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Larapinta trail - insects?

PostPosted: Thu 16 May, 2019 12:42 pm
by Araucaria
Hi,
After two great hikes in Tasmania, we're thinking of hiking the Larapinta trail. However, I'm not too fond of ants and other insects and I'd like to know what to expect - can anyone tell what the area looks like in terms of bugs? Are there many ants on the trail and at campgrounds? Are there any leeches at all (in wetter areas)? We'd probably be going in July.

Re: Larapinta trail - insects?

PostPosted: Thu 16 May, 2019 2:38 pm
by north-north-west
Flies are the worst. Mozzies sometimes. Don't pitch near an active ant nest, although ants do tend to bugger off when it gets dark.
Don't think anywhere along the West Macs is wet enough for leeches. Certainly never seen any in the Centre.

Re: Larapinta trail - insects?

PostPosted: Thu 16 May, 2019 3:01 pm
by Araucaria
Thanks! Well I certainly wouldn't camp near an anthill or ant nest :) I'm just worried they'll be everywhere. I can't really enjoy the hike when I see lots of ants on the trail. If that would be the case most of the time, I would be better off giving up the hike entirely.

For the little flying monsters we have hats and mosquito nets.

Re: Larapinta trail - insects?

PostPosted: Thu 16 May, 2019 5:36 pm
by ribuck
Leeches - none. Flies - everywhere, until first sub zero night kills them off. Mosquitoes - a couple, and not troublesome. Ants - found in quite a few places but absolutely not hostile or annoying.

Re: Larapinta trail - insects?

PostPosted: Thu 16 May, 2019 5:42 pm
by bigkev
Araucaria wrote:Thanks! Well I certainly wouldn't camp near an anthill or ant nest :) I'm just worried they'll be everywhere. I can't really enjoy the hike when I see lots of ants on the trail. If that would be the case most of the time, I would be better off giving up the hike entirely.

For the little flying monsters we have hats and mosquito nets.



I agree with what's already been said. There are some spots where you might walk over some ants but I wouldn't let that put you off. Most people consider that the fly's are the biggest annoyance.

Re: Larapinta trail - insects?

PostPosted: Fri 17 May, 2019 10:47 am
by Araucaria
bigkev wrote:Most people consider that the fly's are the biggest annoyance.

Yeah but most people don't freak out when they see ants ;)