Bali Expat Forum - Bali Travel Forum

Hi everyone, I'm Magda and I live in Montreal, Canada. My husband and I decided to move our life and we chose Bali. I feel very excited and we should be there end of May. I have gathered as much info as I can but nothing is as valuable as the word of people living the experience. I have a 2 1/2 years old boy. I guess my questions boil down to those:
- What medication should I bring with me (specially for my son)?
- What area is best suited for families ?(I was thinking Seminyak, but would love to hear suggestions).
- How bad are the rainy months?
- How do handle the mosquitoes for your children ?

I guess what I'm trying to find out most is how I should prepare and what I should expect for my son...my husband and I will adapt and manage much better if we're ready for him.
I appreciate any info....
I'm so excited I can barely stand it !

Hi Magda,
Firstly, Great choice of relocation destination!
Secondly, don't be too scared, it's a big move to pick up and relocate, equally exciting, and daunting at the same time, as I'm sure you are experiencing right now. I'm not an expat. I'm more a devotee. I save all my pennies to get back to Bali as often as I can, which is a lot. Maybe some of the other members won't think I qualify to give advice, but they aren't here yet.
- What medication should I bring with me (specially for my son)? The chemists in Bali (apotek) are pretty well stocked, so you should be ok for any daily medical requirements. Headaches to worms.. I suggest though if you are planning to bring any perscribed medications that you have the correct paperwork from your doctor/pharmacist when entering the country.
- What area is best suited for families ?(I was thinking Seminyak, but would love to hear suggestions). They all have their merrits and downfalls, this will depend on your needs. I'm guessing that if you are looking at Seminyak, that isolation isn't a big draw card. For some it is. Seminyak is probably a good starting point for any westerner. You can always explore and find something more suited when you're there.
- How bad are the rainy months? Wet! with rain like I've never seen before, but still wonderful.
- How do handle the mosquitoes for your children ? Tricky one this. You can't be hovering over them (kiddies) the whole time with a swatter and spray. There are practical steps that you can take, nothing too dramatic, not like other islands where you are dealing with malaria.
The wonderful thing about Bali is that it doesn't take a lot of preparation. Pack your enthusiasm, some cash, and a big smile and you'll do fine.
Do your homework, as it pertains to your situation.....
I'll let the other members get down to more specifics.....

Thanks a bunch mileage, this dos help a lot...specially in the lifting the spirit and upping the excitement level

How do handle the mosquitoes for your children ?

I use Johnsons baby lotion with mosquito repellent on my son. It is deet free and 100% effective. It costs about Rp20,000 and a bottle lasts months.

Just wondering, what's wrong with deet?
I use this spray (bushman's) which is deet based when I'm in Bali. Is it poisonous to humans too?

Deet is the ingredient in the repellents that repel the mozzies. I use "OFF" or "Autan" and have never had any problems.

there have been studies (along with every other product under the sun) that show deet is detrimental to health ...

and i personally wouldn't use it on children either ...

or for prolonged periods of time ...

Definitely DO NOT use Bushmans on children. The stuff can melt vinyl, paint, synthetics and put holes in clothing.

Whoa!
thanks for the tip, I usually use Aeroguard, but I bought the bushman's for Kupang after having deet recommended to me by another traveller. I'll save it for the malaria regions now.....

Personally, I have used DEET at maximum strength (95% concentration) for years. Luckily, mosquitoes do not seem to be much attracted to me anyway (the feeling is reciprocal), so I hardly use it in Bali. In the other islands, like Kalimantan, where the falciparum is king, I use DEET for sure. At that strength, just couple of drops in the palm of my hand, rub the areas to be protected, and I am good for about 8 – 10 hours. I know you must have done some Googleing on the subject. But just in case, check the EPA and CDC websites on the subject:

http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/factsheets/chemicals/deet.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm

Dear Magda
Yes Deet is HIGHLY TOXIC!!!!!! DO not use this product.It kills bugs it certainly will kill a human just slower....................................
Use Mosquito nets on all the beds,use screens on your windows,eat no sweets/sugary things,mozzies love sweet sugary blood.
The more perfumy,nice smelling things you wear the more it lures the pests.Eating garlic in your diet keeps away these criters.
Burning Citronella oil,tea tree oil also works.At night keep a ceiling fan on,the mozzies cannot fly in all that wind.

A great holistic health clinic is in Ubud the director is american her name is Ibu Robin,clinic name is Bumi Sehat. (google the name) also great for birthing with midwife's.Good place to take kids they have a massive collection of homeopathic remedies,they have a on site volunteer accupuncturist.(verry kid friendly)

Non-Toxic Bug Repellents
by Jane Sheppard

If you find that bugs or insects are feeding on your children, be careful that the toxic “solution” does not put your children at greater health risk than the problem. Many of the bug or insect repellent sprays, lotions or liquids that are used on children to repel ticks, mosquitos or other insects contain Permethrin and/or N,Ndiethyl-m-toluamide, commonly called DEET.

