Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA Resort Blog
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KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
Located at Mile Marker 20 on US-1 in the Florida Keys.
Left on Old State Rd 4a/State Road 939.
Does it feel like something is flying around you outside, but you can't see anything? While it seems like you're swatting in the air at nothing, chances are, no-see-ums are flying around you. Running into these bugs is inevitable, but you can take plenty of preventative actions to repel them while you enjoy your time outside.
No-see-ums, or biting midges, are bugs in the biting fly family. They get their name from being barely visible to the naked eye due to their small composition and light color. As their family ties suggest, they bite, so make sure you have plenty of bug spray. The bugs have a hunger for blood, so they commonly bite animals and humans.
No-see-ums are attracted to various things, such as:
The environments that no-see-ums call home are places with warm climates and moist areas, like the Florida Keys. Don't be surprised if you catch a glimpse of them or experience some bites while at Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA Resort. Due to Florida's year-round warm weather, you'll likely “see” them all year. Fortunately, they are most active during dawn and dusk, so you won't have to deal with them too often during the day.
Places you'll notice no-see-ums include:
You can repel no-see-ums with bug sprays, essential oils and carbon dioxide traps. While no-see-ums are common, you can still enjoy your time in The Keys. Here are some tips for repelling no-see-um bites and bugs in general:
You can treat no-see-ums by washing the bite as soon as possible and applying a cold compress or over-the-counter topicals.
When you get a bite from a biting midge, you may develop a red, itchy bump. Here's a closer look at some tips and remedies for treating a no-see-um bite:
[Infographic]
Avoid scratching the bites to reduce the risk of infection. If you have a severe allergy or reaction to no-see-um bites, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Camping in the Florida Keys offers beautiful views and ocean breezes, but it also means dealing with tiny but mighty pests like no-see-ums. Here are some of the most common questions campers ask about these bugs to help you have a more comfortable, itch-free stay at Sugarloaf Key KOA.
No-see-ums look like small gnats or mosquitoes. These bugs are very tiny, typically no bigger than the tip of a pencil. No-see-ums have grayish-brown bodies and long wings.
For most people, no-see-um bites are more annoying than dangerous. The main risk comes from scratching too much, which can lead to skin irritation or infections. However, those who are especially sensitive or allergic may experience stronger reactions, such as severe swelling or blisters. If you notice signs of infection or an allergic reaction, reach out to your doctor.
The fastest way to heal no-see-um bites is by washing the bites gently with soap and water as soon as possible to help remove irritants. Putting a cold compress or ice on top of the bite can reduce itching. You can also use anti-itch creams, lotions and home remedies to reduce itching and swelling. If you are allergic to no-see-ums, be sure to take medication as soon as possible.
The best way to prevent no-see-um bites while camping is to cover up with long sleeves, pants and socks and use insect repellent containing DEET or essential oil sprays with mint, lemon, eucalyptus or camphor. Fine mesh screens or bug netting can be helpful, especially in tents or RVs. You can also plan activities to avoid being outside at sunrise and sunset, when no-see-ums are most active.
No, no-see-ums do not go away during certain times of the year in the Florida Keys. These bugs are present year-round, but they’re most active during warmer, humid months, usually from late spring through early fall. They’re less of a problem in cooler, breezier weather and are generally less active during the dry winter months. However, even in the off-season, campers may encounter no-see-ums at dawn or dusk or after rain.
Camping is an excellent way to enjoy the great outdoors. Even if no-see-ums are present during your stay, you don't have to let them get the best out of your fun trip. The repellents and remedies for no-see-ums can help you make the most of your vacation to The Keys.
Come to Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA Resort for an unforgettable vacation in Florida. We'll help you find a comfortable place to stay, whether at an RV camping site, from the comfort of your camping tent or at the onsite Sugarloaf Key Hotel.
Reserve your campsite with us today!
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