Bug spray?

[tinkerjo]

Ok, let me preface this by saying I know this is camping in central Florida and there will be bugs. We arrive in 24 days (yay) and was wondering if I should bring bug spray? I remember one year there being ankle biters of some sort when we tent camped but it was February and there were no mosquitoes. I don’t mind an occasional mosquito bite but don’t want covered with them. Thanks

 

[proudmomof4]

Ok, let me preface this by saying I know this is camping in central Florida and there will be bugs. We arrive in 24 days (yay) and was wondering if I should bring bug spray? I remember one year there being ankle biters of some sort when we tent camped but it was February and there were no mosquitoes. I don’t mind an occasional mosquito bite but don’t want covered with them. Thanks

Yes, definitely spring some bug spray. You will not only have the mosquitos but also biting yellow flies. The bites from those things are painful and people have reported getting big welts from them.

We have been going the past few years in May are going again this May and will have fly swatters, bug spray, fans, peppermint and cinnamon essential oil sprays, Thermacell torches and lanterns, we plan on bringing the whole arsenal with us.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Just shopping yesterday for those bracelets and wipes at Dicks and Sports Academy … Best to just order online cause not finding them in stores near WDW !
I really wanted an adult bracelet and not just those plastic/ citronella children’s sold in bags .
Desperate already Seriously you will need protection…

 

[morrik5]

Yes, definitely spring some bug spray. You will not only have the mosquitos but also biting yellow flies. The bites from those things are painful and people have reported getting big welts from them.

We have been going the past few years in May are going again this May and will have fly swatters, bug spray, fans, peppermint and cinnamon essential oil sprays, Thermacell torches and lanterns, we plan on bringing the whole arsenal with us.

The last time we went immediately after Easter weekend a few years ago, we were given a package of Off wipes. Those were much better than our spray we took with us.

 

[Tuffcookie]

Fans work great for keeping flying bugs away!

 

[ScarletFire]

Yes! You need protection from the yellow flies. FW does a decent job at bug mitigation but it's Florida. The yellow flies appear in May and their bites are painful with possible allergic reactions including blisters. I speak from experience! I use a venom sucker and witch hazel after the bite.

 

[tinkerjo]

I ended up packing 2 small cans of bug spray and a citronella candle. Don’t think we have room for a fan. (Bringing a minivan with 6 people and renting a camper) Will have to look into the venom sucker thing. Never heard of it

 

[bama_ed]

I am taking notes in case we are at the Fort at this time next year.

As soon as 2026 rates come out ......

ED

 

[jaredjohn4]

We are heading down to Orlando May of this year. Usually I seem to get bit (I think) on the ankles at the bus stop by the Settlement. I might try some wipes or spray this year. We've never had bites above the ankles. Looking forward to the Fort, not all the construction at the parks.

 

[tinkerjo]

Just wanted to update after our trip. We did not have any issues with anything biting us during the day, but when the sun started going down there were what looked like deer flies that bit HARD. Glad I took bug spray. We were not supplied with wipes upon check in.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Yesterday in USA Today :

Bug out time for cicadas
Tennessee and North Carolina have reported first sightings and traveling East across 13 states.
Tracking site: CicadaSafari
Emerge every 17 years known as the Pilgrims Brood first recorded in 1634 in Plymouth Colony now called Massachusetts.
The sound always reminds me of my childhood.
I still miss the lightning bugs .

 

[proudmomof4]

I think the peppermint essential oil is working great. As soon as we see any yellow flies around our campsite, I start spraying the oil and the flies leave for a few hours. On the plus side, the campsite smells great!