Bug problems in Florida

[Rich_Grossmann]

Hello,

We will be in Florida in March/April parking (5th Wheel) in State Parks. Will we have to take precautions against insect infestation?

Thanks in advance.....Rich

[rockhillmanor]

I hit several CG's off I75 in Florida that had 'fire ants'. THOSE are the worst. The bites from them are horrific. Not to mention not being able let the dogs stay outside the MH.

[ependydad]

The ants are no joke. We had quite the infestation at Lake Magic in Clermont, FL. We keep ant spray and spray down our hoses, tires, landing gear, and stabilizers (essentially anything that touches the ground and goes to up to the camper).

[rockhillmanor]

Bugs will be a problem only if you make them a problem.

:H

I think most residents learn to live with them.

I lived in central Florida for two years, pest control at the base sprayed the perimeter of the house monthly, but we still had ants and roaches coming in.

Learned to turn on a light with my eyes closed, give them time to scurry out of the way before I would see them. At the office, same thing, keep my eyes closed when opening a desk drawer, give the roaches time to hide.....

:E

THAT is so NOT true.

I just bought a foreclosed winter home in Florida for my MH.
The place had bugs from being vacant. I bombed the house. Spray around the foundation myself and the house is completely BUG FREE.

I most certainly would NOT live anywhere with roaches scurrying around. There is absolutely no reason for living in conditions like that.:R

[LindaD]

In Naples now - no-see-ums,no-see-ums,no-see-ums.........

[tomkaren13]

Triker33 wrote:
You could have a problem on the way there with the Love Bugs.
Make sure you clean them off right away. 🙂

Love bugs in May and Sept only!

[2012Coleman]

Ants swarming! Roaches licking plates clean! Bah!

I have more issues with bugs parked in my driveway than I ever had cammping at a multitude of FL state parks.

Bring bug spray and ant/roach traps and you will be fine.

[tatest]

Bugs will be a problem only if you make them a problem. I think most residents learn to live with them.

I lived in central Florida for two years, pest control at the base sprayed the perimeter of the house monthly, but we still had ants and roaches coming in.

Learned to turn on a light with my eyes closed, give them time to scurry out of the way before I would see them. At the office, same thing, keep my eyes closed when opening a desk drawer, give the roaches time to hide.

Larger roaches (palmetto bugs locally) were somewhat useful. If I left out dirty dishes from an evening snack, they'd be licked clean by morning.

On the screened patio, having 2-3 anole lizards around took care of whatever liked to crawl on the screen or ceiling.

Overall, Florida bugs were less annoying than scorpions, fire ants, and fiddleback spiders we have to deal with on the southern plains.

[rockhillmanor]

Rich Grossmann wrote:
Thanks so much for all of the info...first time camping in Florida, will be outlining the state for the whole month, staying in State Parks on the coast. From your response I don't think bugs will be much of a concern. We will be armed with all of your suggestions!
Thanks again, really looking forward to our trip!
Rich & Sherry

Just check ahead on the state parks. I found out you can only stay a certain amount of days.

[retispcsi]

Do you have reservations yet. Many of the popular coast state parks are filled up as this is what we call "in season". Good luck. If you are shy of bugs stay out of the Everglades.

[Rich_Grossmann]

Thanks so much for all of the info...first time camping in Florida, will be outlining the state for the whole month, staying in State Parks on the coast. From your response I don't think bugs will be much of a concern. We will be armed with all of your suggestions!
Thanks again, really looking forward to our trip!
Rich & Sherry

[cyntdon2010]

We camp in Florida all the time Never had an ant problem.

but, a campground in Waycross,GA. call Laura walker the ranger will Infor you of ant issues

[wbwood]

WE've stayed in two Florida state parks in the months of april and may and experienced no problems. They were on the coast though.

[Allworth]

Sounds like the folks from up North are parking their RVs outdoors.

They just don't learn. They might even run into some "nature".

PS: I don't know about the bears. The folks in Seminole County are claiming that all the bears are in their neighborhoods. I thought the bears were there first!

[lizzie]

Steeljag wrote:
.......and big sharks.....big gators.....big snakes......big spiders .........Bigfoot .......just terrible!

Big bears too!