Santiago - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants are a problem for a little while in the single family homes. Pantry moths sometimes. Maybe an occasional spider. The windows don’t have screens because there are so few flying insects. It’s awesome. The only other infestation is a thin layer of dust/particulate matter that will find its way into the apartments downtown no matter what you do, both on the balconies and inside the units. It’ll get over everything and you’ll have to vacuum and mop every couple days. - Jun 2026
We have had ants in the house. They are tiny and do not bite. The embassy assisted in spraying to get rid of them. We have seen large tarantulas nearby but not at home. There are also apparently scorpions but we haven't seen any. - Dec 2020
None that I can recall. Santiago is, in general, a warm city, which I found surprising. Anything that is triggered by warmer weather may pop up, but this is not a tropical landscape, so worry not. - Jun 2019
During the summer sometimes there will be ants looking for water. Once outside the city, there are mosquitos. Otherwise there aren't many pests. Moths show up at a specific time of the summer, just keep doors and windows closed. Other little insects will creep in if you leave the doors open for hours and there's a light to attract them during the summer as well. - Feb 2016
None. - Nov 2014
None. - Oct 2014
Moths and some flies. There is one poisonous spider. - Sep 2011
None. - Jul 2010
At least during the winter, it's fine. I've only seen a couple of very small bugs during my time here. - Jul 2009
None. - Apr 2009