Picaridin vs. DEET in the war against sand fleas.

[morecowbells]

On my last two trips to the Caribbean I used Picaridin over DEET to prevent mosquito bites and gnats. I found out about it on the World Health Organization website and was very happy with the results, no odor or stickiness. I am one of those unfortunate sensitive skinned people who does not tolerate DEET very well. However, I have not ever had the pleasure of sand flea bites. Does anybody have any experience in what works better? Thanks in advance

 

[Stout]

I can't say I've ever heard of Picaridin, but I do have a bucket of 100% DEET that i bought before they banned it. I've had success with it. Now I've only ever experienced the sand fleas at sunset and adopted a tactic of simply going inside at that time. Have a shower, catch up on email, read a novel...

The little buggers aren't active for all that long and I figure it's worth it to just avoid them rather than spend the evening soaking in a chemical stew. If you're no so fussed about "appearances" there's always the socks, long pants and long sleeved shirt method.

 

[John_B]

 

[Doc]

 

[John_B]

Hey, I'm a walking Picardin advertisement on every trip to CCV.

But I know from first-hand experience that the whole "DEET is bad" argument seems to stir up a lot of trouble around here (even though I happen to agree with it)...

Hence, the popcorn guy:

 

[Doc]

.... argument seems to stir up a lot of trouble around here (even though I happen to agree with it)...

Hence, the popcorn guy:

Hence the guy

 

[DiveMaven]

We used Picardin both for Bonaire and Roatan. Worked great for us.

 

[morecowbells]

Actually I did try searching the forum and found plenty of information of Picaridin and mosquitoes but not much including Picaridin and sand fleas. I appreciate the answers on personal experiences and information. Looks like I will be packing some pants not only for evening coverage against the critters, but to keep warm. It's looking a little chilly down there.

 

[tridacna]

Duplicate post.

 

[tridacna]

DEET masks mosquito attractants by disturbing the chemical receptors on the mosquito antennae. I doubt that it would have the same effect on sand fleas.I suspect that Picaridin exhibits similar properties.