Insects
 

Do we need any form of insect repeliant in Barbados this time of the year ?

Bring a can of mosquitoe spray, like Off. Barbados has its share of Dengue disease, which is passed on by infected mosquitoes. Make sure no standing water is outside your abode, save the swimming pool. There's curly-tails, which are great to have around since they feed on cockroaches. Robert59

I should add there's no poisonous snakes on Barbados; you'll see an occasionally mongoose...that's why (Riki-Tiki-Tavi sp.?). The island is noted for mucho mosquitoes at times so bring mainly the mosquito repellent. There was an outbreak of dengue fever in the 1990's. There were also several hundred cases of dengue in 2005, but noyone died. Barbados has many valuable wetlands, where mosquitoes obviously breed, but, not to worry! There eco-consciousness will afford you beautiful landscapes with colorful hummingbirds, butterflies, songbirds, sandpipers and graceful white egrets, not to mention leatherback and hawksbill ocean turtles sightings while you snorkle. Robert59

Hi, I was in Barbados the week before last. Mosquitos love me anyway but my friends were getting bitten as well. I had brought repellent containing DEET and that worked very well. I got a spritzer bottle instead of aerosol and really prefer it - not so much repellent in the air around you to breathe in.

Mosquito repellent is a MUST in Barbados--especially after the sun goes down. We've never had to use it during the day, but the minute the sun begins to set, we're spraying it on. We tried the organic sprays and got eaten up! The only thing that seems to be effective is DEEP WOODS OFF.

We were there last March and never had a problem with bugs of any kind, slept with the windows and door wide open.

However, we stayed at the Crane which is on the windward side of the island and I was told the eastern side because of the breeze does not have the bug problem the western side does.

We have just started to get a little rain, so mosquitos are on the increase, however, it does depend where you will be staying. Eastern side of the island does not get as many as the west coast. Keep the a/c on all the time - with all windows and doors shut tight it will be harder for them to get in. Repellant for your skin is a must. Also, wear long sleeves and long pants wherever possible, but not black or dark clothes as that will attract the critters. 100% cotton or linen will be cooler than blends or other fabrics.