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U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)

The Prepared Traveler (More Articles)

Attack of the
Micro Vampire Bugs

Many visitors to the US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas USVI, St. John USVI, and St. Croix USVI) fall casualty to mosquitos and sand flies/fleas bites, which are locally called No-See-Um or Vampire Bugs. These Vampire Bugs can have an awful effect on tourist with particularly sensitive skin. Keep in mind that sand flies/fleas (no-see-ums) encounters are present around marshy and sandy areas (beaches) in the early hours of the day before the sun heats up and around 4PM to 5PM when the sun begins to set. It is recommended that those prone to various bites wear light long sleeved shirts and long pants as well as socks and shoes if you plan to be on the beach around sunrise or sundown. The bite of a sand flea is actually a sting and the effects can be felt for hours. A small reddish or whitish welt, about the size of a freckle is a sure sign you have become a sand flea feast. Often, one comes across hundreds of sand fleas/flies (no-see-ums) at one time and will receive multiple bites/stings. (Read More)

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