DEET is a toxic compound, partially absorbed into the bloodstream, and associated with dermal and neurological reactions. Several cases of toxic encephalopathy (brain damage) associated with the use of DEET in children have been reported in the medical literature. Generalized seizures have also been temporally associated with the use of DEET.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made a Re-registration Eligibility Decision (RED) for DEET in late 1998, but with this decision, the EPA will not re-register DEET products marketed specifically at children, claiming them to be misleading. Due to their alcohol base, these low percentage DEET formulas may actually increase absorption into the bloodstream, especially when reapplied frequently to increase effectiveness. The EPA expressed concern about the fact that DEET is widely used, is one of the few registered pesticides applied directly to human skin and is potentially related to seizure incidents. As a result, the RED calls for stronger label warnings and restrictions that are protective of children and others who are sensitive to chemical substances.

Permethrin is a synthetic contact insecticide, causing nervous system toxicity that leads to the death of the insect. It is said to have low toxicity in mammals, and is poorly absorbed through the skin. However, it’s wise to stay away from any synthetic pesticide, especially when there are safe alternatives to do the job.

Alternative Repellents
Plants whose essential oils have been reported to have repellent activity include citronella, cedar, verbena, geranium, lavender, pine, cajeput, cinnamon, rosemary, basil, thyme, allspice, garlic, and peppermint. Calendula ointment is also an excellent insect repellent. Unfortunately, plant-derived repellents have been relatively poorly studied. When tested, most of these essential oils tended to give short-lasting protection, usually less than 2 hours. But reapplying the essential oils is a small price to pay for keeping a child protected from insects while free from potentially harmful insecticides.

Neem oil is a highly effective, non-toxic, child-safe bug repellent that can also be used on open sores and wounds. Neem heals wounds, cuts, sores, poison oak or ivy, and has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. The National Research Council found that Neem is known to affect more than 200 species of insects. One compound (salannin) found in neem leaves, seeds and seed oil is a safer but more effective insect repellent than DEET. Neem provides protection from not only mosquitoes but also from biting flies, sand fleas and ticks.

Here are a few great websites for holistic alternative health answers:
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com 500 pages of kid friendly health info you can access via the net
http://www.healthy.net
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://www.mercola.com

http://www.thinktwice.com
http://www.909shot.com
(last two websites are warnings about vaccines)

Why You Should Not Use DEET
DUKE UNIVERSITY REPORT ON DEET
Click to read the full article here

Every year, approximately one-third of the U.S. population uses insect repellants containing DEET to ward off mosquitoes and other pests. At present, DEET is used in more than 230 products with concentrations up to 100 percent.

However, DEET should be used with caution due to its possible damaging effects on brain cells. Studies have shown that DEET causes brain cell death and behavioral changes in rats after frequent and prolonged use. This exposure causes neurons to die in regions of the brain that control muscle movement, learning, memory, and concentration. Rats treated with an average human dose of DEET (40 mg/kg body weight) performed far worse when challenged with physical tasks requiring muscle control, strength and coordination. These findings are consistent with reported human symptoms following DEET's use by the military in the Persian Gulf War.

With heavy exposure to DEET and other insecticides, humans may experience memory loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, tremors and shortness of breath. These symptoms may not be evident until months or even years after exposure. The most severe damage occurs when DEET is used concurrently with other insecticides, such as permethrin, for prolonged and frequent periods of time.

At this time, there is little information about the short-term, singular and occasional use of DEET. Further government testing of the chemical's safety is necessary. However, frequent and long-term use of DEET, especially in combination with other chemicals or medications, could cause brain deficits in vulnerable populations, particularly children.

Until further studies are done, it is important to be cautious when using this insecticide:

Use insecticides containing DEET sparingly and infrequently. If you do use one on your skin, avoid wearing it for prolonged periods of time.


Be wary of using insect repellant containing DEET on children. Children are more susceptible to subtle brain changes caused by chemicals in their environment because their skin more readily absorbs them. Also, their still-developing nervous systems are more potently affected. For the same reasons,


NEVER use insect repellant containing DEET on infants.


Be aware that DEET can be present in commonly used preparations like insecticide-based lice-killing shampoos. Use the same precautions with such preparations as you would with insect repellant.


Do not combine insecticides with each other or use them while using other medications. Even an over-the-counter antihistamine could interact with DEET to cause toxic side effects.


Do not spray your yard for insects and then take medications afterward. There is a possibility that you've inhaled a small amount of the insecticide that might interact negatively with the medication. Also, be sure to wash your skin thoroughly after spraying your yard. Lawn treatment chemicals are very strong and were not formulated to be applied to human skin.

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Blowing The Whistle On WNV - Shades Of The 50's And DDT
by Lynn Landes
Read the full article here
DEET, Anvil, and other toxic pesticides are aggressively promoted to protect the public from a mosquito bite that appears to be, statistically, less dangerous than a dog bite or bee sting. And the CDC seems to agree. On its website it says, "Human illness from West Nile virus is rare, even in areas where the virus has been reported. The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a mosquito bite is low." The use of DEET in mosquito repellents is extremely troubling. DEET has been associated with seizures and several cases of toxic encephalopathy (encephalitis

Thank you very much for this very useful information. I will definitely NOT use anything with Deet !!! The diet suggestions are very good and I think I'll find that Johnson's repellent lotion with no Deet.

Mileage, your first response was very well said/written.

Thanks Milan.