How to Avoid Bugs and Insects in Thailand

In Thailand's hot tropical climate, there are loads of insects, spiders, snakes, lizards, and creepy crawly things. While traveling in Thailand or anywhere in Southeast Asia, of course you want to avoid these critters as much as possible. Here is a guide to avoiding bugs and insects in Thailand:

Higher-Floors
When it comes to choosing your hotel room, apartment or condo - the higher, the better. Thailand's cockroaches are much bigger than American cockroaches (some over 4 inches), but they only live on the ground floor, usually in earth soil. They won't crawl up higher. Also, they aren't social. If you see 1 North American cockroach in your kitchen in Pittsburgh, you know you've got 1000s in the walls. Not so, in Thailand, where the cockroaches are territorial. They fight each other off, so you'll only see 1 or 2, and never a whole group.

Mosquitoes only fly up to the 8 ^th floor, so you can avoid them on your balcony by being higher up. Some can fly in through the elevator, but you won't get swarms.

Use Vicks and Fish against Mosquitoes

Vicks vapor rub will scare away most of the mosquitoes - rub it on your neck. I've also seen Thais put sliced lemons in a bowl in the bathroom to scare off mosquitoes that would otherwise be attracted to the water. If you want a nice water bowl with orchids or floating flowers on your balcony, put a few hardy goldfish in there too. The fish will eat any mosquito eggs that get laid in the water.
Take malaria pills and lots of Vicks with you to the Islands. The islands are a haven for mosquitoes.

Mostquito zappers (they look like a tennis racket) are sold all over Asia, but they aren't very effective, unless you're really fast. (see photo to right)



Lizards
Be careful of lizards and giant monitors by the canals or in parks. Stay clear, they are dangerous. And of course, the crocodiles need to be avoided. The snakes will leave you alone, but I've seen 20-foot pythons in the Chao Phraya river that didn't seem scared of me. I choose to run.
The geckos are small lizards that are cute and harmless. Only 3 or 4 inches, they are adorable, help eat the insects, and gather in large groups around lights. For sure you'll see a few on your ceiling, but just wave hello. They're there to help.

Ants
Ants are the biggest bug problem in Southeast Asia. Don't leave any food out; make sure it's tightly sealed in containers. One crumb left unattended, and the next morning an army of ants will be making a line from some unknown space in a wall to the morsel. Eat out every day, and clean snacks up quickly. Store no food in the hotel or apartment, unless it's very tightly sealed.

Eight legs or more: Spiders and Centipedes
Centipedes are poisonous, but you'll only see them in the country. Wear long pants, and take along some rubbing alcohol in case you get bit. I've seen some guys with alcohol in squirt guns to scare off creepy crawlers.
The tarantulas in Thailand are not poisonous, just big and scary, and they can bite. Ignore them, and they will ignore you. Your bigger concern is a tiny brown spider than lives under desks and in corners. It will bite you, and the pain is like a fire under your skin. It's as harmless as a mosquito bite, but do apply alcohol to avoid infection, and expect some pain for 20 minutes. After it subsides you'll be fine.


Most days you won't experience any problems, bites or encounters. Living in Bangkok, I get bitten once a week by a mosquito and once a month by a spider. I'm still alive to write about it. Happy travels!