Yes. Mosquitos and No-see-ums are a part of life on St. John. Some people are more prone to the bites than others.
First, what are they:
No-see-ums are little, nat-like creatures that bite and cause itchy bites.
Mosquitos are another challenge for many people. Both insects are most active at dawn, dusk and immediately after rain.
According to research, mosquitoes are attracted to a few different things: body heat, bright colors; perfumes, colognes, and lotions that contain folic acid; and carbon dioxide, which they can detect on our breath from hundreds of feet away.
A few suggestions: Wear thin, light-colored clothing that traps little body heat. Use a DEET or use lotions, sprays, or candles made from essential oils like camphor, eucalyptus, mint, or lemon to block your CO2 emissions.
At Monarch Cottage, we have included plants that are deterrents to no-see-ums and mosquitos. You will see: Lavender, Citronella grass (lemon grass), Catmint, Rosemary, Basil, Mint, Sage and Allium.
Not only do the plants help with those annoying bites, they are great to use in cooking!
We suggest you bring an anti-itch cream and apply as soon as you realize the bite.
