Mossies in May

T Heie · Post by **T Heie** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 6:45 am

How devilish are the rain-starved mosquitoes in early May?

Rachel Harries · Post by **Rachel Harries** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:07 am

Hello

Pretty bad I'm afraid

I got eaten alive at that time last year. But then I got eaten alive when we went in August, too. If you're prone, like me, it doesn't matter what time of year it is.

Each visit, it almost spoils my holiday. Both times I have ended up on antibiotics when I got home...

Hopefully they won't like you!

Rachel

T Heie · Post by **T Heie** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:13 am

I see.
I'm wondering: are these mossies just about everywhere one travels on Tobago, from restaurant patios to beaches to the inside of taxis?
(Sounds like a challenge, although I did survive boarding school in upper Minnesota, USA, which is ground zero for fat, blood-suckin' bugs.)

Thanks for the info.

Rachel Harries · Post by **Rachel Harries** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:19 am

Hi again

No, not everywhere. The beach doesn't have mossies, it has sandflies instead. Which are worse

The best advice is not to go out at sundown or sunrise - as soon as it starts to get dark, get inside and close all doors and windows (they hate air con). Use loads of repellant (Jungle Formula works for me, though they always get the bits I miss), eat garlic tablets and wear light colours. Don't walk through long grass, and drink lots of G&T (or at least T).

I survived boarding school in Cheltenham, so I am with you on that one.

R

Andy D · Post by **Andy D** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:42 pm

Dont ya just love Sandflies! They had a feast on my feet and lower legs last year...i'm going prepared in April...i'm at war with the flies!

Rachel Harries · Post by **Rachel Harries** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:45 pm

The staff at Coco Reef tried to make me feel better by pretending that it was a good thing that the mossies liked my blood. I can assure you, as I did them, that it's not a good thing at all. I HATE mossies!

Alison S · Post by **Alison S** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:46 pm

I'm getting a bit worried about these mossies too. My "getting ready for the hols" pile is beginning to resemble a chemists. Have thought about starting to take some Piriton or similar before we leave in April, but seem to remember you have to stay off the alcohol - can't imagine not being able to try those rum punches!

Jane H · Post by **Jane H** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:39 pm

Hi Alison

If you're thinking of taking antihistamines to help prevent the worst effects of mozzie and sandfly bites can I suggest Clarityn?

One tablet a day, and no problems about having to avoid alcohol!! There is also a generic drug - Neoclarityn - which works just as well but only seems to be available on prescription.

Hope this helps

Jane