D&K

My in-laws said there was a huge mosquito problem on St Thomas when they were there in '85. We (12 family members from my side) are going for 6 nights the first week of January. Should we load up on insect repellant or has this changed? Also, anyone have any impressions about the Renaissance Grand they'd like to share with us?

Julie

We just returned from St. Thomas two weeks ago and found plenty of mosquitos, although I think the extent of the problem can vary considerably depending on the year and how much it's rained recently. We actually had the most trouble *inside* our hotel room, but I think that's because the screens were bent (we didn't stay at the Renaissance Grand). I would suggest bringing repellent with a high concentration of DEET. OFF for Sportsmen would be a good choice. Bring several cans. <BR> <BR>Don't worry too much though. The repellent works fine as long as you use it liberally and we wouldn't hesitate to go back tomorrow.

D&K

Thanks Julie!<BR>Anyone know how bad mosquitoes are in January in St Tom?<BR>

gail

Was there in Feb '01, no mosquitos. Back in July '01, and they were definitly a problem for me, but well taken care of with bug spray. Perhaps it's just time of year that matters! No experience with RG, sorry...

Karen

More pesky are the no see 'ems that just love to feed early in the morn and late afternoon into nite. The severity depends on weather and wind. If its windy, they get blown away (or don't come out) or when it is rainy, they get vicious. The love the foliage in and near the water but you will find them most places. Just religiously use a good repellent early in the day or as late afternoon approaches especially if you are on the beach or dining outside. The pharmacy in Red Hook (Sunrise Pharmacy) has a great product called "Goop" that is wonderful for any bites and itcheys and they have their own repellent "Bug Off" that is supposed to be good too. I find that the Skin so Soft lotion works more than adequately for me but others need heavy duty Deet products. Better to buy it at home and bring it down - lots cheaper. Just be aware that spray cans are not permitted by some airlines now so if you can get the pump or lotion you won't have a hassle.

Jeremy

Did you ever want to see exactly what insects no see ems are?<BR><BR>Sand fleas, which are actually sand flies:<BR>http://web.missouri.edu/~vmicrorc/Arthropods/Diptera/Lutzomyi.htm<BR><BR>Biting midges:<BR>http://web.missouri.edu/~vmicrorc/Arthropods/Diptera/Culicoid.htm<BR><BR>Here's an article that describes how they can transmit a disease called leishmaniasis, much like mosquitos can trasmit malaria:<BR>http://www.undercurrent.org/UCnow/articles/NoCM200001.shtml<BR><BR>I rarely get bit by mosquitos or no see ems, but my wife has to wear DEET or she will suffer. I don't wear DEET, yet I don't end up with the bites my wife gets. Maybe they just don't like the way I smell or taste? It seems like women are more bothered than men, maybe because they wear more scented cosmetics that attract?

Karen

The perfume scents is one that many people say draws no see ems but some research does indicate that it has to do with the level of Carbon Dioxide that one excretes. Others say it is the pH of the body that makes some more susceptable. What ever works to stop 'em is great!

Joanne

As others have said, mosquitos/noseeums are problems related more to the recent weather and/or specific location, and they do seem to like some people more than others. You can go to the same place at the same time year after year and sometimes you'll have problems, other times not.<BR><BR>It's a good idea to take insect repellent and wear it if you're sensitive, otherwise have it on hand so you're ready as soon as a problem develops. Make sure to hit the "trouble spots" - ankles, behind the knees, etc. extra heavy with it.<BR><BR>I've found that these bites are different from regular North American mosquito bites in that they last longer and itch more, so I also recommend calling your primary care physician and asking for a presciption of .05% diprolene lotion. Get it filled and take it along just in case - I haven't found that the bites respond to Benadryl, etc. as well as they do to this medication.