As a tropical country, mosquitoes in Costa Rica are present year round almost throughout the entire country. So if you are visiting Costa Rica soon, you need to come prepared!
Here is what you need to know about mosquitoes in Costa Rica and we included a list of our recommended mosquito repellent.
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Mosquito Borne Diseases: Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya and Zika in Costa Rica
When it comes down to diseases from mosquitoes in Costa Rica, dengue is the one to be concerned about.
I know a lot of people freak out about malaria but malaria is not a major concern in Costa Rica as it is in sub-Saharan Africa.
Dengue: Dengue is a big concern in Costa Rica. In 2023, Costa Rica had around 28,000 documented cases of dengue which has been a huge increase the last few years. In 2024, there were over 30,000 cases.
There are 4 different types of this viral disease and is treatable for acute or mild cases. It is not very common for people to die of dengue although it can happen.
Malaria: Malaria is not common in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has done a great job fighting against malaria. 2023 had 540 cases, which was the worst year for malaria since the year 2000 and even still, it is way lower than dengue.
In 2024, it decreased to 232 cases. Malaria occurs in the extremely dense, undeveloped and rural rainforest of the deep Caribbean mountains bordering Panama and the upper Northern Lowlands bordering Nicaragua.
Chikungunya virus: Also present in Costa Rica and doesn’t have a vaccine or cure. It was found for the first time in the Americas in 2013, before it was only in Africa, Asia and Europe. Chikungunya is not that common in Costa Rica.
Zika: Zika has been around since the 1950’s mostly in Asia and Africa. Costa Rica does not have a high rate of concern for Zika.
Which Areas Have the Worst Mosquitoes in Costa Rica?
Although there are mosquitoes year round, mosquitoes are generally not found in higher elevations in Costa Rica, around 1600 meters and up (5249 feet).
They are prolific on the coasts, beaches and low elevation areas.
There are mosquitoes in beach towns like Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, Samara, Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, Jaco, Osa Peninsula, Uvita, Manuel Antonio, Santa Teresa, aka everywhere on the coasts.
Likewise, there are mosquitoes in La Fortuna, Sarapiqui, and the lower elevation rainforests.
However, there aren’t really mosquitoes in higher elevation places such as Monteverde, Vara Blanca, San Gerardo de Dota and Poasito as that’s about 1500 meters and above.
Mosquitoes are present almost all day and all night long as well. If you’re going out to dinner, I normally bring an extra sarong to wrap around my legs/
Worst Time of Year for Mosquitoes in Costa Rica
Mosquitoes are present all year long in Costa Rica. However, since mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, rainy season (May to end of November) is the worst time of year for mosquitoes.
Unfortunately streets in Costa Rica do not have good drainage and when it rains, drains get clogged and roads flood, allowing mosquitoes to breed prolifically.
For these reasons, you will need to bring or buy plenty of mosquito repellent for your trip to Costa Rica.
The Best Protection Against Mosquitoes
The best protection against mosquitoes in Costa Rica is to wear long sleeves and pants and to cover up.
That is the only surefire protection against mosquitoes.
However, it’s not ideal to be wearing long sleeves and pants in 90° F (32° C) tropical heat and near 90% daily humidity. So then you will need to apply mosquito repellent on exposed areas.
Best Insect Repellent Against Mosquitoes in Costa Rica
We recommend bringing mosquito repellent for your trip because it is more expensive in Costa Rica.
Additionally, there aren’t always a ton of options readily available, especially if you prefer natural products or can only use specific ingredients and products.
**My favorite repellent: Grand Tongo with Picaridin. DEET free and smells so good! You do not feel any ickiness or chemical feel with these. They also have fragrance free and 3 different sizes. The pocket pumps and travel sprays are perfect if you’re traveling carry on only.
Spray
I prefer to use sprays. I have a collection of Repel 100 (98% DEET), Ben’s Max and Grand Tongo (DEET free, 20% Picardin), and which one I use depends on where I’m going.
