[PandG]

I have read lots of posts in the past saying there are no mosquitoes in The Villages. In reading the recent December 2012 posts, I'm glad to see I am not the only one being bitten.

Back in November, we ate outside at Evans Prairie with another couple. The other gal got a huge bug bite while we were eating. It was a large welt, and bled through her top. (Sorry to be gross!)

The next morning I awoke with tons of bites along the insides of both calves. They became redder and turned into welts, many of them blending together as one large red mass. That night I couldn't sleep because the itching was so painful, despite taking a Zyrtec and applying Benadryl stick roll-on.

I went to Evans Prairie and spoke with a staff person, and learned that since they are in a wetlands area, it is environmentally protected. Therefore, they don't spray for bugs and mosquitoes.

The itching lasted for days, despite using over-the-counter cortisone and Aveeno eczema soothing creams. My internist's office referred me to an allergist, who tested me for various critters, but not mosquitoes (even though the receptionist told me I'd be tested for them). Thankfully, I'm not allergic to anything, including fire ants. The Dr. told me to wear long socks and pants (even in the summer!), and couldn't give me any other advice. I was not impressed with this doctor!

I had not been outside on a nice night since then, until we went to Brownwood on Monday night (12/17). Yesterday morning, I had the same bug bites issue as before, and they're painfully itchy.

I have tried googling to find out what these bites could be from. I'm thinking they're a type of "chigger", which was common back in the Midwest, but doesn't seem to be common around here. I am trying to find bug repellent that is DEET-free, plus agreeable for those with fragrance sensitivities like myself. Someone suggested I take a B-complex vitamin, which I began doing yesterday. However, that can take 1 month to be effective.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!