We've always carried aerosol cans in our luggage. It may have to do with the size of the can? Not sure, no one's ever commented on it or told us not to. Avon's Skin So Soft bath oil makes a good repellent as well. But I don't think you'll run out of a can of Ultrathon.

Bug repellent is subject to 100% duty in CR, so buying it there will be expensive. I'd heard the same thing about aerosol cans as shillmac, but we didn't have a problem, either. SSS works well but wears off in a hurry. We found the pump-spray bottles of Off travel well, go a long way - and do the job.

-Jeff

Thanks for the info. I didn't think the strong stuff came in pump sprays, but will look for it!

We were in the Caribbean lowlands a couple of weeks ago and used no bug spray at all. I got 2 or 3 mosquito bites and my travelling companion only 1 bite. We had Muskol with us but didn't feel the need to slather on the chemicals.
At Rincon last November we encountered a few 'mega black flies' in the late afternoons and used a splash of repellent once. Had no problems at all in Playa Grande or Tamarindo.

Jerry

Higher concentrations of DEET aren't more effective, they just last a bit longer. For example, a 5% solution will work for around 2 hours; a 30% for about 6 hours. These are reduced somewhat if you sweat a lot or otherwise get wet. There's no evidence that concentrations above 30% provide any additional protection. IMHO, you don't need to spend extra for the 'high octane' products - just remember that it wears off over time...

-Jeff

I agree with Jeff. We took 100% DEET a few years ago--never used it, but now I understand it isn't particularly a good idea to use such high concentrations.

As for Tamarindo, I am not bothered there either, for some odd reason. But everyone traveling there should be aware that MANY people are. The no-see-um bites are uncomfortable to say the least--more like tortuous--and you can get hundreds around your feet, ankles, and calves. Our daughters have been victimized by the little critters more than once--finally they were convinced to use repellent!

Do take precautions if spending time there (especially on the beach) in the late afternoon and evening hours. Tamarindo is notorious for that!

It seems that most of the responses on this post address travelling in the "dry season." Is there a difference with the amount of insects in the green season (more or the same)? We are going to CR the first week of July (Osa peninsula, Arenal, Peace Lodge). Thanks!

Dan and Melissa,
We were on the Osa first week of July and didn't even CONSIDER trekking about without repellent. And we don't use it frequently. You simply "run into" more insects down there at all times of the year. We have never had a problem in the Arenal/Central Valley area and probably wouldn't bother with it up there. That's just us. . . . .:)

You might want to take your own 'attractiveness' into account as well. We hadn't had a problem in Arenal and MA, and we relaxed our last night in SJ. My wife - a mosquito magnet - didn't use repellent, awoke with a dozen bites or so, and brought a case of dengue fever home with her :-(

If you have any concerns at all, just 'DEET-up' when you go out and you probably won't have any issues...

-Jeff

That's a bummer, Jeff. I hope she has recovered completely. Had a couple of friends (one a local) come down with it last year and it wasn't pleasant. They were pretty much wiped out for a couple of weeks. My Tico friend was hospitalized for one week and had to get a lot of rest for 2 weeks after. Wouldn't want the stuff, so yes, you are correct. Precautions are everything!

Hi...this is all great advice! I have a couple more details that I'd like to ask...we are planning a trip to CR, we want to rent a villa. We are traveling at the end of August, beginning of September. I have read someplaces that the beaches are the worst for insects and that at elevations at around 600 meters you lose the insects, specifically mosquitoes and no-see-ums...true? We would love to have a place right on the beach...but not if it means we can't leave the house because of bugs! We are open to suggestions...still haven't narrowed down exactly what city we will stay in...Tamarindo is in the running...but I started to read about insects here and became concerened. I am not a magnet...but others with us are... Thank you in advance for you time and attention!