We just moved here about two months ago. I had been "warned" about all the bugs, snakes, spiders etc.....Well I had no idea they would ALL love me. I am eaten alive!!! And most I don't believe are mosquitoes. From what I have looked up it seems I've been attacked by chiggers, possibly no see ums, and lord knows what else!~
We had the house exterminated, have chopped the grass down, and I worn every bug repellent I can find. Skin so soft, Off, cutter, rubbed lemon juice on myself, dryer sheets you name it!
I had to go in today because the itching is unbearable and I am even experiencing tightening in my chest the Dr. said was from this super sensitivity to all the bites. She gave me a steroid and inhaler!!!
Luckily, thankfully these things are leaving my kids alone for the most part and my husband. But I'm starting to want to avoid the outdoors :( We don't have a screened area outside, so there's no "safe" place to be.
We light the candles, have tried the coils. UGH!!!
Does ANYONE have some ideas? I'm not wearing perfume anymore, or scented lotions. And that doesn't seem to matter either. The Dr. said it looks like I'm getting bit by more then one thing, and I agree. I am miserable.
Would love some ideas or insight!
TIA
Going to try the garlic tabs and vitamin B! Thanks ladies! Keep those ideas rolling in :) I look like I have some funky skin disease :( ICK
'istthisfun...we are directly west of Tampa, near the gulf. I NEVER see what bites me unless it's a mosquito!!!???
From what I have looked up, it's possibly chiggers, no see ums...WHO KNOWS! No horseflies, I would know. I never see ANYTHING!!! That's the craziest part :(
Start taking garlic pills.
Bugs love me. I used to be allergic to pretty much any bite- once I got three mosquito bites on my leg, and couldn't put on pants for over a week because of how badly swollen I was.
It's a family tradition at this point that we eat garlic dip before (and while) we go camping. No one ever gets bitten, and we don't use any repellant. :)
Make sure whatever you spray on has Deet. Some bug sprays will have it, others won't so check your bottle of spray. Deep Woods Off is good, IMO. Also, wear long pants outside- I know, I know. It's Florida. But if they can't get to your skin, then you are protected. Same goes for long sleeved (lightweight) shirts.
Also, the Bayer Advanced yard products are great at controlling mosquitoes and other biting critters. I get the pellets and throw out, but they also make spray.
See if you have a B vitamin deficiency. That could be the problem.
I've had good luck with garlic tablets and vitamin B1 supplements (check with your doctor first).
Bugs love me so I feel your pain.
I have had a lot of luck with our Thermal cell unit.. if you are getting eaten like you are , I would also wear the Deet or Musk oil.. you will stink, but...
Good luck.
I agree with the garlic pills. I've heard it works, but haven't tried it myself.
I get eaten alive by mosquitos and have used every product out there and nothing works even 100 percent deet, I wouldn't go outside after 6pm because I would be covered in bites, then my husband told me he was talking to someone at work that worked for him its called thermacell I was nervous to tryh it because nothing else worked but I bought it and it works great, I don't get bit once when I have it on not even one bug near me, it is not somthing you can walk around with it has to be placed somewere and it covers a 15 ft radius around it, it takes about 5 min to start working once it is turned on, I defanitly works for mosquitos but im not sure about other bugs, I bought mine at dicks sporting goods
http://www.cabelas.com/product/ThermaCELLreg-Mosquito-Rep...
The bugs here are the biggest pain. I don't like using chemicals but make sure you spray around the outside of your home. I know EcoSmart makes a botanical spray but you need to spray it often.
Sounds like you are getting bit by deer flies, they hurt like all heck and they itch like crazy (sometimes they open with clear pus, sorry tmi).
Pick up some tea tree oil, lavender oil and peppermint oil. Mix a few drops of each in a small spray bottle with water (2 to 3 oz of water). Spray this on you when ever you are outside, you can also spray your home (inside and out), your clothes, hair, children and pets. You can also add some tea tree oil to your body wash and shampoo.
I am in the country so I know how annoying the bugs are. You may also want to invest in some type of screen enclosure so you can enjoy the outside without getting bit. If you use garlic, its the smelly part of it that keep the bugs away. So its better to eat foods with it then to take pills.
Almost forgot the tea tree oil helps with the itching or an oatmeal bath.
Hi D.,
I see you are west of Tampa - are you in a swampy area? I don't know your area as well....I'm in Ft. Lauderdale near the ocean. We don't have many bugs except for the summer immediately after a major rain or during the feeding time (just before sundown). I grew up in a western suburb and the mosquitos were so big we called them sir.
Recommendations: get pest control for inside and outside your house from a major company. Sign up for annual service and have them start every 2 weeks or so. Make sure there are no areas of standing water outside (pots, pails, water fountains, bird baths, etc) where the bugs can breed.
Do you have pets? Could it be fleas? My 14 year old cat just got fleas for the first time and we have never seen a flea thus far but we get bit at night.
Consider a screened in porch. Ask your neighbors and look around - do most people have a screened area? Some will even screen their front door areas - most of my friends in the western areas have this.
Good luck! C.
