• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
  • ⚠️ Emergency contact in Spain - Dial 112 and AlertCops app. More on this here.
  • Get your Camino Frances Guidebook here.
This is a mobile optimized page that loads fast, if you want to load the real page, click this text.

Bugs and other flying things

PEI_Heather

Canadian Member
Time of past OR future Camino
2016 - Voie de la Nive
2012, 2016 - Frances
2013 - Portuguese
2012, 2013 - Finesterre & Muxia
I'm traveling the Camino in October and November. I'm just wondering, as I hike my way around my province here and being eaten alive by mosquitoes, are there any such bugs in Spain? Mosquitoes, gnats, black flies, no-see-ums, midges--anything else I've missed--in the months I am traveling? Should I take a bug hat (net) or bug dope in my pack? Thanks!
 
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Gnats at times, including the fall. I have a hat with bug netting. Mosquitoes do not seem to be problem. I take some DEET for bed bugs, so if the gnats get bad, I use a little.
 
PEI_Heather said:
... as I hike my way around my province here and being eaten alive by mosquitoes, are there any such bugs in Spain? Mosquitoes, gnats, black flies, no-see-ums, midges--anything else I've missed--in the months I am traveling?
Click to expand...
There are plenty of bugs to be found somewhere in Spain. It's a big country after all!
We walked the Camino Francés last year with two ladies from Quebec, who were surprised by the absence of bugs. And if any, no comparison to what they had "back home"! :cry:
Apart from tiny flies on the path once in a while, we heard complaints of one thing or the other, but did not have first hand experience. :wink:
 
Best lightweight Camino guides
Ideal pocket guides for during & after your Camino. Each weighs only 1.4 oz (40g)!
In virtually any chemist in Spain you can buy aerosol insect repellent. Comes in handy small cans. Spray it carefully on face and neck and other exposed skin, and it stops flies from pitching. One application lasts about 6 hours.

Buen camino - sin moscas!

Stephen
http://www.calig.co.uk/camino_de_santiago.htm
 

Agree, little bugs compared to "back home" in Nova Scotia. I walked the Frances in Sept / Oct and was not bothered at all. Actually I can't think of one outdoor bug instance. I would leave bug spray home. I return to walk the Portuguese route this Sept and for bed bugs I will spray my gear before I leave with Wilson's Pest Spray (has small quantity of Permetherin content) available at Canadian Tire.
Eric
 
Thanks everyone!

And thanks Eric; I'll head to Can Tire to pick up some Wilson's Pest Spray. I'm really glad to know about that! While I accept they are out there, I really don't want to have any run-ins with bedbugs! :shock:
 
More 2024 Camino Guides available
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
PEI_Heather said:
Thanks everyone!

And thanks Eric; I'll head to Can Tire to pick up some Wilson's Pest Spray. I'm really glad to know about that! While I accept they are out there, I really don't want to have any run-ins with bedbugs! :shock:
Click to expand...

I got that spray as well to treat equipment before I leave. I don't want to bring any back home.. :?
 
In the past I've been a magnet for mosquitos, but fortunately not on Camino (spring/autumn). There are irritating little flies in your face sometimes, but hopefully insect repellent would discourage them. If not, just get a fan like the Andalucian women!

Buen Camino!
 
2024 edition: The Brierley Camino Frances Guide
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Camino Photo

Most read last week in this forum

Similar threads

D
Advice for Sleeping Options and Other Advice for Inaugural Pilgrims
Replies
17
Views
1K
wynrich
O
LIVE from the Camino Bed bugs in Sarria
Replies
9
Views
2K
Wanderingfriend
  • Tags bed bugs
    • Bed bugs in Samos Convento do tras!
    Replies
    15
    Views
    3K
    WalkingLester
    W
    Menu
    Log in
    Register