Are There Any Bugs in Belize and Should I Bring Bug Spray?

Yes is the easy answer to both questions.

Bugs can be found in Belize, as they can be anywhere, but especially in tropical areas. They are one of the unpleasant aspects of traveling that you simply must accept. They’ll whiz around your ears, may tear into you, and can cause aggravating tingling. Unfortunately, jungles, beaches, and forests, some of Belize’s most popular tourist destinations, will also have a lot of bugs living there.

However, it is important to keep in mind that Belize’s tropical habitat would not be the same without them. Therefore, come prepared for bugs and view them as a necessary component of the environment.
What kinds of bugs do Belize have?
The two kinds of bugs that are most likely to be found in Belize are as follows:
â Mosquitoes Mosquitoes are sneaky little blighters that you may not realize are there until it is too late and they have already bitten you. They are probably responsible for the majority of the suffering experienced by travelers. A mosquito’s distinctive, high-pitched buzzing is frequently all that is left of its presence, which is fine if you’re in a quiet area where you can hear it, but not so great if you’re having a drink at a lively beach bar.

Even though mosquitoes are more common at night, they are also present during the day, so it is important to protect yourself. If you do get bit, the worst thing you usually get is a swollen, itchy lump for a few days. However, you should try to avoid being bitten as much as possible because mosquitoes can carry diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, both of which can make you very ill.

Mosquitoes thrive in damp, humid environments, so it comes as no surprise that they are more common during Belize’s rainy season, which lasts from June to November.
â Sandflies Despite their diminutive size, sandflies, which are referred to as “no-see-ums” for this very reason, are capable of triggering an unpleasant reaction when they bite. Interestingly, the species only has a female that bites, but that doesn’t help when you’re on a beach surrounded by these flying biters.

If you get bitten by a sandfly, the main piece of advice is to avoid scratching. You will end up with lumps, welts, and possibly broken skin, making you more susceptible to infection, and it will only make the reaction worse.

Like mosquitoes, sandflies are at their most active just before sunset. They love to hang out where there is moisture.
What can I do to keep bugs out of my body?
If you are bitten by a bug, there are some general guidelines you can follow to either alleviate the symptoms or avoid further infection.
Deet-based repellent is the most straightforward method for preventing bites from insects. This chemical-based repellent is detested by mosquitoes and sandflies, so bring a lot with you and reapply frequently.
Baby oil: A thick application of baby oil is a failsafe method for separating yourself from sandflies.
â Clothes: at night, wear long pants and tops with long sleeves to prevent bugs from getting on your skin.
Alleviation from nibbles
● Hydrocortisone cream – Assuming you’re nibbled and you’re feeling that all-too-recognizable irritated consuming sensation, hydrocortisone cream will mitigate and stop the tingle.