Please Register / Login to take part in discussions about the Virgin Islands.
Hi,
We are coming for the first time to St. Thomas next week and wondering about how bad the mosquitoes and no-see-ums are going to be. We are staying in a condo at Bolongo Bay but will be traveling to St. John at least two days. Any news on what to expect or tips on how to avoid getting bit would be appreciated.
6 more days!!
The mosquitos and no-see-ums are around, definately spray on some bug repellent at dusk and dawn especially. I live in Iowa and really don't find them to be any worse in the Carribean, just be smart about it.
We've had quite a bit of rain lately so the foliage is very lush and the ground is damp - perfect conditions for egg hatching. Repellant with deet works best. As far as the noseeums are concerned, if you stay off the beach before the sun rises and as the sun sets you'll avoid most of them. They don't like the sun! If you do get bitten, AfterBite works really well to relieve the itch. Enjoy a lovely visit here!
Thanks for the info. Is AfterBite readily available on St. Thomas or should I buy it beforehand and pack it with me? Is bug repellant and AfterBite expensive on the island? We are just bringing carry-ons so luggage space is a premium!!
They're readily available here but I can't help you on the price as none of my containers have price tags still on them!
Thanks. Does the local government ever spray or fog to control the mosquito population?
3 more days!!
1205east wrote:
Thanks. Does the local government ever spray or fog to control the mosquito population?
3 more days!!
Once in a while but only usually after a particularly dense period of rain when everything has been saturated and in order to lower the incidence of Dengue fever. Weather conditions are very pleasant right now, lots of sunshine and nice breezes and I've noticed where I am that the mossies are far fewer than they were a couple of weeks ago. Enjoy your stay here!
Great to hear that they aren't too thick!! See ya in 3 days.
But they are getting worse over here on STJ 🙁
Pia
Pia wrote:
But they are getting worse over here on STJ 🙁Pia
They're after that sweet young English blood, avoid the sour aged stuff circulating through my body!!
@ IA Molly -- sidebar here -- what part of Iowa? My husband's family is from Clinton.
I think After Bite is about $7.99 at most places in the VI, and you should be able to get it at the Sparky's/Captain's Corner store in St John and probably St John Spice and other places.
I'm testing a new repellent product I just got in Grenada with neem oil. I like the fact that it doesn't have a strong scent and absorbs into your skin so you don't have that greasy feel on your body for hours. I used it for a while in Grenada, but I can test it better here in the VI, because the mosquitoes at my job are more familiar to me. 🙂
Stay tuned!
On STT I bought it at Plaza Extra in Tutu Park Mall but it's probably available pretty much all over at other supermarkets and pharmacies.