My favorite is Grand Tongo since they have 2 scents and 1 unscented and it doesn’t feel icky at all. It’s lightweight and it works! That one is fantastic for short outings, going into town, etc.
If I’m going hiking in the rainforest during rainy season and I only have shorts or a tshirt, I’ll go for something a big heavier duty like the Ben’s Max or Repell 100.
I don’t love the feeling of using DEET but for more intense situations, it works better for me.
Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray
For those who want to use natural products, the Repel Natural with lemon and eucalyptus is one of my favorite DEET free products. This works for me but I do need to reapply more often.
I also don’t love the oily feeling. But I love that it’s DEET free and smells better than DEET.
Mosquito Repellent Wipes
Mosquito wipes are great for those who don’t like to use sprays. It is also very convenient to carry as they weigh practically nothing and aren’t considered a liquid. So those are great options if you’re traveling carry on only.
We used these on our legs and arms and they worked well for us. I don’t like that you get repellent on your hands, but I love how light they are.
I’ve tried both DEET wipes and natural DEET free wipes and both work, though I have to reapply the DEET free more often.
I always have a few in my backpacks, in case I forget to bring repellent with me as they’re so easy to carry.
Insect Repelling Bands
These insect bands don’t contain DEET, it contains Geraniol, a plant based material that repels mosquitoes. These bands are for your wrists and feet and you can just leave it on, for up to 120 hours.
It personally did not work for me but it may work for others who aren’t as mosquito magnets like I am.
Mosquito Repellent Clothing
If you really want the ultimate protection against mosquitoes in Costa Rica, then covering up and wearing insect shield clothing is the best option. Then apply repellent products to the areas that are not covered.
We have some pieces from Columbia, ExOfficio Bugs Away and a Buff Headwear with Insect shield that have worked great for us.
DEET Alternative Options
I have tried a bunch of different DEET alternative products (not oils), mostly Picaridin which has to be at least 20% to work.
I’ve tried Avon Skin so soft with Picaridin that I love and worked great.
I have also tried Proven Insect Repellent which worked well too. I don’t like the lotion though, so I get the spray.
OFF! CLean Feel worked great for me too and it’s cheap.
Grand Tongo 20% Picaridin is my new go-to. They have 2 scents and 1 unscented and I love that they offer 3 different sizes. I always have one pocket pump in my purse, a 3 oz travel spray in my backpack and the 4.5 oz sprays in the car.
Afterbite Itch Eraser
If you do get bit, you’ll want to put something on those bites especially if they swell.
The After bite eraser also works well and we found that it took away the itchiness pretty fast. You just dab a little bit on and let it do it’s magic.
Purchasing Mosquito Repellent in Costa Rica
You can find mosquito repellent in all supermarkets, but most choices are with DEET and usually not very high %.
Natural products are getting more popular but if you are worried about running out or not finding one that you like, bring it.
Also, mosquito repellent is more expensive in Costa Rica with limited options. So if you can, bring mosquito repellent to Costa Rica.
Another way to get non-DEET mosquito repellent is to go to a macrobiotica, health or beach store in Costa Rica.
Sometimes they will have more natural products like oils or natural sprays. Additionally, there may be some vendors at the farmer’s markets that have their own natural mosquito repellent.
I will say that after a couple years of living in Costa Rica, I rarely get bit by mosquitoes anymore. I guess my flavor is not that tasty anymore when they have a whole buffet to choose from.
Other Costa Rica Travel Tips
Need some tips on what to bring for Costa Rica? Check out our Costa Rica packing list.
Need some tips about sunscreen? Here are the best sunscreens for Costa Rica plus the different ones you can find here.
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
Bruce Stenman says
Treating your shirts, pants, socks, and neck gaiter with permethrin will reduce the odds of mosquito, tick, and other insect bits by 99.9%.
I but a 32 oz bottle and dilute it with water and use a garden spray bottle to apply it to our clothing. Cost is about 15 cents per garment treated and I use a high strength solution that lasts for 1 year and 50 wash cycles.
With picaridin it needs to be 20% strength to be effective. DEET damages plastic and synthetic fabrics and so best avoided.