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Insect Pests at Ft. Frederica
Insects have always been a part of life at Frederica. Settlers arriving from England cursed the insects that plagued their new home. The spring and summer months were the worst, since abundant rainfall increased the number of mosquito hatches. Following a rainstorm, deerflies attacked with renewed vigor, and when the temperatures were right, out came the sand gnats. Present day management issues include not only the above biting "pests", but also managing infestations of pine bark beetles.
Biting Flies
Also called "yellow flies" or "deerflies", they appear in April and steadily increase in size and ferocity becoming most vicious during the months of May and June. By July, they are only an unpleasant memory. These annoying insects return in August for a second round. Persistent creatures, deerflies fly rapidly around the head in great swooping circles, occasionally zooming in to score a hard, mean bite.
Chiggers
Chiggers, which are small red mites resembling mechanized paprika, attach themselves to a host and inject digestive juice which breaks down the cells of the skin. Several hours later the bite begins to itch, but by then the chigger is long gone. Chigger "cures" are therefore ineffective. Dusting the ankles and insides of shoes with sulphur powder helps to repel chiggers and ticks. One favorite hiding place for Chiggers to live is inside spanish moss, which is found in abundance at Frederica.
Mosquitos
Only the female mosquito bites. Egg development requires a protein rich meal, and humans, birds, and reptiles are the providers. Certain mosquitos attack only one host, while others travel from bird to mammal with frequency, and are vectors of disease. Both Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus are two such diseases, and are possible concerns for future managers.
Sand Gnats
Days with temperatures in the 60s or 70s are greatly appreciated by most humans. Unfortunately, the tiny sand gnat (also called the "sand fly" or "no see-um") seems to share this feeling and appears in large numbers. Focusing its attention on the legs and ankles, the sand gnat swiftly works its way up to the face, ears, and any other exposed area.
Ticks
There are many species of ticks in the Frederica area. Of primary concern is the deer tick which is the most notorious for transmitting Lyme disease to humans. The most distinctive symptom is a rash which looks like an expanding red ring with a clear center. Flu-like symptoms may also develop.
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