Insects

[Jan A]

Just wondering if there is much problem with insect bites - mosquitos etc and is it worth using insect repellent. My daughter reacts quite badly if she gets a bite, so trying to be prepared.

[Nostromo]

Yes, there can be a problem with insects and I suggest you take a good repellant to use on yourself and others. Local stores in Orlando to several varieties of sprays and powders suitable for use on household surfaces (in the villa) just like the UK. I found the bite from a florida fire-ant most painful.

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Jan A
Just wondering if there is much problem with insect bites - mosquitos etc and is it worth using insect repellent. My daughter reacts quite badly if she gets a bite, so trying to be prepared.
[/quote]

I've been using OFF Botanicals......and its worked fine for me......and we are alive with mosquitos where I live....most of the time I just have to step outside....and I get a bite........its around $5.99.....you can get it in the supermarket.......

[flyrr100]

Most Florida ants bite. Fire ants come in different colors and sizes. Watch out on grass verges &lt;sp&gt; and on the beach.

[orlandobabe]

I got a nasty infected mozzie bite in May and had to see a doctor. His secretary is so allergic to bites and stings-once her whole face swelled.

She now buys something with DEET in it-and sprays her hat, shoes, clothing-not her skin-and reckons she stays fine. As soon as she gets in-she removes the sprayed items-but drastic but if it makes you that ill.....

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by orlandobabe
I got a nasty infected mozzie bite in May and had to see a doctor. His secretary is so allergic to bites and stings-once her whole face swelled.

She now buys something with DEET in it-and sprays her hat, shoes, clothing-not her skin-and reckons she stays fine. As soon as she gets in-she removes the sprayed items-but drastic but if it makes you that ill.....
[/quote]

My mum had 50 infected bites after visiting Canada......she was in a right mess........

[Cruella DeVilla]

I take a bad reaction to most bites also, severe in some cases, elephant man springs to mind! I was bitten 4 times in June, last visit, only reacted to one. I take anti hestimin tablets starting a week before I go and then daily. Johnsons Off is pretty good to. I lived in Asia for a while and it worked out there when I went to the jungle in Bruneiand Malaysia(plus covering every bit of your body, but those bleaders could get through your clothes to).....sorry a bit of name dropping but just wanted to emphasise the point about the products.


After the bite!
Gloves to stop you scratching!
Plasters made specifically for insect bites with calming ingredients incorporated.
Bought a pen type device in Walgreens to dab in, seems to work.

[orlandobabe]

I was on anti histamine before I went and unfortunately my bite still turned nasty and resulted in a $140 bill from the doctor's.

I don't understand how some people are unaffected by it.

[Nostromo]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by orlandobabe
I was on anti histamine before I went and unfortunately my bite still turned nasty and resulted in a $140 bill from the doctor's.

I don't understand how some people are unaffected by it.
[/quote]

If someone asked me to pay $140 to cure an insect bite, I would pretend to be unaffected by it as well. [msnsmile2]

[langley]

Has anyone tried the essential oils ? Have an Aunt who is into aromatherapy and I she reccommends Lavender Oil for alot of things as they don't like the smell.

Will ask about other oils tonight when I speak to her.

Hope this helps.

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by orlandobabe
I was on anti histamine before I went and unfortunately my bite still turned nasty and resulted in a $140 bill from the doctor's.

I don't understand how some people are unaffected by it.
[/quote]


The anti h tablets they advise you to take for a couple of weeks at least before you go, not sure if that would help you though if you are still getting bitten. I do still get bitten but it does not hurt/itch as much. Looks like someone else is living in the bite sometimes.....yuk, you hear about these horrible creatures burrowing in and laying eggs.........on that note it is time for lunch[}:)]

[tezz7628]

my sister got stung by jelly fish in the sea

my aunt ants in the grass

i've never been bothered touch wood
as tend to go round sept oct nov time i'm wondering if this is a seasonal thing??

[mikewj]

I was stung twice by a bee (or at least an insect that looked like a large bee) that had crawled into the sleeve of my T-shirt one night. It was a warm evening and the rain had just finished, so I presume that the creatures had come out to do whatever they do in Florida.

It wasn't too bad but I felt a bit rough the following day.

[tezz7628]

http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic.asp?topic_id=11930

[Silver Dollar]

I have no idea what bit me the other day but my left foot went really pale and blew up like a balloon...I was quite frightened to be honest because I didn't notice anything except the swelling about midnight. My ankle was totally hidden and i thought oh my god I have elephantitis!!! It went down the next afternoon tho. I've been bitten so much my legs look like teabags.

[Joolz]

For general insect repellent please note that DEET is not recommended for kids..... A Deet free insect repellent which is also good for kids and those with senisitive skins is called "SHOO" It works for mosquitoes and midges It is said to be " clinically tested upto 100% effective against tropical and temperate mosquitoes..."
... check out their website www.shoo.org You can get it in scotland in their scottish national trust/ forestry commision shops. I recommend it!!

As for fire ant stings....well now!!! You will recognise me in Florida ...I'll be the one with my long trousers tucked into my socks wearing boots and long sleeved shirt..I will be rattling with all the medication I have to take to ensure I survive the next Fire ant attack ... [msnsmile2] It's true thats what my consultant said[msnscared] so Ive got my medication lined up ready to go...... [msncool]
[Just incase this is alarming to those who dont know [:0]- I had an unusual allergic reaction to 80 fire ant stings in March]

[CarolAnn]

Wow JoolZ[msneek]The fire Ant stings sound pretty scary[:0]I must confess I guess it is either the time of year we have been in Florida, or just luck[?]But, can't think of any bad bites experienced on our trips out there,thankfully [msnsmile].
Of course reading all the info on here makes me think I have been too protected in the WDW resorts, with their pest programs[msntongue].

[blott]

It might just be worthwhile pointing out here that villas also have pest control programmes so you shouldn't find anything much lurking anywhere but, if you do happen across something, then tell the management company straight away so that they can get it sorted out quickly.

[daxon]

I got stung by a wasp today while out dead heading roses!!!
I would rather be in Florida & it have been a mosquito!! [msnmad][msnmad]