During the summer in Italy, especially in Italy's coastal regions and rural hill areas of Tuscany and Umbria, sandflies (known as "pappataci" in Italian") can be problematic.
What are pappataci?
Pappataci are sandflies whose bites cause itching and irritation. They are similar to mosquitoes but much smaller in size. Their bites tend to be concentrated on the lower extremities, such as legs and ankles.
How can I protect myself from pappataci bites in Italy?
If you're traveling to an area that has problems with pappataci infestations, especially rural areas and places with lagoons and high temperatures, you can protect yourself using a variety of repellents.
Travelers have suggested the following remedies:
Insect repellents: Deep Woods OFF (30% DEET), Autan stick (an Italian insect repellent brand), Avon Skin-So-Soft original dry oil spray, Jungle Juice spray (available in the UK, 50% DEET)
Natural remedies: Vitamin B supplement, eating yeast-extract food spreads such as Marmite and Vegemite, eating garlic
If you have any suggestions for dealing with pappataci or want to share your experiences in Italy with these pests, add them in the comments!