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All inclusive how-to guide to living or retiring in Baja Mexico

Critters (bugs, insects)

Yes, Baja has its share of bugs, insects and creepy crawlies. Every season it seems we have a new infestation of some different species. About 2 years ago, in the spring, we were inundated with black (stinky) beetles, thousands of them. They were on the highways, in our house, all over everywhere.  After about a month, they were gone and I havent seen many since.

There is a spot near my house, on the road leading into Labufadora, where I see tarantulas crawling back and forth. I wonder how they ever get across without getting killed. I happen to like tarantulas, so i worry. Once I saw one in a neighbors house. It was adorable. They are harmless and just want to be left alone.

Scorpions on the other hand I can do without. It seems like scorpions appear more during the rainy seasons, but this year (2010) I have seen hardly any!  Scorpions sting. You dont want to walk around barefoot in your house or outside.  They are pretty much nocturnal.  Their bite is  cruel.

Black Widow Spiders are here and I have them near my house. These I kill instantly.  You can tell one by its very shiny, very black, bulbous body.  They will have a reddish violin looking marking on its belly.  Actually any spider I see with a bulbous body  I do step on, sorry.  They can be dangerous.

I have heard about, but not seen any,  Brown Recluse Spiders.  I had a friend bit by one in mainland Mexico and it was nasty.  He almost lost his arm. 

Potato Bugs also called Jerusalem Crickets or the Colorado Beetle, bury themselves in the earth. They are curious, almost alien looking creatures, and if you see one, it has come to the earths surface to die. They are harmless little guys, albeit scary looking creatures.

Then there is the plentiful Earwigs.  These I step on as well. They are a nuisance and they bite, and it hurts.  They live and nest under rocks and things lying the ground. Pick up a rock and almost certainly you will see a bunch.

Rattle Snakes are here, and this can be a problem.  Especially for your pets. They seem to be nocturnal as well, but I personally have not seen one, however plenty of my neighbors say they have.