5 Helpful Items to Pack to Avoid Mosquitoes in Cambodia
Cambodia can be a truly magical experience for travellers visiting the country for the first time. However, the deep and dense jungles of Cambodia have one not-so-magical thing in abundance; female anopheles mosquitoes. Over the years, numerous malaria cases have been reported in the country, particularly amongst travellers who ventured into the woods and stayed there to revel in the Cambodian countryside. Even though malaria rates have dropped over recent years, there still remains a threat.
Read More: Malaria in Cambodia: Is it a Risk for Travellers?
If you are an adventurous traveller who wants to spend time in Cambodian forests to explore an ancient land, you must go prepared. There are five items that you simply must pack; items that will help to protect you from being bitten by mosquitoes in Cambodia. Read on to know what they are and how they are effective in the fight against malaria and mosquitoes in Cambodia.
1. Full-Length Clothes and Covered Shoes
It might feel quite adventurous to hike through the Cambodian woods in half-sleeved or sleeveless shirts and shorts, especially during the summers, but believe us, it’s more risk than reward. The dense forests of Cambodia have a lot of sections marked by stagnant water. Continuous rain in the country keeps creating such sections, giving mosquitoes in Cambodia the perfect breeding ground.That’s why you must pack clothes that cover as much of the body as possible. Thick and light-coloured clothes are preferred as darker shades tend to attract more mosquitoes. Also, wear covered and preferably waterproof shoes to keep your feet as protected as your body. While you may feel uncomfortable in full-length clothes and covered shoes during Cambodian summers, it’s nothing compared to what you have to go through if you contract malaria.
Don’t worry though. You can still wear your summer clothes when you are in the capital Phnom Penh, as the threat of mosquitoes in Cambodia has been totally eliminated from the city, making it a malaria-free zone.
Points to Remember
• Pack full sleeve shirts and full-length pants, both thick and light-coloured• Pack covered shoes
• You can wear shorter clothes in the malaria-free Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital
2. Carry Mosquito Repellents
Even after you wear the most protective of clothes, your face and hands will still remain exposed. To ensure total protection from mosquitoes in Cambodia, you need to pack a variety of mosquito repellents. Creams, sprays and vaporizers are the most common forms of repellents in the market, and you should have one of each in your bag when you touch down in Cambodia.Medical experts say that mosquito repellents containing DEET, IR3535 insecticide, picaridin or PMD are all safe to use. Be sure to follow the instructions mentioned on the containers to stay free from avoidable side effects. Be careful especially when using sprays. Mosquito repellent sprays can cause irritation to the eyes and skin. So if you plan to use a spray in a room, best close all windows and doors, spray the repellent, close the door and stay out of the room for at least 15 minutes.
Points to Remember
• Carry a variety of mosquito repellents.• Be extra careful with spray-type repellents, as they can cause skin and eye irritation.
3. Carry a Mosquito Net
In most countries around the world where the mosquito threat remains high, people use mosquito nets to protect their beds from a mosquito onslaught as they rest. Mosquito nets can obstruct airflow, which may lead to a feeling of excess heat, especially in humid countries like Cambodia. However, they are sure to keep you safe from mosquitoes in Cambodia.If you want absolute comfort when you use a mosquito net, you should book an air-conditioned room. Using a mosquito net in an air-conditioned room is like double protection, as mosquitoes in Cambodia would generally face a hard time entering an air-conditioned room.
Points to Remember
• Mosquito nets offer protection from mosquitoes when you sleep and rest.• For comfort and extra protection, you can use mosquito nets in air-conditioned rooms.
4. Pack a Portable Fan
Pardon us for stating the obvious, but mosquitoes are incredibly lightweight insects. We are stating it simply because a lot of people don’t really that they can use this particular characteristic of mosquitoes against them. How? By using fans, that’s how!Even though you would find fans in almost every hotel in Cambodia, you should pack a portable fan of your own. You can use these fans to double up on the protection from mosquitoes in Cambodia in hotel rooms and also during camping. There are many portable fans that work on batteries. Use them to keep mosquitoes away and at bay when you go to spend time in the Cambodian wilderness.
Points to Remember
• You can keep mosquitoes away from your body by using portable fans.• Portable fans are best used while camping out.
5. Natural Repellents
The aforementioned repellents containing laboratory-made chemicals and insecticides may cause allergies in some people. For them, it’s recommended to pack natural repellents. There are plenty of natural repellents available in the market in oil or cream forms.Some of the most popular natural repellents to protect you from mosquitoes in Cambodia include lemon eucalyptus oil, catnip oil, lemongrass oil and peppermint oil.
Points to Remember
• Mosquito repellents containing chemicals may cause allergies• Natural repellents such as lemongrass oil and lemon eucalyptus oil are good alternatives to prevent allergies
So, with these five things in your backpack, you can effectively protect you. With enough precautions against malaria-causing mosquitoes in Cambodia, you can experience Cambodia’s beauty without worrying about mosquito bites.