Skippers at Dundee offers beautiful beachfront accommodation in the Northern Territory. With sweeping ocean views and breezes, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy your holiday. However, with proximity to the beach and a tropical climate come mosquitoes and sandflies. While these insects are not harmful, they can be a nuisance and put a real downer on your Dundee Beach holiday.

Here are some tips on how to keep mosquitoes and sandflies from biting when your visit Dundee Beach:

• Prevention is better than cure. The best way to avoid mosquito and sandfly bites is to take preventive measures including:
• Burning citronella candles or mosquito coils.
• Covering up with protective clothing, especially at the peak times of dawn and dusk.
• Using insect repellent with DEET (15-20%). Make sure to apply the repellent to exposed skin and even lightly spray your clothing to layer the repellent effect.
• Using a Thermacell. These are devices that emit repellent to ward off mosquitoes and sandflies. Popular among locals, Thermocells are very effective and a worthwhile investment. They are available from Bunnings and camping stores. It’s best to purchase additional refill packs to last your trip so that when the cartridge and repeller mats run out you have replacements.  

However, thermocells should not be packed in airline luggage because of the small butane gas cartridge inside.

• Be aware of peak times. Mosquitoes and sandflies are most active at dawn and dusk and during the wet season from November to April. If you are planning to be outdoors at these times, take extra precautions to avoid bites.
• Check the weather forecast. Hot, humid weather and periods after rainfall when there is water lying around are times to take extra precautions. The NT government produces a ‘Biting Midge Pest Calendar’ that can be easily downloaded showing the cycle of low to very high biting peaks. Use this helpful calendar to take extra precautions during high biting periods.
• Know the signs of a bite. While sandflies aren’t easily seen and have no trouble getting through flyscreen you will know if you get bitten! Some symptoms include:
• Red, itchy lumps
• Swelling, pain & irritation at the site of the bite.
• Rash

These symptoms can be treated with an over-the-counter antihistamine cream, ointment or tablet (please seek advice before use from a health care professional). If the symptoms are severe, you should see a doctor.

By following these tips, you can minimise mosquito and sandfly bites at Skippers at Dundee. There’s nowhere quite like the Top End so don’t let a few pesky insects put you off. With some pre-planning, your beach holiday to Skippers at Dundee will be unforgettable for all the right reasons and a truly tropical escape to a wild wonderland that is Dundee Beach.

Additional tips:

• Young children are more susceptible to insect bites so be sure to take extra precautions to protect them from mosquitos and sandflies.
• If you are taking medication that lowers your immune system, be sure to talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself from mosquito and sandfly bites.