Are Bugs truly a problem in St. Lucia?
 

I have heard and read several things about Mosquitos and sand fleas being a problem in St. Lucia. Is this true? I'm very pronse to bug bites but would love to go there for my honeymoon! HELP :)

THey are no more or no less of a problem than any Caribbean island. Rains and tropical foliage bring mosquitos. Beaches bring sand fleas. There are measures you can take. (e.g. stay a hotel with AC. Use insect repellent.

No more so than any other tropical island. After a rain, dawn, and in our case, we noticed them a lot more at dusk Just be sure to wear bug spray especially toward evening.

sorry to duplicate bosoco, posting at the same time

Just another vote of confidence for St. Lucia. And to clarify about the increase of bugs after a rain--that's usually after a long, steady rain over the course of a day or longer. The brief showers that punctuate the afternoon for 5 minutes at a time aren't enough to bring the bugs out.

Be careful at dusk and apply insect repellent and choose a place to stay that has screened or glazed windows, or at least is high enough up the mountainside to guarantee a strong breeze to keep the mosquitos at bay.

I live in MN where the mosquito is our state bird. So, I take bug bites for granted. I have never had any problems on any island EXCEPT for St. Lucia. They attacked me something terrible. We had A/C in our room. I had our sheets changed every day. The hotel suggested I rub alcohol from the bar all over my body. When I left, there was not an inch on my body without a bite. I won an unofficial award at the airport for the most bites. I've never been bothered anywhere else.

I was just there a week ago, it rained heavy 2 days, we ate at on the beach, sand for the floor and not once did I get bit. We also walked around quite a bit at night around the beach. If you are prone to bites and the mosquitos just absolutely love you no matter what, then bring bug spray, don't eat outside and keep your windows closed. Also get a room on an upper level of wherever it is you go (if you are near trees, bushes, grassy areas . . . ). St. Lucia is GORGEOUS. Don't let what you heard about bugs stop you, just go prepared.

As ejcrowe said, and probably important to note - we had a cross breeze from the Atlantic to the Caribbean (north side of island) so breeze DO help.

All above is good advice...critters in any tropical environment come out at dawn and dusk...and love going after your feet and ankles. We've found "Off Skintastic" a good repellant and if you get bitten, use an antihistanmine cream ("Benelyn"...spelling?) worked for me to reduce any itching and swelling. It may also be wise to consult your family physician to see if he/she has any medication or advice appropriate for you. And once you get to your destination, don't be shy in asking the locals what they use...yep, they get bugged, too! A couple of other hints. Visit a good outdoors/sporting goods store...they should stock mosquito nets and fine mesh cover-up clothing. I have heard but can't prove that the following helps: keep well hydrated (drink lots of water) and avoid wearing perfumey "stuff". Feet & ankles...hate to say it, but wear socks. Hey, above all, relax...that'll help too! You'll have a great time using a little caution. Cheers, Richard.