Biting Flies...Reconsider trip?

[LMC]

I have a child who is extremely allergic to insect bites. So I am asking all of the experienced FW campers who usually camp at the end of the month of May, if the flies are always that bad. I will call FW tomorrow to ask them about the current activity and comparison to past years for the time frame we are going May 20-27, but if they bite all day long then I don't know if we should do this. We are not going to the parks this time; it was just suppose to be a camping/swimming/bike riding trip. At home, we just avoid being outside at dusk when the mosquitos are biting. IF we were spending most of our time in the parks and just returning to sleep then I wouldn't really be concerned but we can't get the park tickets this go around!
Thanks!

 

[Beachmom]

We have camped at FW for the last 8 years over Memorial WE. Last year was by far the worst deer fly problem ever. The problem was that they bite all day, unlike mosquitos. One CM gave me a bunch of sample packets of a repellant they use. It worked ok. Before we go this year I have ordered a new repellant recommended by my brother for use around the horse barn. Site is www. mosquito-zapper.com/equu_bug_spray.htm. Hope it is going to work. Good luck.

 

[LMC]

Thanks! I'll call the Reception Post to see if they can recommend a specific repellent that will actually work! I'd had to have one big swollen rolly polly the whole time we are there. I'll have the pack the medicine arsenal just in case!

 

[auntie]

When we were there last year(at the WL) they were pretty bad..they said it was particulary bad that year..I would imagine the campground to be worse. I had never been to Disney when these critters were around...I'm sure hoping it's a seasonal things, as we plan a trip to the campground in August and hope to avoid them. I would see if there is really anything that repels them...the regular repelants didn't seem towork for us. If there is a servere alergy..I would give it a second thought...you be bound to be pretty uncomfortable...especially if it's just a camping trip..and your not going to the parks..which we didn't find the problem to be there.
Oh...and if you find something that actually repels them...let the rest of us know!

 

[parmtoo]

I alos have a son that many "bug", allergies. I plan to research what can be done about these critters. Let's all keep each other posted.

 

[bianca]

I'm not trying to scare you off here, but when we were there last year in May they were terrible. I am not allergic to any kind of bites here at home, but I had so many bites on my feet and lower legs that they swelled up to double their normal size. Our pets were being attacked as they just went out for their short potty breaks. Other than that, we just ran from the car to the RV as quickly as possible, as they were relentless no matter what we had on. I am sure that there are better products out there than what we used (OFF), but as for us, we've sworn off any future May trips at FW. I would certainly be careful with a little one that has allergies.

 

[parmtoo]

Does anyone know if they are as big a problem in August?

 

[MrKTI]

We just got back (this minute) and the Yellow Flies were there but not terrible, at least not swarming all over us. They did get to you at night, but we tried Deet again, and I believe it does work. I said in an earlier post that it did not.

I don't think normal activies outside would be an issure, at least it did not seem to effect others in the 100 loop. Had friends in the 500 loop, and they acknowledged the problem, but it did not stop their kids from playing outside.

The bites are a problem however, far more annoying than mosquitoes ... and the iching lasts far longer. I would wonder about the effect on someone sensitive. My wifes ankle swelled up quite a bit the first night.

Do a Google on Florida + "yellow flies" and you can study up.

It would not stop me from going, but we are not overly sensitive.

The place was empty when we left ... maybe the flys have some effect on people staying.

John

 

[parmtoo]

Ok, I just did the seach on the yellow flies.................It reads that May and June are the worst months for the critters. They are around all summer, and even into the fall, but May and june is when they are a real problem.

 

[LMC]

I just spoke with a CM at FW and she had not heard of a problem with flies and she transferred me to the first aid area at EPCOT and that CM had not been hearing of any problems and could not really recommend anything either. (I am sure there is probably an issue of flies and maybe these CM's were not up to speed on the info.) Anyway, I did read that May,June are VERY active. I would hate to cancel now but maybe we could go to another campground somewhere in Florida and not be bombarded w/ pests! I did get the number to the Orange Co Health Dept so I'll keep you posted after I speak w/ them about the current activity and any suggestions on repellents.

 

[Pop-up-family]

Last year 2003 we camped a week in May the first week and they were terrible, my mother had to go to the doctor her bites were so bad. I only live 40 min. from Disney and we never experience yellow flies like that, I also camp all over FL and never have encountered flies like that. I will never ever ever camp in May at FW again. They really did just about ruin the trip. I kept bug repellent on the whole time and still came home with over 40 bites on my legs.

 

[auntie]

I remember from last year that things not only hurt when they bite..but you are itchy for days and days..I remember our vacaiton being long over and at home and still scratching.

Why is it they are at Ft. Wilderness...and not other parts of Fla. we were over at the Lodge and they were a problem there..as I said you really couldn't sit too long on the balcony because of them. I 'm glad that , as mentioned, they are too bad in August as we plan a campground trip at that time. It will be our first.

Also didn't experience the problem while at the parks..so is it just FW and the Lodge that experience this...and what exactly is the cause?

 

[Tuffcookie]

I was thinking of moving my Feb 2005 camping trip up to the week of Labor Day but after reading all these posts about deer flies I think I'll stick with my original idea of Feb. 2005. I certainly don't want to run into these pests!

TC

 

[Mic]

Oh, no! We are planning to take the whole Boy Scout troop to Disney World the first week of June, 2005. And what would a Boy Scout trip be without tent camping? The boys would not even consider staying at a hotel, even though I pointed out that it would be hotter than Hades. Heat and Flies...I just can't wait

 

[1Venus]

I was unsuccessful in keeping the flies from biting even with repellant. I don't think there are any effective ways to keep them away. I would suggest getting a campsite away from the canals and other bodies of water. Our site next to the canal was infested, but I spoke to other campers closer to the road and farther from the water that were not bothered by the deer flies. Granted you'll still see some, but you won't have a constant battle.

 

[dis4fun]

We were at FW for nine days July/Aug. of 2003 and don't remember any flies. Going back July 9-18, 2004. Can't wait!!

 

[Beachmom]

Received deer fly/no seeum repellant yesterday by UPS. (See previous post). I usually can't go outside after dark without the no seeums attacking me. I put this new stuff on and it worked great. Hoping that it will do the same for the deer flies at Disney. It has a strong but not unpleasant scent. It it works, I can make a fortune selling it campsite to campsite!! I know last year I was so desperate for relief that I called a hunting/camping store in Orlando for advice. I was going to drive there just to see what they had that was stronger than regular bug spray.

 

[LMC]

Beachmom:
I just ordered that spray too. I hope to get it before we leave next week (They said I would!). I'll try anything to keep the little ones from suffering since they are not suppose to use a high level of deet. We will be back 5/28, so I'll let everyone know how the bugs are and how the spray works. I am also going to ask for a site AWAY from the canal. That way I don't have to worry about my 3yo dangerous dan trying to go for a swim!
Can't wait to leave!!!!!!

 

[BrianMonk]

Just for the record -

Only the females (girls) bite and suck blood.

 

[LMC]

I guess the males sit back and watch and let the females do all the work! ha ha ha