I'm wondering if anyone who has done any camping or outdoorsy type stuff in different parts of Europe has encountered and special issues with mosquitoes, chiggers (or whatever they're called where you're from, those "invisible" bugs that live in plants and leave huge itchy welts if they bite), etc. I know that some parts of the US don't have mosquito issues but I wanted to be prepared if the places we will be traveling to does. I've only been to Europe during cold weather seasons. We will be in Netherlands/Holland (from Amsterdam down to Zeeland), Germany (from Frankfurt to Dortmund area, maybe even all the way to Rostock), Sweden from Stockholm to Ystad, and Copenhagen to Egeskov. I once had a trip to Jekyll Island Georgia completely ruined by what we called "bitey-bugs" and we couldn't get our hands on any type of bug spray (it was only March and the few stores didn't have any in stock). They were "invisible" bugs that seemed to bite mostly our heads, but also left welts all over exposed skin. Don't want to live THAT experience again!!!
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
We travel Spring and Fall so probably don't get the worst of the bug season.
We have run into mosquitoes in Italy in October.
Bug repellent is a good thing, but you can buy it in the local stores rather than try to pack it.
Posted by
Shoreline, WA
216 posts
In most parts of Continental Europe, mosquitoes and horse flies are just about the only pests that might leave damage (apart from the usual suspects, wasps and endangered bees). Gnats appear when the weather is ripe for them - hot, humid and in some mountain areas. Horse flies, the small gray ones can really be a pain, appear wherever there is agriculture happening. It's nothing like what you experience in the Midwest, South, East, or Alaska, though, so there is no need for mosquito netting. Carry a spray from a local source if you are bothered by insects.