Things I must know before moving to Cambodia?

After several years on and off in Cambodia I've never had any mosquito-borne illnesses and I don't tend to use much mosquito repellent. I don't like the stuff and only use it when the mosquitoes are particularly bad. When I do use it I apply it sparingly and certainly not around my eyes and mouth. However I'm not one of those people that tend to attract mosquitoes.

My daughter came to visit me last year for 2 weeks. The mosquitoes in Siem Reap particularly seemed to like her and by the time she left she had dengue. Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw.

After several years on and off in Cambodia I've never had any mosquito-borne illnesses and I don't tend to use much mosquito repellent. I don't like the stuff and only use it when the mosquitoes are particularly bad. When I do use it I apply it sparingly and certainly not around my eyes and mouth. However I'm not one of those people that tend to attract mosquitoes.

My daughter came to visit me last year for 2 weeks. The mosquitoes in Siem Reap particularly seemed to like her and by the time she left she had dengue. Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw.

Mosquitoes tend to love me. Maybe it is because I have that thin AB blood that is easy to drink. I'm also really thin, so maybe they like sucking on the boney areas. I have read about that somewhere before. They often bite my fingers and joint areas the most.

I will definitely be careful when applying repellent...I hate the stuff too, but I'm sure dengue is worse lol.

wherever I stay I plant lemongrass. very effective against the buggers. sharing some with the neighbors is also a good idea.

wherever I stay I plant lemongrass. very effective against the buggers. sharing some with the neighbors is also a good idea.

Thanks so much. You have a lot of useful advice to share. It seems like you know the game there now haha.

a few little items. Lemongrass is extremely effective. Try to get some in the market and make sure a few roots are left. I succeed in about 60% of the cases by replanting them in empty large water bottles. Cut the upper part off, 2 holes in the bottom, some soil and reading. Once they have grown you can move them to the hot spots like the bathroom. The buggers will flee. Once the place is cleared out place 1-2 pots net to the door like your very own garudas.
I keep filling up the empty bottles and pass them on to neighbors. Reasoning behind it: Keep the area mosquito-free by adding further lines of defense. Especially, kids will benefit from it. Planting outside has been a challenge as neighbors began digging out the plants.
Lemongrass contains citronella which is the stuff you find in the repellents. The measure is cheap and if you like to cook you have one ingredient fresh at hand.
I respond at some length so that readers might pick up on the idea and profit from it.

Donating lemongrass to local schools might be another good idea.

a few little items. Lemongrass is extremely effective. Try to get some in the market and make sure a few roots are left. I succeed in about 60% of the cases by replanting them in empty large water bottles. Cut the upper part off, 2 holes in the bottom, some soil and reading. Once they have grown you can move them to the hot spots like the bathroom. The buggers will flee. Once the place is cleared out place 1-2 pots net to the door like your very own garudas.
I keep filling up the empty bottles and pass them on to neighbors. Reasoning behind it: Keep the area mosquito-free by adding further lines of defense. Especially, kids will benefit from it. Planting outside has been a challenge as neighbors began digging out the plants.
Lemongrass contains citronella which is the stuff you find in the repellents. The measure is cheap and if you like to cook you have one ingredient fresh at hand.
I respond at some length so that readers might pick up on the idea and profit from it.

Donating lemongrass to local schools might be another good idea.

Wow...amazing information. I had no idea, but now it makes sense why I kept seeing lemongrass hanging out around peoples' houses in Thailand and Laos haha.

I will definitely do all of these things.

P.S. I don't sweat much, but if I cook and eat a lot of foods with lemongrass mixed in...will the mosquitoes leave me alone or leave me alone more often?

No idea. I m one of those poor fellows who have yummy written all over their faces (in the mosquito alphabet). For being on the move you might like to cut some lemong grass and rub it in your hands. nice lemon scent.

No idea. I m one of those poor fellows who have yummy written all over their faces (in the mosquito alphabet). For being on the move you might like to cut some lemong grass and rub it in your hands. nice lemon scent.

That sounds like a good idea as well.

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.