Bamako - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Lots of geckos (which eat mosquitos). Some houses have termites or mice/rats, but nothing a few traps/treatment won't solve. Flooding in some areas causes mold. There are "acid bugs" (not sure of real name) which can cause skin burns, but I haven't actually encountered them yet. - Apr 2017
Mosquitos, mosquitos, mosquitos. Rainy season is the worst but if you use bug spray when you're out at night, it's fine. Malaria is a big problem here. Take your anti-malarials!!!!! I cannot emphasize that enough. Do not chance it. I've known people to get seriously ill with malaria because they did not take their medication. - Aug 2014
All sorts (read rustic, old school African city comment above). The most obvious problem is mosquitoes. Malaria is endemic and pervasive. Malians suffer from Malaria constantly. That being said, there has not been a case of malaria in the American diplomatic community in over 3 years, so it is avoidable if you take the proper precautions (bed nets, anti-malarials). - Jul 2011
Malaria. But we have screens on our windows, we sleep with mosquito net and neither of us nor our kids got malaria in Bamako. - Jul 2011
Ants can be a problem, but traps help. Also, seal all foods that are not in the fridge in containers. Mosquitoes are another nuisance due to malaria. - Oct 2010
Very little bug issues exceptf or mosquitos. Make sure you take your malaria meds. I have lizards in my house that keeps most insects away. - May 2010
Mosquitoes can be a problem during the rainy season - Sep 2009
Mosquitos and small lizards (geckos). - Apr 2009
Minor, all things considered. Ants can be a problem so definitely bring food storage containers. - Feb 2009
We had a roach problem, but that was unusual. Mosquitoes are bad, and we slept under mosquito netting and used repellent religiously. - Feb 2009
Some homes have lots of insects, mosquitoes, crickets etc and others have very little. It depends on how well sealed the house is and how much you fight it. - Jan 2009
