Mosquito Question

[augie]

I have been watching the weather channel web site the last couple of weeks, monitoring the weather on St. John to get a rough idea of what to expect when we're there (although I'm certainly aware that there are things that can appear at any time that are out of the "norm").

I've noticed that there have been some tropical or subtropical systems in the vicinity and that there has been a lot of days when it rained.

Has the rain been enough above normal that I should expect higher than usual mosquito activity next week?

[Pia]

Yep

It has poured rain for a few days now so I would be prepared - they "usually" appear about 7-10 days after the heavy rains - and we have had heavy rains (flooding in some areas)

Pia

[RickG]

Ugly. April was biblical, for the very first time. We actually ran out of bug spray. I think its time to stock up.

Cheers, RickG

[SusanNJ]

This is very good to know especially since I am headed down in a few days. I love St. John, but that's one thing I hate

I always get bitten by mosquitos, etc. Hoping that the avon skin so soft will work. haven't tried it before. I am also bringing benadryl and other anti-itch ointments. Trying to be prepared this time!

[RickG]

I go with Claritin and the Cutter Advanced (Picaridin based, not DEET). It works, under heavy attack, for about 90 minutes. The Claritin is to stop the itching.

Cheers, RickG

[sasky]

I always get bitten by mosquitos, etc. Hoping that the avon skin so soft will work. haven't tried it before. I am also bringing benadryl and other anti-itch ointments. Trying to be prepared this time!

I hear you. My husband doesn't get bit AT ALL, and I always end up covered in itchy bumps. Once my trip comes up, I plan on doing a search on this site to find a bunch of different bug repellant options to bring down with me. I'll try anything.

[minnjim]

Anybody know what they're typically like in the last half of March?

[Pia]

"Typically" OK in March - they are really bad after heavy rain and our rainiest months are October, November and May

Pia

[flip-flop]

I go with Claritin and the Cutter Advanced (Picaridin based, not DEET). It works, under heavy attack, for about 90 minutes. The Claritin is to stop the itching.

Cheers, RickG

Rick what do you dose the kids with? Same stuff. Cutter Advanced?

[RickG]

Rick what do you dose the kids with? Same stuff. Cutter Advanced?

Yep, I use the same stuff on them and my lover. They can take DEET and it lasts a bit longer, but anything that melts plastic I want to keep off of the kids. Besides, they might tough me, Ewwwwww DEET!

The Cutter Advanced wipes are good too.

Cheers, RickG

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[StJohnRuth]

Jorge,
I'm getting a little creeped out as well. Knock it off.
-Ruth

[Pia]

Jorge - lovin' your avatar

Pia

[StJohnRuth]

"Has the rain been enough above normal that I should expect higher than usual mosquito activity next week?"

Yes, prepare for it. Put on whatever bug repellant you think you like as soon as you get here and apply it regularly. If it isn't working, try another product. But don't wait until you get bitten. Often it seems to me that people wait to see if they'll get bit, then apply the bug repellent when it's too late.

Assume they will attack. Sunscreen is a normal part of most people's lives now. When you go to a Caribbean island, bug repellent should be as well. If the first product you try doesn't work, try another one. Everyone has a different metabolism. If I knew which product would work for everyone, I'd be a gazillionaire. Keep trying until you find something that works.

But don't macho it out. You need bug stuff here next week.
-Ruth

[StJohnRuth]

Jorge,
I am not loving your new avatar.
"For What It's Worth."
-Ruth