It's the tropics; there are mosquitos here.
Insect repellent is a good idea.

Best,

LR

There are mosquitos on every island. I've found stx to be not as bad (so far) as some others. But yes, use repellant!

JW

If I am not mistaken, the black millipedes are called "gungalos" down here; the red ones with clearly sectioned bodies are the centipedes. Watch them, their bites are lulus!

There are also scorpions, I've only seen smaller ones... and plenty of spiders. Modest ones keep ants and such down inside the house and around the yard, but tarantulas love banana and other fruit patches. Never been stung by one of those.

Got stung by a centipede (in Grenada, though - so it doesn't count, right?) - Ha, ha.

Also, yellow jackets (they call them "jack spaniards" here). Been stung by one of those.

I hate mahogany birds because they're roaches, only bigger. Some folks in Florida call them "palmetto bugs" - they do fly. Ewww, gross. I think one actually turned its head to look at me the other day. These roaches are not so much about garbage, as much as being part of the natural environment. But I associate roaches with dirt from being raised in New York, the apparent breeding ground for the world's German Cockroach population...

As for the biting and stinging cuties: if you have any bug or poison allergies, ask your doctor about an emergency epi-pen, I think they are called, just in case. The no-see-ums and skeeters here can also sometimes cause an allergic reaction on the skin in some folks. It's rare, but unpleasant, I'm sure.

Actually St Croix is the LEAST buggy of the US Virgin Islands. St John is the MOST buggy. The British Virgins (Tortola) are also really buggy.

This is not a scientific response, it is only my opinion from personal experience.

I don't know the reason for the difference but I am sure someone will explain it to me.

The other thing I noticed is that the longer you are 'on island' the less likly you are to be bit by flying bugs and fleas.

"spray a little deet for me"

I've heard that old wives' tale, too, about the longer you're here the less likely you are to be bitten. Well, I was here for two years (ST), and mosquitoes continued to follow me around. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE - 10 YEARS????

I'm now convinced that your mosquito attraction quotient is built into your DNA - you either have it or you don't, and no amount of not wearing perfume, eating garlic, or not eating meat will make one difference as to whether they bite you or not.

Just my two cents 🙂

It's the rum consumption....I don't get bitten nearly as much as I used to...but then I've never been tasty. Sand flies - who could forget about those?

My mom is a huge magnet for bugs where ever she goes. She takes a B-Complex to help make her not smell so good to them.

Cactus Juice is a good one - they also make a version with sunscreen. NO DEET in it (if you go for that sort of thing) or you can hit a Wal Mart or sporting goods store and get the 100% DEET.

My advice - apply rum internally and externally 🙂

The mosquitos have not noticed that I have been here for a while now.

Smokers do not get bit as much. But I think I would rather have a nasty case of dengue, than smoke an icky cigarette.

I love rum and I still get bit quite often. I've never heard of taking a b-complex to keep them away. I take a multi with B vitamins, it doesn't help. Maybe I'll go to gnc today and get a b-complex.

I have stopped using any fragranced hair and body products. It seems to have helped a little.

A few old locals have told me to take garlic pills or up my garlic intake. I have yet to try it, but I love garlic. I eat it often.

I've tried planting marigolds and scented geraniums (rub the leaves on your skin too). Also try rosemary, catnip, peppermint, spearmint, daisies, verbena, spike lavender (not the sweet French variety), basil, thyme, garlic, allspice, cedar, and lemon grass. All are rumored to chase away the little vampires.

Eucalyptus is also rumored to be helpful. There is a lady in front of Pueblo in Havensight, that sells it. It makes your home smell awesome.

Do not have any standing water around your home. Also put a mosquito screen net around your cistern outlet.

If anyone else has any tips to keep those darn mean bugs away-please post. I will try anything.

Have you ever heard this? I know several people who swear by Bounce Dryer Sheets. You just rub them on your skin or tie one around a belt loop and they leave you alone. I have never tried this but have heard that it does work. I will be trying this theory out on our upcoming trip in June!

Yes, it does work! We use it when camping. Works better than those stinky citrinella candles

Getting on a plane in 36 HOURS for STT!!!!!!!!!

...but I know for sure they don't like Skin So Soft by Avon. It's amazing, but they won't go anywhere near your skin when you wear it. Plus it smells much better than repellant....

So glad to learn of your Bounce advice! Welcome back from your anniversary trip. How was your trip? Any advice for us..celebrating 20 years this year, traveling to STT with four daughters on 4/2. WE have one day there, off from a cruise ship...Mariner of the Seas, Royal Caribbean. We want to see St John. Any advice on tour operators, bugs, sun protection, food spots? We are not big drinkers. So much advice seems to be related to great bars and booze. Thanks, family gal in Ga, Julie

I was born in Us virgin. St. Croix. Grow up there and lived all my life there. Hell all my family is all there and Puerto Rico too. I never had any problems with centipede. Never got bitten, over my growing up years. Mosquito's yes, no matter what they will always be the same suckers. they're attractive to a lot of your body sweats and i this is a new one it also depends what u wear. AL though i don't remember, i think if you wear black you'll get attack more. But the good thing about sweat is. that you'll never get bitten by the furious looking legged centipede. They like body sweat and love moisture. yes they crawl on you, but they won't bite, they become your best friend because of you body sweat i mean you have to be very very and cover with you body sweat to be lucky.