Advice needed for WA & Nt Travel

Eric,

for all our travel in that area at that time of year, the only place I recall real issues with was sandflies at Kununurra. It is the middle of the dry so they are not as prevalent as other times of the year. Night bities are particularly active in the time around dusk and early evening so if it's sandfly country, the best defence is to simply cover-up for that period of time around sunset and then use a good quality repellent with plenty of DEET in it. “Bushman’s” is generally regarded as an excellent one.

I always carry a tin of mortien to spray the inside of the tent prior to going to bed jjust in case a few manage to find their way in. It makes for a better nights sleep ;-)


Cheers Mick

Eric,
When we travel up that way we always carry a few tins of mozzi coils/sticks (plus the personal repellent, surface spray and general fly sprays). There were many a night when it was just so hot we slept out in the open on a green canvas sheet with about 6 coils spread around the perimeter of the canvas and a coat of surface spray around the outside edge (sprayed hours before bed time), at some locations you knew exactly when the coils were out and it was time to replace at other locations you are fine. I might add that we are typically swag users and even with our swags in fly screen only mode you can just get hot and hence we opt for the open air (not always but it happens).

I have added a light weight fly screen type tent to the equation now but I would still spray inside when getting in each time. Nothing worse than a buzz in you ear in the middle of the night.

Around the dinner table etc we usually use coils/sticks and personal repellent. Regardless of what you use make sure you take an array of repellent options, as conditions will dictate what is best for one location or another. Also when you forget where (or leave behind) one can you will always have another.

You will have a great time no matter what so take care and enjoy.
David

Eric,

Have been looking at those mesh gazebos too, as an alternative to a tent too. Also they would be great in the Channel Country, when the flies are thick and friendly, and you wish to eat without the addition of too much "black celery".

It's a long time since I was in the Kimberly, but one thing comes to mind. Depending on where you are camped, even in July/Aug, there are often fogs that drift in off the coast, and these can make gazebos into a sodden sieve(as well dampening the occupants and their sleeping gear.). Probably time for a tent then.

Beautiful time of the year up there then, foggy mornings not withstanding!

Bob.

Is there such a thing as a "Good Repellant" ?

I mean one that actully works for those little meanies.... Sandflies, No Seeum's Gnats, whatever you call them.

It seemed when we were up that way 2 years ago, that what would work once, never did again with the same insects.

As other have said, get a range, and then some spares

Eric


Another good idea is to take "telfast". If you get bitten the reaction will not be as bad. It is a non-drowsey antihistamine.

Also you can get "Soov" from the chemist. It is a pain and itch relief gel for bites.

You shouldn't have too many problems with insects during the dry. At the moment have heaps of mozzies, etc., at home.


Tjilpi