I've been reading the board & other places & TB sounds great but can ask if there is a bug problem, especially in the more "rustic" places? Mosquitos, sand flies etc. I can handle but what about the "big critters". I've been told Jamaica has huge roaches, flying roaches & other big things that would freak me out. I'm sorry & don't mean to insult - I can't help it I'm just afraid of those things.

Virgie,

I wouldn't worry too much. I've been all over Jamaica, and have found less bugs in the south coast. It's relatively dry in TB, and that seems to keep the critters down. Far less bugs then in Negril, Ochos Rios, etc.

Eric

Hi -

Well, we are a tropical island, so bugs will get in now and then. I can tell you, that I am also quite scared when it comes to roaches, etc. - I lived in Bermuda where I saw many more roaches than I have ever seen here in Jamaica.

The best thing to do, if you are really concerned is to stay somewhere that has screening on the windows - then you have that extra assurance that nothing will come in. Having said that, however, I have never had an experience in Treasure Beach where I see roaches wandering/flying around.....as I said, I am scared of them as well, and would never continue going to stay in T. Beach if this was a problem!!

I hope this helps....

Virgie, I hate bugs too, but I've never been bothered by them in JA. In 6 visits the only thing I've seen that bugged me was a big cricket...but then I can handle anything but crickets, and that was in Port Antonio not TB. It's not like there are flying bugs and roaches running around everywhere, no worries, just come and relax and don't think about those things and they'll just leave you alone.

Other than mosquitoes and moths and such, I can't recall ever seeing any large critters.
Not like tha Palmetto bugs in Florida!!
Anyway, no worries, but do try to book somewhere with screens.
I have stayed in houses without and still didn't have any major bug problems.

Travel tip...I always bring ant spray and ant traps with me. I spray the base of the house or the room I am renting, put the traps around and I never have a problem with the tiny ants.
Also, Mosquito coils can rid the house of the few that come in. They are available everywhere in Jamaica. That said, I agree with all the others, bugs are common in the tropics, but no big scary things. Go, you'll love it.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think I'm not gonna let the bug thing bother me. Now my last dilema left is to go AI somewhere (friends suggest) or go TB which looks alot quieter/nicer to me. Any tips on that one?

There is no comparison between an AI and guest house or cottage in Treasure Beach. My last 5 (out of 8) trips to Jamaica have been to TB. To me, the big AI's can not compete with good home cooked meals (very reasonably priced) and the friendly ,safe community.

You have to do what suits YOU ! Not other people. If a big fancy AI is your thing, the by all means go there.