CREEPY CRAWLIES

There are a few bugs and beetles here that might not have been where you were living before. Here are the ones to watch out for:

Mosquitoes

There are a few ways to minimise your chances of being bitten and potentially catching Malaria.

• Wear long sleeved tops and trousers after dusk.
• Use an age appropriate mosquito spray for you and your kids.
• Get your house fumigated regularly.
• Keep the windows and doors closed after dusk, and use insect screens on your windows.
• Sleep under a mosquito net.
• Use a fan in your room at night.

A lot of people who are living in Kampala don’t take prophylaxis, but consider it for themselves and their kids if they are traveling upcountry where the risks are often higher.

No matter how hard you try, you are very likely to be bitten at some point. If you start to feel fevery or unwell, or your child is out of sorts then head to a clinic to take a malaria test as soon as possible. They are quick and cheap here, and it’s an illness which is a lot more easy to treat the earlier you can catch it.

Safari Ants

No matter how hard you try to keep your house spick and span you’ll probably find that it’s teeming with ants as soon as your little ones drop just a few crumbs. Most of these are harmless, but you should teach your kids to watch out for Safari Ants which can amass in big groups and are capable of biting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorylus

Mango Flies

Mango Flies can lay eggs on your laundry as it dries on the line outside, their larvae can then transfer onto your skin and burrow inside, resulting in things which look like boils. You can prevent it by making sure the laundry dries in the sun, rather than the shade, drying it in a tumble drier, or ironing everything.

Caterpillars

Beware of hairy caterpillars, their spines can give an itchy, painful rash. If you think your child has just been in contact with one, it’s worth rubbing some tape on the area, stripping it back (as if you were removing lint from clothing) in case there are any caterpillar hairs remaining there, then wash the area with soap and water before applying some topical low strength steroid cream. If in doubt, of course, always go and see a doctor.

Snakes

Snakes are around here, everywhere but of course they want to stay out of our way just as much as we want to avoid them. Fumigation and using repellents won’t work against snakes.

It pays to try and learn how to differentiate between them in case you spot one near your house, most of them, such as the brown house snake, thread snake, wolf snake, white lipped snake are harmless, some are even useful around the compound as they can catch mice.

If you do spot a snake in your compound then stay calm, don’t go near the snake, or try to pick it up, if you’re within the distance for trying to kill it then you’re within the catchment for being bitten, some can spray their venom 3 metres. If you’re worried about it being dangerous then call James who is a professional snake catcher on 0704400890, the UWEC or snake and reptile parks keep an eye on where the snake is while you wait for them.

Snakes Uganda has a whole lot more information if you want to know more.

Bedbugs

If you or your kids get a rash then it might be bedbugs. Some people find that fumigation can work to get rid of them, while others have resorted to throwing out the mattress and pillows, while washing pajamas, and sheets in boiling water. Take the bed apart as they can hide in the frame. If you keep the mattress then put it out in the sun.