Pests and Critters

Generally the mosquitoes are not too bad and by and large negligible, however at times during the wet season they can be quite annoying. Generally dusk and dawn are the worst time, called breakfast and dinner by mosquitoes. Also areas such as swamps carry a mosquito-infested reputation for no idle reason. What we recommend is that you bring repellent but don’t use it unless they are biting. If using “DEET” anything less than 10% is bug perfume and will make little or no difference, actually they seem to enjoy it. Citronella can be useful, but not in really bad areas. The areas visited in Caroni and Nariva Swamps are generally bug free, but take some repellent just in case.

Forest floors and grassy areas have a mite locally called “Biet Rouge”, translated as “Red Beast”, and they live up to their name. Many of you may know its cousin, known as Chiggers. They get onto your ankles and munch away, though they do not carry diseases like mosquitoes they are very annoying and scratching the bite can transfer bacteria from under your fingernails to the cut causing infection. So repellent on ankles and legs is a must, especially if in shorts and slippers.

We do have wasps, bees and other stinging or biting bugs, but a sting or bite is very rare and not dangerous. If you have allergic reactions to any of these please ensure that you have the necessary cures.