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i posted earlier about live aboards. now on to the other major concern in my life - mosquitos! since they love me and they are the bane of my existence, i'm wondering if i can peacefully co-exist with them. if i live aboard a boat, are chances better that they won't find me? i'm not an "after dark" person, so if i can survive during the day with few if any bites, and they leave me alone on my boat, is that reasonable??
Posted : March 16, 2009 4:58 pm
Friends who are mosquito magnets frequently find that mosquitoes are much less of a problem when they use plenty of DEET.
Posted : March 16, 2009 5:56 pm
We like to go to the bvi and rent a boat for a week or two every couple of years. One year we went during August. It was hot but what was worse was the mosquitoes. We didn't put in at any docks, we only used mooring balls, so we were close to land but not attached. I would do it again though, it was some of the best snorkeling we ever come across.
So my guess is when the trade winds die you may suffer like the rest of us. I wouldn't think it would be as bad as many mainland areas, but you will have to deal with them. I'm sure some captains will know better then me. 🙂
Posted : March 16, 2009 6:32 pm
So here is the secret to mosquitos. Real simple. First grab a bar of Irish Spring soap or some other good smelling soap, Make sure that it's dry and rub it on your skin. It is not water proof so rub it on after you dry yourself.
Posted : March 16, 2009 10:59 pm
I've had dengue! DEET and lots of it. Misquito coils work well. Citronella, bay rum, cedar oil all work well as well. If you not real close to land and there is a slight breeze you are better off on the boat . Close to land or on a dock, you are fair game.
Posted : March 16, 2009 11:15 pm
Fisherman~ is the Irish spring soap or joke or for real??? i have never heard that and hope it is a better option than the nasty smelling OFF and such!!
Cheryl
Posted : March 16, 2009 11:22 pm
I have also used lemon grass incense with some success. I have been told dryer sheets work but not for me. They are attracted by the co2 from your breath.
Posted : March 17, 2009 12:32 am
Find a product that works for you, and use a lot of it. Some people will swear by one thing that doesn't work for others; we still don't know enough about what attracts mosquitos to specific individuals.
Stateside, in Virginia's humid summers, the Cutter 7.5% DEET "Skintastic" sprays were enough protection for me; in the islands, I think I heard a couple of skeeters laughing at it while they bit me. 😉 A spray with minimum 15% DEET is all that works for me, period. I'll take my chances with whatever nastiness the chemicals cause me vs. risking a bout of dengue.
Posted : March 17, 2009 12:02 pm
