Mean,nasty bugs

GeorgAZ · Post by **GeorgAZ** » Sep 21 2002 12:21 am

Has anyone had problems with gnat/mosquito bites?There's something around our complex which is chewing me up.It's almost like "no-see-ums".Leave seeping holes+maddening itch+burn that lasts for weeks and can scar. I called the County to come out+spray,since some of the neighbors have also complained.I am sensitive to the bites+trying not to claw myself up.They make big hives,also. Some of my friends like me to hike with them as a decoy,since I am apparently a buffet for bugs! :roll: Feel like Typhoid Mary with all these marks! Yuck!

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Sep 21 2002 8:37 am

Are they white flies ?

GeorgAZ · Post by **GeorgAZ** » Sep 21 2002 6:32 pm

I think the bugs are gnats or some evil from hell! They hur and scar! No shorts for a while!

montezumawell · Post by **montezumawell** » Sep 21 2002 7:52 pm

It would help to know what kind of vegetation is in your area.
Natural?
Exotic (imported)?
Large trees
Shurbs
FLowering plants
Are your grassy areas well drained or over irrigated?
Fruit trees nearby?
You get the idea. Describe your neighborhood "greenscape" in as much detail as possible and that will help in getting a "virtual id."

Also, are there "water features" in your area? A small fountain? Standing water?
Do you notice bats in the evening?

Finally, what colors of clothes do you wear? We know that sounds like a ridiculous question but there is such a thing as "bug colors." Bugs are "keyed" to spot certain colors that are critical to their survival. If you doubt this, put something yellow out when you are in yellow jacket country. BOOM! They are right there checking it out. Typically, yellows and reds and all of their various shades tend to attract a spectrum of bugs. Earth tones and thing that don't look like flowers tend to attract less.

We've also hypothetized that bugs tend to be attracted to certain types of shampoos and fragrances. It's trail and errot to find out which ones attract less bugs. Anyway, sorry for all the questions. Hope they don't bug you.

J&S

GeorgAZ · Post by **GeorgAZ** » Sep 22 2002 7:42 am

Our condo complex gets watered a lot and is fairly lush, for the area.Lots of shrubs,olive trees,ficus,lawns,etc., so there are lots of damp areas.I do not wear fragrance in the mornings when I sit out +have coffee on a bench, but whatever it is,just chaws on me+can't be felt when biting.I called the county to spray due to the West Nile thing. Hope it stops soon! :roll: