Probably the worst aspect of life in the South Pacific is having to cope with the constant aerial assaults inflicted by flies and mosquitoes.
Flies are everywhere. Literally. They swarm in multitudes so vast that even the most ambitious dare not attempt to reduce their numbers with a fly swatter. Instead we learn to ignore the flies as they crawl all over our bodies. Open sores and scrapes are fly magnets specifically. Should you find yourself without a band-aid, it is best to fasten a leaf over your sore to block the flies. Most of time I do not flinch now, unless the flies should brazenly trespass into my inner ears or my mouth. Then I will instinctively go into a sort of mini-spasm and try to utter something appropriately profane. Food must be guarded by waving a leaf or hand constantly over your plate.
Mosquitos are the real masochists. They feed at all hours of the day, especially during the rainy season. Bug spray works at times, but who wants to be constantly coated in toxic chemicals? Mosquito coils are lit to ward off the enemy, but inhaling the fumes leaves me feeling sick. Sleeping in a mosquito net is a must, but sometimes they penetrate the inner sanctuary of the net as well. When this happens, a harsh buzzing in one's ear will surely spoil a good night's sleep- especially when it is accompanied by a thorough slap to the side of the face when attempting to render the evil mosquito lifeless.
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My husband and I are planning to come to Vanuatu for a coupl of weeks in July, before later moving there with our children. My nutritionist has recommended that week stock up on "oregano oil." She swears it works great as a mosquito repellant and is, obviously, natural. I figure that it's worth a try. I don't know if you have access to it there or not, but it might be a good thing to look into.
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