🐜 Bugs, Scorpions & Reptiles: Why Costa Rica's Wildlife Shouldn't Bug You

Dreaming of moving to Costa Rica? You've probably stumbled upon articles screaming, "BUGS! SNAKES! SCORPIONS!" For Canadians and Americans dreaming of open-air living—no glass windows, just ocean breezes—it's usually the first panic point.

I get it. When I first arrived, I was genuinely nervous. My house here is literally wide open: zero glass or screens in the main living areas. Only bedrooms have screens. Initially, I thought, "Great, I'm turning my home into an all-you-can-eat human buffet." But then the previous owner gave me some sage advice: "Give it one year. You’ll be surprised."

Flashback: Canadian Bug Battles

Let's rewind. Back in Canada, summers meant campfires and family bonding—while desperately performing the Macarena to swat away bugs. I had a boat that spiders adored more than I did; I'd literally sweep them off the deck with a broom, occasionally shrieking like I was fleeing a crime scene.

At my dad’s campsite, wood stacks were haunted by monstrous spiders straight from a Spielberg movie. One dark night, rushing to the dance hall, I walked face-first into a massive web and reacted like I was being chased by invisible ghosts. Smooth moves? Not exactly.

And my sister—at age five—fell into a bush loaded with wasps, creating lifelong trauma. Now, if a wasp buzzes near her on the patio, the table gets flipped action-hero style, and nobody even blinks.

Northern Quebec, Canada? Black fly territory. Imagine my toddlers camping with hoodie strings pulled tight like Kenny from South Park. Still, the little monsters managed to turn their faces into bloody messes. Family-friendly, indeed.

Costa Rica Reality Check

Given all that, I expected Costa Rica would multiply my insect nightmares. Turns out, it did exactly the opposite.

Today, instead of bug spray and dealing with fogged up or dirty windows, my ocean & mountain views here are crystal clear. Breezes flow through the house, wind chimes sing, and howler monkeys, macaws, perroquets and toucans provide my daily soundtrack. Butterflies—often the stunning blue morphos—and hummingbirds regularly flutter indoors, reinforcing the connection with nature. Bugs? They simply fade into the scenery.

Growing Up Tico

Costa Rican kids grow up surrounded by nature, bugs included. Instead of fear, they learn curiosity and respect. Some kids even dare each other to calmly place their hands in ant nests—a bit wild, sure, but it's all about resilience.

Another classic? “Alborotar el Panal” (Stirring the Beehive). In this game, one child pretends to disturb a beehive by clapping their hands over a pile of intertwined hands (the 'hive'), then runs as the others chase and try to 'sting' them with playful slaps. It's a chaotic mix of laughter, strategy, and a few harmless smacks—think tag, but with a buzzing twist.

These playful interactions with nature instill a sense of respect and understanding. Bugs are just part of the background here—not a threat. And the locals’ calm, respectful approach is something expats can easily learn too.

Local Wisdom (No Big Deal)

- Adapt to bites: Bug bites quickly become non-events as your body adjusts.

- Stay chill: Bites rarely cause a fuss here. People shrug and move on.

- Dress smart: Locals wear long sleeves, pants and boots when practical—like mowing grass or trekking through brush.

- Maintenance: Keep grass short, snakes and mosquitos love long grass.

- Breezy Homes: Pests often thrive in stagnant, undisturbed areas. Open-air designs allow for continuous air movement throughout the home. Pests, particularly flying insects like mosquitoes, are less likely to settle in areas with constant airflow. It's like having a natural, gentle breeze that keeps the bugs at bay.

- Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans are a staple in many Costa Rican homes. They enhance the natural breeze, creating an environment that's less appealing to pests. Mosquitoes, for instance, struggle to land and stay in place when there's a steady airflow from a fan. It's a simple yet effective way to reduce the chances of getting bitten.

- Saving!: Beyond pest control, the breezy design enhances overall comfort. The constant flow of fresh air can make the indoor environment feel more pleasant and inviting, reducing the reliance on artificial cooling methods, having you save tremendously on your electrical bill.

Smart Hacks That Work (aka My Secrets)

- Natural repellents: I mix coconut oil with citronella, peppermint, or lavender. Smells fantastic, feels luxurious, and gently deters mosquitoes. (I mostly use it just for beach sunsets.)

- Strategic lighting: Position lights away from sitting areas at night, luring insects elsewhere.

- Clean kitchens: Store food properly and clean quickly—ants are tiny janitors; don’t tempt them unnecessarily.

- Leafcutter ants: Vinegar and mint oil spray works wonders against these tireless little lumberjacks. Act fast!

- Sun: Bugs prefer dark, stagnant spaces; keep your home airy and sunny to deter them naturally.

Snake Sense (Chill, They're Shy!)

Costa Rica has snakes—yes—but bites are incredibly rare. The notorious fer-de-lance (terciopelo) avoids humans whenever possible. Snakes typically prefer warmer lowlands too; at higher elevations, sightings become rare. Basic precautions: stick to trails, sweep tall grass with a stick, and wear boots in dense vegetation. Lemongrass planted around your home naturally repels snakes.

Quick Critter Guide

- Mosquitoes & No-See-Ums: Coconut oil and fans are your armor.

- Ants: Efficient clean-up crews unless provoked by crumbs. If they happen to be eating a grasshopper, just leave them alone—they are your best cleaning buddies and will be out in no time.

- Scorpions: Rare, non-aggressive; just shake shoes and clothes left on the floor.

- Cockroaches: Stay tidy; a cat's natural hunting instincts keep numbers low.

Nature’s Little Helpers

- Geckos: Quiet nightly pest control—soon you'll adore their chirpy presence.

- Chickens: Your feathery bug brigade—ticks, fleas, spiders, and even scorpions beware!

- Cats & Dogs: Alert guards and active pest hunters; cats chase roaches, dogs warn about larger visitors.

- Plants: Lemongrass, mint, basil, lavender, and more—these fragrant defenders are bug-repelling beauties.

Home Design That Works

- Teak: Naturally termite-resistant and excellent for ceilings and cabinetry—geckos love gripping its surface too.

- Bamboo: Treated bamboo makes a gorgeous, bug-resistant material. Just remember: untreated bamboo contains a sweet liquid that attracts insects and won’t last long outdoors—so stick to properly treated bamboo for your home and garden.

- Concrete and Ceramic: Easy maintenance, discourages pests.

The Tick and Flea Lowdown

Exploring rural land? Wear closed shoes, long sleeves and pants, use a stick to clear paths.

Pets: Don't forget your monthly chewable protecting your pets against Ticks and Fleas. Or else, they will carry them in the house. If some found on your pet, remove ticks carefully with tweezers making shore to remove the head. Clean hands and bite with rubbing alcohol. —no panic needed.

Final Thoughts

Sure, Costa Rica has bugs and snakes—but so do plenty of places, including the U.S. (Rattlesnake anyone?)

Here, a snake sighting is typically a harmless grass snake, with even local kids handling them unbothered by occasional nips. Context changes everything: Knowledge replaces fear. Visit local insect and reptile museums; grab a field guide; get comfortable. Soon you'll replace jumpy fear with calm curiosity.

At Arcadia Costa Rica Real Estate, we don’t just help you find homes—we share what it truly means to live here. Ready to trade bug spray and black flies for sunshine, sea breezes, and open-air living? Reach out. Let's find your perfect spot.

If you'd like to see a beautiful example of an open-concept, no-windows home here in Costa Rica, check out this property: Hummingbird Ocean View at Toucan Valley Resort.

Arcadia Team www.arcadiacostaricarealestate.com