Florida Keys Bugs

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starfishkiller

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Feb 17, 2005
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My son and I are going on a week long sailing trip with the Boy Scouts out of their sea base camp located on Lower Matecumbe Key, Fl. We will be sailing to Key West and back anchoring out at night. The boat is a large schooner and is not air conditioned. I am thinking sleeping on deck will be the most comfortable from a temperature perspective, however I am worried about the bugs. Could any of you south Floridians shed some light on the bug situation?
thanks
eric
 
When are you going? If you're anchored close in around Matecumbe you may get some discomfort now through October, but if you're offshore enough in a protected area you may be okay. We've boated down there mostly in the middle of the summer and never had a huge problem with bugs. They seem to be far, far worse in the Upper Keys around Elliott Key/Biscayne Bay....
 
Elliott Key mosquitos are ferocious! I think I gave up a couple of pints on my last trip down there!
 
Shep:
We are going this Saturday, 8/11 to 8/18. The website doesn't give any specifics as to where they will anchor. It simply says "in a safe harbor".
thanks
eric
 
I'm sure Pascal, can chime in here about good locations and conditions down in those waters.
I to have experienced those treacherous mosquito's the first time down, sailing out of NY, yes ,I wondered why nobody else was in Boca Chita Key, I was eaten alive even after pouring deet over my body during August.
I was told soon after that, the Federal Govt does not spray for mosquitoes ,only the State of Florida does ..So,if your going to drop the hook it may be wise to lay off a State owned Key.
The waters are beautiful..Have a great time!
 
Take a few cans of OFF or 6-12 with you. Will be great if you don't need them but if you don't have them it could be bad.
 
Thanks everyone for the great advise. Tonight I plan on purchasing insect repellent along with some other items for this trip.
thanks
eric
 
if you're not too close, it's ok... the state / counties sprays in summer time, in the upper keys they use trucks going thru all the streets and side roads. up here in miami they use aerial sprayers (choppers or planes)

but they do not spray in national parks... so forget going to eliott or boca chita until october. if you anchor off eliott at a reasonable distance, it's ok.
 
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