Dealing with sand flies on Diani Beach

Staying safe and healthy is an important aspect for a perfect holiday on the fantastic Diani Beach.

If you are coming for a holiday at the Diani Beach you will definitely walk along the glistening  sands or take a dive into the ocean waters. However, while at it, you could be exposing yourself to insect bites and stings like mosquito and sand fly bites resulting in diseases like malaria and the general annoyance that is associated with sand flies.

On some parts of the beach, we have cases of sand fly bites. Sand flies are not an issue for most of the people holidaying in Diani but some information on these minute flies is still useful. Enquire from the hotel you are booking with if sand flies are common in that area.

Sand flies are small pests usually found in coastal areas and are difficult to see due to their size; adults measure around 2 to 3 mm and are also called No See-ums because you will never catch sight of one but will surely feel the bite. A sand fly bite results to a fever or rash especially for multiple bites.

Leishmaniasis is characterized by sores several months after infection and even after healing the sores leave scars. So to stay safe you can do the following;

Always wear protective foot wear that keeps your feet covered while walking along areas prone to sand flies, wear long sleeved shirts and trousers (though this measure is uncomfortable in the hot coastal weather), or apply insect repellents.
Off course if you are visiting Diani Beach, the last option is most appropriate.

For your understanding, sand flies and mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide plus octenol gas that human beings breathe out. Only female sand flies can bite because they need blood to start laying eggs though they can get it from other mammals, birds and reptiles. Male sand flies are vegetarians and are thus harmless.

Sand Fly Bite

You have several options with anti insecticide repellants;

• Repellants containing DEET (diethylmeta-toluamide) are your best option and will normally be in different forms including lotions, roll-ons, sticks and sprays. For lotions apply on arms, legs and neck regions. However, make sure you get the odorless version as the smell can be prohibitive.
• Mosquito blockers that mask the CO2 you breathe out, since the flies will detect the gas from as far as 100 yards. The mosquito blockers help you remain invisible to the insects
• Safari insect repellant spray that comes in an easy to carry container and remains effective even after you deep into water.
• Safari insect repellant stick and roll-on that can be applied to foreheads, wrists, neck and ankles to keep away this insects.
• Safari organic repellant wipes that are suitable for young children and have a nice fragrance contain oils that serve in repelling many insects including sand flies and mosquitoes.

Note, when using DEET based repellants
i. Avoid high concentrations
ii. Don’t inhale, ingest or let the substance come into contact with your eye
iii. Don’t apply on wounds or skin that is likely to cause irritation
iv. Pregnant and nursing mothers should reduce rate of usage
v. You can wash the repellant after coming indoors

Sand flies don’t bite in the dark and will rarely be found indoors although in some cases you will find them breeding in flower pots and vases that are damp. Sand flies are most active in dull, overcast and humid conditions, morning and dusk times.

If you get a bite, a sore could appear and you can use bite ointment to ease the itch and help heal and soothe the skin. Avoid scratching as this could extend the sore further.

If the sores appear after you are back from holiday in areas prone to sand flies i.e coastal areas, visit a tropical disease specialist.

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