Need bug report

[Party Teacher]

Is anyone there now, or recently returned that can report on the bugs at WDW? Just wondering if it's really necessary to bring the bug spray.

Thanks,

Party Teacher

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Rainy season hasn't started yet, so they aren't too bad...but I would bring it anyway.

 

[gctong]

What kind of bug spray? Off or something from Burt's Bees?

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Orange County Health Department still has warnings out about mosquitos and urges that everyone continue to use an insect repellent with DEET and wear long sleeves and trousers in the early morning and early evening when the pests are more prone to bite.

Never underestimate the Florida mosquito. It can carry some nasty illnesses to you. A friend of mine was bitten on the ankles at the Poly beach so badly she had to have them taped the next say so she could walk without serious pain.

The mosquitos here are nasty, so be prepared to protect yourself against their onslaught.

 

[kilee]

When I was there late this last fall-- they were terrible. I used CUTTERS by OFF- I went through an entire spray bottle (Not aerosal). However, just there 2 weeks ago-- brought the bug spray, but didn't use it once.

 

[mickeymule]

Hehe, I thought you were talking about a bug report for the website or software

 

[Party Teacher]

I've got Cutter Outdoorsman which contains DEET packed. I hope that will work well!

Party Teacher

 

[auntie2jaylynn]

Probably better be safe and bring some repellent. I was eaten alive the past two times I've been there, in Oct and Nov. Now, I've been there a few times in March, and not had a problem at all, so it just depends on the time of year I guess

 

[bjakmom]

I always want to add to these posts and try to educate and warn people about West Nile Virus (as we were unaware of the danger until we lost my 52 yo b-i-l last fall). Fatalities are rare, but do happen - and even non-fatal cases can carry long recovery periods and/or permanent disabilities - so please take your bug spray with you and use it - better safe than sorry !

As we are finding out on the CDC web-site - the incidence of this mosquito-born virus has greatly increased every year since it was first detected in the US only 5 years ago.

Please protect yourself and your loved ones -
then have fun!!

 

[Party Teacher]

That's invaluable information about the West Nile Virus. Thanks for the reminder!

Party Teacher

 

[Buttercup]

Hi,
We're from AZ and we don't have bug problems. So this bug topic is news to me and brings up questions. We'll be there in May so I'm assuming we should plan for bugs. Bug spray, do we spray it all over like sunscrean? Everyday before we leave the room? Do we have to re-apply? Is it greasy or anything? I'm already going to be lathered up with sunscrean. I can't imaging being slimed up with something else in the humidity. We usually stop at Alberson's on our drive from the airport, can I buy it there? Any brands recommended?

Thanks in advance.
Buttercup

 

[bjakmom]

Buttercup - welcome to 'our' world on the damp, buggie East coast!

The most important thing to look for is DEET - my family prefers the lotions to the sprays because the sprays can be quite 'greasy'. Two very good name brands are Cutter (outdoorsman, as Party Teacher noted) and (Deep Woods) Off. Some other great ways you can get repellent now are in the 'stick' form (like a solid deodorant) that you just rub on right from the stick, and also the individual packets (like a moist towelette, but with bug repellent on them - great for travel). There are several companies who have also combined sun screen and bug repellent in one lotion. My neighbor (a golfer) swears by Downy fabric softener sheets - she tucks them into her hat or belt after she rubs them on her skin (I haven't tried this one yet, but I have a box of them ready for a trial run this summer!) - this is a great idea for infants too young for repellent - you can tuck a sheet under the stroller netting or somewhere near the baby.

You should have no problem finding some products once you get to Fla, but if you decide that you want a particular 'form' you could always order it in advance on-line from one of the drugstore sites. It's not as difficult as it sounds to protect yourself - I see it as similar to how we all adjusted over the years to using sunscreen once we realized the consequences of going without!

 

[bjakmom]

I was thrilled to see this notice placed on our table at BWV in Jan when we checked in. It shows me that WDW is truly putting the safety of their guests before their own concerns of starting a "panic" over this issue - wish our state government would be as responsible! (ooops! - stepping down from my soap box! )

FYI, here is how it reads:

"Dear Guest,

The Orange County Health Department has issued a medical alert concerning a mosquito-borne virus called Eastern equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus. In its alert, the Orange County Health Department said that even though the risk of contracting Eastern equine encephalitis virus and other mosquito-borne viruses by humans is low, people need to use protective measures to reduce their risk of getting the disease.

Although the WDW Resort property is treated for mosquitoes on a daily basis, any medical alert issued by a public health unit should be taken seriously. The Orange County Health Department recommends that you take the following precautions:

*Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are likely to be active and biting;

*If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, cover up by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt; and

*Use mosquito repellent containing DEET according to manufacturer's directions.

For additional information on Eastern equine encephalitis, visit the Orange County Health Department Web site at:
http://www.orchd.state.fl.us . The Orange County Health Department can also be contacted at 407-623-1212.

Thank you. "


I'm not trying to overly alarm anyone - (my sister and her boys will be in WDW themselves this August- and they won't be sitting inside! ) Just be smart - be safe - and HAVE FUN !

 

[motaei]

OK...stupid question, but....
Since we will probably be at a park at dusk, should we change clothes? Will it be cool enough for long pants & sleeves? Or will insect repellant be enough if it's hot? Should the repellent be put on shortly before dusk? Or is it an all day issue, like sunscreen?

Sorry for all the questions, but I rarely go in my own back yard at dusk because I am a mosquito magnet! (and our area isn't even known for bugs).

 

[Dory41]

It sounds like I will have to buy a few cans as my son is a mosquito magnet. Are they only at the resorts or in the parks too? Also, are they more prevalent at certain resorts? We'll be staying at the Contemporary and I wondered if being close to the lake would make a difference.

Aloha!