Looking to an Orlando move; husband allergic to flea bites (dermatologist, condo)

[njgardener]

We have gotten the "okay" to move to the Southern US. We would love to move to the Orlando area but are very concerned about the flea problem in the area. My husband is very allergic to flea bites as well as mosquito bites. If he is bitten, the only way to bring down the bite is to have a small local cortisone shot in the area, which means that he would have to go regularly to a dermatologist to get the shots for all of his bites (which could be numerous, as mosquitoes and fleas love him and don't bite me).

If we purchase a home, we would not have carpeting and would have a lanai. We know that fleas don't like sunny areas and prefer moist places. We have lived in the West Coast in the past and know how to avoid mosquitoes. When we lived in California, we went through fumigations, sprays (indoor and outdoor), and were able to minimize their cycle. We would use a professional exterminator on a regular basis to deal with the problem. From past experience, it appears that one is less susceptible to the problems if one lives in a condo compared to a house with the yards, etc.

We read that there is something called the "super flea" in Florida due to the ideal conditions for their breeding. Is this really a problem or is it exaggerated? We have 2 cats and are aware of the topical treatments as well as the monthly dosages to sterilize the critters. Any information on this particular problem would be greatly appreciated. We are located right now in NJ and right now haven't had any problems with fleas where we live.

We would greatly appreciate any input or thoughts on this. Perhaps Central Florida might be too difficult and we may just relocate to an area that has a colder climate. Thanks very much!

[beckycat]

Originally Posted by njgardener

We have gotten the "okay" to move to the Southern US. We would love to move to the Orlando area but are very concerned about the flea problem in the area. My husband is very allergic to flea bites as well as mosquito bites. If he is bitten, the only way to bring down the bite is to have a small local cortisone shot in the area, which means that he would have to go regularly to a dermatologist to get the shots for all of his bites (which could be numerous, as mosquitoes and fleas love him and don't bite me).

If we purchase a home, we would not have carpeting and would have a lanai. We know that fleas don't like sunny areas and prefer moist places. We have lived in the West Coast in the past and know how to avoid mosquitoes. When we lived in California, we went through fumigations, sprays (indoor and outdoor), and were able to minimize their cycle. We would use a professional exterminator on a regular basis to deal with the problem. From past experience, it appears that one is less susceptible to the problems if one lives in a condo compared to a house with the yards, etc.

We read that there is something called the "super flea" in Florida due to the ideal conditions for their breeding. Is this really a problem or is it exaggerated? We have 2 cats and are aware of the topical treatments as well as the monthly dosages to sterilize the critters. Any information on this particular problem would be greatly appreciated. We are located right now in NJ and right now haven't had any problems with fleas where we live.

We would greatly appreciate any input or thoughts on this. Perhaps Central Florida might be too difficult and we may just relocate to an area that has a colder climate. Thanks very much!

Honestly, you'd be much better moving on the west coast where they don't have a problem with mosquitos or fleas. We have both here and they can be very bad at this time of the year. If you don't have pets or they are on flea prevention, I wouldn't be so concerned about the fleas, but we have tons of mosquitos here.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but just giving my honest opinion.

[AONE]

Mosquitos are a part of life here and your husband will not be a happy camper. fleas... I have dogs and use comfortis it works and faster than anything I've seen... advantage, and frontline are largely ineffective. I''m sure getting a dog to kill fleas in a yard isnt a good option and it is pretty hard to know where the beggars are. im thinking Alaska is the place for him....

[lelephantblonde]

The mosquitoes will carry you away here when it's above 50 degrees...which is most of the year. The fleas are easily taken care of by granulating your yard and keeping your pet on flea prevention... but the mosquitoes are everywhere.

[totsuka]

Have you considered Az? Florida is bug heaven.