How to Soothe Sandfly Bites
You tried to avoid sandflies, but you got bites anyway We've all been there. My guess is that you are visiting this page because you, your husband ...
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For great experiences outdoors
GET SANDFLY SAVVY
Deal with sandflies (& mosquitoes), comfortably. With these tips and tricks, you can have an amazing time outdoors, even with bugs!
Clothing & Movement
Cover & avoid bites
Body
Choose light coloured clothing. Flowing cotton trousers, long sleeve tops or long skirts and shorts will keep the bites away.
Feet
Sandflies love feet the most, the most, the most. Make sure to apply repellent frequently on the ankles/feet and when you can, keep them covered with socks and shoes.
Face
A light coloured hat with a good brim covering your face will provide protection.
Sandflies love it when you sit still, but even a gentle walk will outpace them, so keep on moving.
know them better
what sandflies love
quiet air
Sandflies will always be where the air is calmest. Keep cars and campervan doors closed or netted, especially on the downwind side.
Rain and clouds
Sandflies are busiest ahead of rain, because they want to have a feed before they tuck away out of the rain. This can be their most frenzied time, so cover up and keep on the move.
Outdoor Kids
Explore the world
Babies and children can be mostly covered so very little product is needed.
Plant oils, while natural, are very powerful and anyone can be sensitive to any essential oil. We recommend introducing any product, even natural ones, slowly with patch testing on the inside of the elbow.
Why natrual bug repellent?
Hear it from Robina
"Goodbye Sandfly is such a good product. It is the first thing to go in the bag if we are travelling anywhere there are likely to be any type of sandfly. We have used this since it's beginnings and it has proved itself time and again in places like Milford Sound and Karanga West coast NZ. No chemicals also which is a big plus..."
Dealing with Bites
If you get bitten
Soothe Quickly
Disinfect and soothe the sandfly or mosquito bite before the reaction begins. At bedtime, apply a bite soother (Goodbye SANDFLY or Goodbye OUCH Manuka Balm) with gentle massage. This will set you up for better sleep without any itching.
Don't Scratch
Scratching doesn't help with the healing and could cause infection. Applying a bite soother helps heal bites without itching or blemishes. Gentle massage and cool cloths also help.
Severe Reactions
Sometimes bites can have a strong reaction with swelling and discomfort- we recommend you see a doctor
When the Night comes
Nets for Peace
Sandflies go to sleep at night, so if it's been a hectic day, look forward to the night time.
Mosquitoes get even busier at night, we recommend traveling with your own net or using a fan to keep your nights peaceful.
Where have you been this summer?
Started in 2009, this Sandfly and Mosquito map is one of the most popular pages on our website.
Share your experiences so that future travelers can know before they go.
The NZ “sandfly” is actually a blackfly
Sandfly and Mosquito Map- where are the bugs that bite?
Make an entry on our Bug Map by January 29th, and you'll go into the draw for one of 3 x Summer Adventure Bundles.
Drawn from entries- one entry per email address- on 30th January. NZ addresses only. Must be 16 or older. Notification by email
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Goodbye SANDFLY Bug Repellent and Bite Soother
bug blog
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