insects in florida

[louise jones]

We are going on holiday to International Drive, Florida in two weeks (YIPPEE!!!), but my daughter is worried about insects abroad - does anyone know if there are mosquitos or other horrible things that might bite in Florida - apart from alligators!!

Thanks

[sddsddean]

I believe the authorities do spray against mossies, but when I went there once I went to a park and my legs were bitten loads of times(50+)!! It was agony! My wife had to get ice from the machine down the hall in the hotel and wrap it in a towel and put it on the backs of my legs. Luckily it was for the last couple of days of the holiday, but it was no joke sitting on a plane for 8 hours coming back. I advise you to use a good mosquito repellent. Also it won't hurt to take some Vitamin B tablets. These are supposed to help stop mossies and last time I was on hols I got no bites at all, so it might have helped, but you want to start taking them about a week before you go.

[destiny26]

Definately invest in some good mosquito repellent! It is really hot over there at the mintue (100 degrees yesterday) and the mossies are out in force! You can get a repellent called OFF! (its a spray) over there and i would definately recommend it (not sure if you can get it over here). and get some antihistamine tablets from there too (cheaper than here) which are great just in case you do get bit, saves all the itching and spoiling your holiday! Have a fantastic time xx

[ell1e]

Hi,

Firstly, please don't let me put a downer on your holiday, Florida is fab & we're going back in October! Do make sure you use loads of repellant tho as there are definitely mosquitos! My little girl got bit under her armpit while we were there last year & my brother, partner & myself were covered in itchy bites. I'd suggest you make your first trip one to the supermarket for citronella candles & spray repellant & if possible buy suncream with insect repellant in it, I think Boots Soltan do one. Hope you have a great time.

[louise jones]

Thanks for your answers.  I think I will stock up on repellants and I got told to take B12 tablets for two weeks before we go (going for them now!).  What are the citronella candles for?  I understand they are repellant candles but are they for indoor or outdoor use?

[chazza]

Citronella (or anything lemony) will keep them away as they hate the smell of it!  It depends on bloodtype who gets bitten, and vitamin B12 really works!

 

I've been to Floriday many times and found that the further south you go, the more insects there are!  The worst is around the everglades, but as International drive is inland, you should be ok,  we've never had a problem there

[GeekyLynn]

Not sure if this helps, but if you're driving to the Cape, stay on the south shore, bordering the ocean, rather than the north shore, bordering the Gulf of Mexico. There are an unbearable amount of mosquitos in the north, but in the south it's pleasant.

Learned that the hard way.

[spudqueen]

Hi louise, just got back from Florida 2 days ago and had a BRILLIANT time! I usually get bitten LOADS and that's just in this country! I have now discovered the skin so soft range by Avon, which even though it isn't advertised as an insect repellant certainly works as one. I use the soft&fresh shower gel and body lotion and only got bitten once whilst there. Our house had a pool with a huge mosquito net over it and the patio area which no doubt helped, and when we went on an air boat ride, where we saw alligators, there were TONS of mozzies but we did use insect repellant spray and none of us got bitten that day. If you don't have an 'Avon Lady' you can buy things direct from their web site. Have a FANTASTIC holiday, wish we were going back with you!

[Peri]

Have been every year for the last 6 louise and none of us were bitten.  But if your daughter is prone best to take precautions.  On the enjoyment end - do go to the Olive Garden on International Drive, the food is fabulous.  Enjoy its a great place for a holiday - am off in October again.