm already in Mexico, but I wanted to show you (or maybe just my mom and aunt) how I'm protecting myself against the dreaded Zika. I may not be pregnant, but I'm not a fan of paralyzing diseases or going to the hospital with dengue fever. So, I did a little research before I left and found the best ways to protect myself (and Mike) from getting bitten in the first place. And no, staying inside the entire trip or staying completely covered up in 90-degree weather is not an option.
Since I know I'm not alone in fearing the mosquito (it's coming for us all!), I thought I'd share what I ended up getting.
First, I researched the best protection against the carrier mosquito and promptly bought it. Turns out there are a couple of things you can buy, but only one was available at my local CVS, so thats the one I went with.
OFF! DEEP WOODS®INSECT REPELLENT VIII
Just a thin layer of this on exposed skin keeps mosquitos and ticks at bay for at least eight hours. It's not sticky and dries with minimal odor. Of course there's some sketchy toxic possibilities associated with DEET, but if its the best protection against a known problem, I'm gonna wear it. The all-natural shit does nothing against these suckers.
Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent Trigger Spray
From what I read, its also a good idea to treat clothing (including hats) with repellant as well so the bloodsuckers won't get you through your clothes. This product rated best because it lasts for multiple washes and won't ruin your clothing.
I also wanted to make sure the best way to apply everything since I knew I'd also be wearing a boatload of sunscreen. Apparently, you're supposed to put on sunscreen first THEN insect repellant. But what happens when you need to reapply sunscreen?! No answers on that just yet.
Speaking of sunscreen, did you know that Mexico is pretty strict when it comes to what you can wear around their bombass reef? If you wanna go snorkeling around Mexico, you better be prepared with biodegradable sunscreen.
Tropical Sands All Natural Biodegradable Water Resistant Sunscreen
This product isn't laying around in your local drug store, so you either have to order it online or buy it while in Mexico (most snorkel companies offer it for purchase). They won't let you in the waters without it. Don't forget the aloe!
Well, that's all my wisdom. Back to my pina colada!
-Jen
