Larapinta trail - insects?

SA, WA & NT specific bushwalking discussion.
Forum rules
SA, WA & NT specific bushwalking discussion. Please avoid publishing details of access to sensitive areas with no tracks.

Larapinta trail - insects?

Postby Araucaria » Thu 16 May, 2019 12:42 pm

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.
User avatar
Araucaria
Nothofagus gunnii
Nothofagus gunnii
 
Posts: 29
Joined: Sat 23 Mar, 2019 11:19 am
Region: Victoria

Re: Larapinta trail - insects?

Postby north-north-west » Thu 16 May, 2019 2:38 pm

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.
"Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens."
User avatar
north-north-west
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 15069
Joined: Thu 14 May, 2009 7:36 pm
Location: The Asylum
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: Social Misfits Anonymous
Region: Tasmania

Re: Larapinta trail - insects?

Postby Araucaria » Thu 16 May, 2019 3:01 pm

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.
User avatar
Araucaria
Nothofagus gunnii
Nothofagus gunnii
 
Posts: 29
Joined: Sat 23 Mar, 2019 11:19 am
Region: Victoria

Re: Larapinta trail - insects?

Postby ribuck » Thu 16 May, 2019 5:36 pm

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.
User avatar
ribuck
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1883
Joined: Wed 15 May, 2013 3:47 am
Region: Other Country
Gender: Male

Re: Larapinta trail - insects?

Postby bigkev » Thu 16 May, 2019 5:42 pm

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.
User avatar
bigkev
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 442
Joined: Sat 30 Jun, 2012 6:44 pm
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: Larapinta trail - insects?

Postby Araucaria » Fri 17 May, 2019 10:47 am

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 ;)
User avatar
Araucaria
Nothofagus gunnii
Nothofagus gunnii
 
Posts: 29
Joined: Sat 23 Mar, 2019 11:19 am
Region: Victoria


Return to South Australia, Western Australia & Northern Territory

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 9 guests