Leeches, ticks and other unwelcome guests of field research
Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 12:13 pm
Bisley workwear market a range of insect repellent work clothing. When I first saw them on the glossy brochures I thought "Yeah! Right! I wonder if they stop or repel snakes as well". That is a joke if you missed it.
Anyway, I thought "Okay, let's wait and see how this product flies".
Well, my cynicism was misplaced it seems. The data coming out of mining companies in New Guinea is that the clothing is reducing the incidence of malaria. That nasty disease is a big concern there. The results were significant enough that the Cairns City Council now issues the clothing up north because of the rise of dengue fever in recent years.
So there you go. It does appear to work and is good for 200 washes. Frankly, I think it cheaper and easier to use a good DEET containing insect repellent like Bushman, but that is just me. The clothing is not cheap btw but does give your body an all over coverage of repellent.
What does concern me down here below the tropics is the alleged appearance of lyme disease which is carried by ticks. Had a few of those lately myself and after watching that TV expose lately, I was more than a bit concerned at the horrendous impact on the unlucky victims. DEET works to repel ticks and leeches as well.
I just thought I would throw this out there for interest. The great Aussie outdoors has many unwelcome guests waiting for us, other than large hairy ones, so it always pays to be prepared with a little knowledge of somethings that seem to work.
Anyway, I thought "Okay, let's wait and see how this product flies".
Well, my cynicism was misplaced it seems. The data coming out of mining companies in New Guinea is that the clothing is reducing the incidence of malaria. That nasty disease is a big concern there. The results were significant enough that the Cairns City Council now issues the clothing up north because of the rise of dengue fever in recent years.
So there you go. It does appear to work and is good for 200 washes. Frankly, I think it cheaper and easier to use a good DEET containing insect repellent like Bushman, but that is just me. The clothing is not cheap btw but does give your body an all over coverage of repellent.
What does concern me down here below the tropics is the alleged appearance of lyme disease which is carried by ticks. Had a few of those lately myself and after watching that TV expose lately, I was more than a bit concerned at the horrendous impact on the unlucky victims. DEET works to repel ticks and leeches as well.
I just thought I would throw this out there for interest. The great Aussie outdoors has many unwelcome guests waiting for us, other than large hairy ones, so it always pays to be prepared with a little knowledge of somethings that seem to work.
Jim put me onto this great site , lots of pet good info also. Very informative site..thanks Jim 