Shots or no shots; What bug repellant to bring to Costa Rica???
Mar 26th, 2005, 08:29 AM
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Shots or no shots; What bug repellant to bring to Costa Rica???
Working our way down the checklist for a trip in April is comes to Insect repellant. DEET is what this board states is a given. What about the stuff you spray on your clothes? Bring both? Should we get shots for anything now or not be concerned too much? Mostly eating and staying in upscale places except for day trips. Would be interested in knowing what Shillmac and Jessie have to say. Muchas Gracias Amigos!
Mar 26th, 2005, 09:09 AM
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In the twelve or so years that I have been traveling down there I haven't had any shots. The Hep vaccine is probably a good thing but I haven't had that either. Am seriously considering getting it because we are branching out now into Nicaragua, Panama and hopefully Guatemala if things stablize a little more.
As far as the bug repellant...have it handy but don't expect to have to use it much. The bugs are very variable. One day they aren't there and weather conditions change and the next day they are everywhere. Sometimes (most actually) you won't be bothered at all. The no see ums are the worst. Have the deet handy and use it only when needed.
As far as the bug repellant...have it handy but don't expect to have to use it much. The bugs are very variable. One day they aren't there and weather conditions change and the next day they are everywhere. Sometimes (most actually) you won't be bothered at all. The no see ums are the worst. Have the deet handy and use it only when needed.
Mar 26th, 2005, 09:14 AM
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Someone on this board recommended Ultrathon spray last year. It contains between 25 and 35% DEET. We have used it and found it to be effective on the Osa. Repellant seemed like a wise idea to us there. We really don't use repellants all that much anywhere in Costa Rica, but if I were going to be on the beach around 5:00-6:00 in the evening at Tamarindo and nearby beaches, I'd sure put it on! The no-see-ums are in full force about that time and can be miserable if one gets many bites on lower legs and feet.
We haven't tried the "pre treated" clothes and we haven't sprayed anything on our clothes--just exposed skin areas.
Because we teach school, we have both had the Hep vacs RufusT refers to. For sure they can't hurt, but I wouldn't be the least bit worried if I didn't have them and wouldn't concern myself with any others shots or pills either. That's just me. . .! I guess I tend to take a rather relaxed view of precautions.
We haven't tried the "pre treated" clothes and we haven't sprayed anything on our clothes--just exposed skin areas.
Because we teach school, we have both had the Hep vacs RufusT refers to. For sure they can't hurt, but I wouldn't be the least bit worried if I didn't have them and wouldn't concern myself with any others shots or pills either. That's just me. . .! I guess I tend to take a rather relaxed view of precautions.
Mar 26th, 2005, 10:05 AM
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Another post highjack ! Shillmac , my sister and boyfriend have just landed in San Jose ! Yahoo ! They are sure to love it , the first time for both . Probably standing in the customs line-up as I write ...... I think he is going to propose in Montezuma at El Sano Banano Bungalows !!!! Soooo exciting ! Faith ( They start off for 4 days M.A. )
Mar 26th, 2005, 10:32 AM
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Faithie: Please advise! How exciting and romantic! (Sorry for the el doble highjack thread Frenchfry!)
I’ve found that sunrise/sunset is bug “happy hour” so be esp. aware 5:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (ish) Use your repellant if you’re out at these times and don’t wait until someone in the group feels the first bite to apply. I carry a purse size Deet, Outdoorsman Off. I believe this is avail in drugstores stateside and will eliminate carrying loads of cans/bottles when you get in a “bug situation” but haven’t anticipated for it. Don’t use/wear scented perfumes and body lotions, bugs will LOOOVE you! We are here in CR 24/7 and have the Hep A vaccination but we’ve been doing some travel to Panama, Honduras and Guatemala also. From a personal standpoint, do what you feel is best for you and have a great time!
Lisa in CR
I’ve found that sunrise/sunset is bug “happy hour” so be esp. aware 5:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (ish) Use your repellant if you’re out at these times and don’t wait until someone in the group feels the first bite to apply. I carry a purse size Deet, Outdoorsman Off. I believe this is avail in drugstores stateside and will eliminate carrying loads of cans/bottles when you get in a “bug situation” but haven’t anticipated for it. Don’t use/wear scented perfumes and body lotions, bugs will LOOOVE you! We are here in CR 24/7 and have the Hep A vaccination but we’ve been doing some travel to Panama, Honduras and Guatemala also. From a personal standpoint, do what you feel is best for you and have a great time!
Lisa in CR
Mar 26th, 2005, 01:44 PM
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Hi Lisa , Yes , My beautiful sister at 50 has found the love of her life ! She has been a single , struggling , mom since she was 32 ..... He is wonderful , thinks she is a princess , and is treating her to this trip , they are at Hotel Brilla Sol in San Jose tonite , and at Didis B&B for 4 nights starting tomorrow . I am very happy for her , Costa Rica is the perfect place for this romantic adventure ! Faith
Mar 26th, 2005, 02:20 PM
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Can I add - whatever repellent you decide to take - use it before you go.
This is something I had never considered, but had an alergic reaction to something, it happened shortly after applying a bug repellent with Deet. Obviously it could have been anything, but this was my first time using Deet. I am not sure I want to try it again!
Another consideration is a natural product called Cactus Juice, lots of the lodges sell this product and it works well. http://www.cactusjuicetm.com/
4 trips and we have only encountered mosquitos 1 time. But yes a few no seeums.
This is something I had never considered, but had an alergic reaction to something, it happened shortly after applying a bug repellent with Deet. Obviously it could have been anything, but this was my first time using Deet. I am not sure I want to try it again!
Another consideration is a natural product called Cactus Juice, lots of the lodges sell this product and it works well. http://www.cactusjuicetm.com/
4 trips and we have only encountered mosquitos 1 time. But yes a few no seeums.
Mar 26th, 2005, 10:35 PM
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Faithie, that IS exciting! I hope they have a great time, and am very happy for your sister. It sounds as if she has paid her "dues" and now it's her turn! Hope springs eternal! I wish them well. . .
Mar 27th, 2005, 03:25 PM
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Two thumbs up for CactusJuice from the dfarmer post. We traveled to Roatan/Honduras early Feb. where many fodorities complained about sandflea/fly/noseeums. Purchased the CactusJuice in Quepos prior to our trip and used it daily with NO problems. (And believe me, I packed a huge ziploc bag of Deet products with me in case it didn't work! ... just in case! but never needed anything stronger.)
Lisa again
Lisa again
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