[tbrock555]

I have read a lot about the bugs there. Most of my life in NYC and the last few in North Jersey I know there is nowhere near the bug situation that is there, yet every summer I get eaten alive, they like something about me, don't know what. My question is what are the things you guys do down there to combat the bugs. Not talking about homes, but on your person. Are there any kind of bug sprays, repellents, lotions, etc. that you would recommend? Any other remedies? Are some areas worse than others with bugs? Thanks for any suggestions.

[New Englander]

Bug spray that has the chemical "Deet" in it.

[Carla B]

Probably depends on the area you happen to be at the time. We've never encountered mosquitos or no-seeums here, but we live on a golf course that is regularly sprayed. And I think the town squares are okay too. But I did hear of mosquitos in some of the new areas south of 44. I imagine as time goes by their population will diminish. Noseeum bites are worse than mosquito bites. The most misery I ever went through from noseeums was in the Fort Myers area near the mangroves, and again at Angelfish Key. Those took months to heal.

[tbrock555]

noseeums?

[vintageogauge]

We live south of 44 and have minimal bug problems. It was a lot harder to go outside after dark in Ohio than it is here. If you go down to the Marshes such as where a lot of homes are in Pine Ridge and/or Pine Hill you will be very close to marshes and most likely will have a mosquito problem. Probably the biggest PITA are pests that damage flowers and shrubs, they do have to be controlled. Very happy with the lack of bug problems both in and out down here in the south and we do live on a retention pond.

[Stu from NYC]

Surprised how few bugs we have encountered here

[tophcfa]

Have never had a problem except around sunset to dusk. I am not an early morning person so I can't speak for how they are during dawn/sunrise. Love bugs are another story, but they don't bite, they are just annoying. My advise would be, don't let them bug you : )

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by tbrock555

noseeums?

Exactly!

[LuvtheVillages]

Sumter County has a mosquito control program that generally works well. They have mosquito traps in various places. When there are a certain number of mosquitos in the trap, they send out trucks to spray that area during the night.

I seldom encounter any bug bites within the Villages.

Outside the bubble, you are on your own.

[John_W]

They usually spray for mosquitos in most counties in Florida. As already mentioned, any 'Off' spray with DEET you spray on yourself. I myself can't remember the last time I got a mosquito bite. I have type A+ blood, mosquitos are more attracted to type O blood.

Palmetto Bugs, are large roaches. Spray the boundaries around your house on the outside and in the garage with ant & roach killer. Especially on the outside of sliding doors, they like to slip in through there. Clean the kitchen well, when you use the toaster, not only clean the tray but take the entire toaster and shake it out over the sink.

The only bugs that bother me are "Love" Bugs. They come every April/May and then return in 120 days, usually Sept/Oct. They are two bugs hooked together, that's why they have their name. They swarm in large masses near highways like 44 and I-75 and anything white, like the trellis at the swimming pools. What makes them so bad is if you have to take trip, let say to Gainesville. You have a black coating of Love Bugs when you return. Don't try and wash them with windshield wipers, it only makes it's worse. You can get a bud deflector (plastic shield), or get netting for grill, or just clean them off after every trip or it will ruin your paint.

I buy this at Lowes for $7 and it works good and it's a good size container with a sprayer. The Wildwood Lowes has over 100 in stock.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by tbrock555

noseeums?

That means "no see them" because they are very small.

[Art cov]

I use to live in Dixie county fl where the fishing, whether fresh or salt water is fantastic. However the bugs were horrendous there. Avon’s skin so soft was everyone’s best friend. Mosquitoes most of the time made life miserable, yellow flies were vicious, fire ants awful, noseums drove me nuts. SSS was always with me so I could fish 6 days a week. That was in the swamps! Now Avon’s got a special bug off ingredient in skin so soft.

[JohnN]

Bugs are not a big deal at all. Get some bug spray and you'll use it occasionally.

If you live near a swamp or forest area, maybe more often. Don't worry about it unless you encounter it.

This is Florida, you will see a bug on occasion. Fewer than up north and fewer than you'd expect.

[vintageogauge]

Originally Posted by John_W

They usually spray for mosquitos in most counties in Florida. As already mentioned, any 'Off' spray with DEET you spray on yourself. I myself can't remember the last time I got a mosquito bite. I have type A+ blood, mosquitos are more attracted to type O blood.

Palmetto Bugs, are large roaches. Spray the boundaries around your house on the outside and in the garage with ant & roach killer. Especially on the outside of sliding doors, they like to slip in through there. Clean the kitchen well, when you use the toaster, not only clean the tray but take the entire toaster and shake it out over the sink.

The only bugs that bother me are "Love" Bugs. They come every April/May and then return in 120 days, usually Sept/Oct. They are two bugs hooked together, that's why they have their name. They swarm in large masses near highways like 44 and I-75 and anything white, like the trellis at the swimming pools. What makes them so bad is if you have to take trip, let say to Gainesville. You have a black coating of Love Bugs when you return. Don't try and wash them with windshield wipers, it only makes it's worse. You can get a bud deflector (plastic shield), or get netting for grill, or just clean them off after every trip or it will ruin your paint.



I buy this at Lowes for $7 and it works good and it's a good size container with a sprayer. The Wildwood Lowes has over 100 in stock.

I've been here going on 4 years and have never seen a palmetto bug or cock roach in or outside of my home and I hope I never do.

[Catalina36]

I have not encountered any bug problems at all. Add garlic and onions to your diet, that might help