FROM THE GRRRL SWISS ARMY TOOLKIT…
by Christine Ka’aloa
I’m very excited. Just had an appointment with my travel doctor this week to catch up on my travel vaccinations & flu shots, when I got an “off-the-record” tip for dealing with everything in travel-bug scary. Last year when my girlfriend, Margaret and and her travel posse, returned from Costa Rica with a souvenir case of “bed bugs”, it threw my hypochondria into a state of “what ifs…” tizzy. I was nearing my Thailand launch and my budget agenda entailed hostels, guesthouses and trekking in the mountains (Mosquitoes, bed bugs, head lice, oh my! ) Knowing that a fellow travel buddy had fallen in the line of action- despite her own safety precautions- warranted a call to my travel doctor for possible bed bug solutions. Until then, I carried little “prayer”- sized bottles of Febreze (one travel friend I know would pack a Lysol can), knowing that while it might not kill anything more than bacterial odor and germs, it would definitely lend some piece of mind to my slumber.
Here are 2 travel doctor recommendations:
Sawyer’s Permethrin
This comes as either a spray-pump, spray bottle or aerosol that lets you administer water-proof bug repellent to your clothing, sleeping liner, bags, etc… to keep away mosquitos and travel bugs. It does something similar to mosquito repellent and sunscreen-treated outdoor clothing and lasts up to 6 washes. Unfortunately, Permethrin is a toxic agent, so try not to get it on your skin. It’s definitely not a “spray on your bed and immediately roll around in” type of thing; and it’s not good for people like me, who want to Permethrin everything (which I did!)… This only treats clothing material and it is advised to apply Deet repellent to your skin in addition.
Sol-U-Mel
This is an exciting “off-the-record” medical tip I received from both, my travel doctor and nurse (on separate occasions). Sol-U-Mel is not sold in stores and can be a bit harder find, but nurses and moms swear by it as an effective all-purpose (‘problem-solving’) agent. Not only can it “kill bugs dead” but does so gently and without hurting you. You can apply its spray to your skin, clothing or surrounding areas. The concentrated cleaner is eco-friendly, made from Melaleuca (or tree oil) and can be diluted for use as a spray. It can cut through the toughest stains, kill germs and odors, be used as a laundry detergent and it is rumored to be able to remove Sharpie pen marks from a scribbled photo, without damaging the photo itself. But most of all for my traveling needs, it repels or kills almost any bug- from ticks, head lice, bed bugs, dust mites, mosquitoes, etc… Pretty brilliant, eh?
Currently it’s on my order list, so if anyone has used it, let me know what you think of it!
Here’s a wonderful post on Sol-U-Mel ‘s effectiveness:
101 Uses for Sol-U-Mel
Happy and safe travel wings ,
Christine
Sol-U-Mel is awesome! Works incredibly well and not pricey since it is a concentrate (just resist the urge to use it full-strength unless directed) .. made by Melaleuca (email me for ordering tips) and if sprayed around doors/windows/tent openings will keep flies and mosquitoes away, as well as spraying diluted onto skin, hair, and clothing. Pleasant-smelling and can be used frequently without adverse effects (my wife is a cancer patient and that’s how we discovered this line of products since they are not caustic or toxic). We spray it onto beds, carpets, bathrooms when we travel and even housekeeping staff have asked about it! Good stuff.
Thanks for the tips. Sol-U-Mel sounds amazing. I’m constantly looking for multi-purpose items for my lone carry-on.
I like Dr. Bronner’s soap too, but sol-u-mel sounds a little bit more hardcore, which is needed in scary locales. 
@Nancythegnomette:
LOVE Dr. Bronner’s & just got my family hooked on it too! I like that a little goes a long way, esp when you’re on the road… The “multi” aspect of Sol-U-Mel is alluring too- I can think of so many ways I could have used it on my last trip! It’s all about downsizing but staying safe, clean and fresh.
Great advice, thank you! Sol-U-Mel sounds perfect. I’ve been wondering if there was some sort of “all natural” bug repellent out there, because I really don’t using toxic chemicals near my skin.
@solofriendly:
Glad to be able to share the tip! Don’t care for toxic chemicals myself… the Permethrin was a quick fix solution for my panic. I’m very pleased to have learned about a natural solution that’s effective, eco-friendly & that I can clean my apt w/ when i’m not traveling!
Stupendous advice! Funny story, me and the ex shared the same bed in a Cambodian hostel, but his back was littered with bedbug bites, I was clear. Maybe there was a reason that relationship didn’t work.
I need to find this Sol-U-Mel now!
Sometimes you need to heed the signs, I guess… LOL. Yeah, it would be great for your RTW trip & all those beds! BTW- My ex roomie’s sister did an orphanage volunteer program in India & came home with head lice- not to scare…. but the Sol-U-Mel if you read that 101 list, supposedly does the trick too.