Tell me about the BUGS

[4shinystars]

We are going in August, and while I know about the heat, humidity, and rain, I haven't read anything about the creepy crawlies/fliers. Should I get a sunscreen with insect repellent, or will regular suncsreen be ok? If there are nasties, are they out more in the daytime or at night?
I'm not really squeamish, just want to be prepared.
Thanks!!

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

We are going in August, and while I know about the heat, humidity, and rain, I haven't read anything about the creepy crawlies/fliers. Should I get a sunscreen with insect repellent, or will regular suncsreen be ok? If there are nasties, are they out more in the daytime or at night?
I'm not really squeamish, just want to be prepared.
Thanks!!

We've been in August as well as other times (see sig). I brought insect repellent every time, but never used it.

 

[DebºoºS]

I always bring spray but have yet to use it. 1 bite (this past March) in all the years we've been going to WDW. Last week it was very hot and humid and I thought we would be battling bugs but no. We sat out on the balcony every night without a problem.

 

[MagicMe]

Never had a problem with bugs when we were down in August. We've been down several times in the July/August timeframe and all though it is very hot, no bugs

In fact I don't remember having an issue with bugs any time of year we went.

 

[Mickey527]

I alays seem to get bitten on my ankles no matter when I go. I have been spraying my legs with bug spray for the past few times and it helps alot.
I forgot the spray in March when I went and came home with 3 bites. I think they happen during Illuminations. Peggie

 

[Dizneydaz]

In all the times we've gone (see signature) we've only noticed bugs once-and they didn't bite. It was last Sept. on the observation deck of CG. The bugs were annoying as they were flying around the lights but they didn't bite. I should also say, however, that bugs don't normally bite me. They do however, bite my DD6. The only trip to Florida that we had a biting bug problem was June 1999 on a side trip to the keys- the skeeters came out in force 2 days after a storm. I've brought bug stuff with me before, and bring it home unused.

Hope this helps.

 

[annie1995]

The only bugs we saw both years we went down, once in June, and this past September, the only bugs we saw were love bugs. And lots of them. But they don't bite or anything, just fly around. They are kind of a cross between a lady bug, and a box elder bug in my book. We never needed any repellant. I wouldn't worry about it too much!

 

[NotUrsula]

WDW treats the populated areas of the property quite thoroughly, so biting bugs are not much of an issue in the parks and resorts, though the odds of getting nibbled are fairly high if you go out onto water in an open boat early in the morning or late in the day (fishing or Illuminations cruises).

Love bugs are a species of fly, and they are totally harmless to humans and animals (though there is an enzyme in their bodies that will damage the paint on cars if splattered ones are not promptly washed off.) They swarm during their mating periods twice a year, in May and September. They are attracted to light colors, especially white, and tend to hover around roadways because they have a thing for the chemicals in vehicle emissions.

BTW, the sunscreen/repellent combos are less effective as sunscreen, so be careful using them.

 

[ZoZo]

Just read an article in a magazine (I think it was either "Prevention" or "Health" magazine) that did not recommend sunscreen/insect repellent combos.

Since you have to reapply sunscreen multiple times per day to make it effective, you end up getting too much insect repellent in your system (you have to really watch overexposure to DEET, the active ingredient in most bug repellents, especially in kids).

I recommend bringing a bug spray - you can use if needed, but then you won't get too much.

 

[kjs1976]

I never had a prob until last trip when I got four nasty bites on my feet and ankles!!!! Boy oh boy did they itch the next day! No fear, MK first aid came to the rescue with anti-itch gel. It lasted about 3 hours and she warned me about this but to come back. And she hooked me up a second time....pure relief!

 

[phisigprincess]

I feel like disney builds a bubble over the parks to keep insects out!! they're so minimal!! The only problem I had was when I was little and playing by the "lake" at the Carribean Beach in my bathing suit at night. Whoops!!! 42 mosquito bites later.... Just remember it is swampland. You shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Deb T.]

The only place I've noticed having problems with bugs biting me is at EPCOT in the evening. They don't bother anyone else in my family, but I do have unusually sensitive skin. I usually feel bug bites while waiting for, and watching, Illuminations. I've also had problems while sitting at the outdoor tables at the Cantina de San Angel at the Mexican Pavilion. When going to EPCOT, I always throw a few packets of bug repellent in our backpack so I'll have them handy to wipe on my ankles and lower legs as the sun is going down.

 

[dkostel]

The two places I've gotten CHOMPED at WDW are walking around Fort Wilderness and at the Fantasialand mini golf course - couldn't even finish the round.