Biting and Stinging Insects and Their Relatives

As with the rest of Australia, there are numerous insects that can on occasion inflict bites or stings. Some of the more common or significant are listed here.

Ticks

Ticks are usually found in long or freshly cut long grass. They are mites, which are closely related to insects, but have eight legs instead of six legs. They develop through a series of instars by moulting, so at some times of year many tiny ticks, not much larger than a grain of sand may be found, while at other times they become quite large, up to the size of a pea. There are different types of ticks, some (such as the 'Shell Back'), are more toxic than others. Most ticks attach to the upper part of the body, especially behind the ears, or on the back or chest. They attach tightly with small mouthparts, often forming a little tuck in the skin with the thin body sticking out. They are best killed without disturbance, with Rid, or Methylated Spirits, then removed with tweezers. Some people react strongly to tick bites, with itching and swelling. People can become sensitised after repeated bites, and then react much more strongly to future bites. Antihistimines may be prescribed by a doctor to control the swelling, which on occasions can be huge. People also vary in their attractiveness to ticks, with some more favoured than others. Some ticks are known to carry diseases.

Scrub Itch

This is caused by tiny mites, usually invisible to their victims, which live in decaying wood in the rainforest. It is not a good idea to sit on a rotting log, or on the ground, in the North Queensland rainforest. These mites, like ticks, migrate upwards on their hosts, but commonly stop and dig in under tight clothing such as a belt or elastic band in clothing. Red lumps emerge the next day, and these can itch fiercely for a few days. The itch can be somewhat relieved by applying Rid, Tea Tree oil, or methylated spirits.

Once again, certain people seem to attract these mites more than others, and they are more common at certain times of the year, and in certain areas. Wet decaying logs are most likely to harbour them.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes of various kinds are common in the Kuranda area, especially during the wet season. Apart from the irritation they cause, some carry diseases such as Dengue or Ross River Fever. The Anopheles mosquito, which is the main Malaria vector, is found here, but since Malaria is fortunately rare in North Queensland, the mosquito rarely carries the disease.

Dengue fever is a very unpleasant illness with joint pains and fever, but if contracted a second time it can sometimes be fatal. Hence it is important to contol the mosquitoes that carry Dengue fever. These do not fly far, and usually breed close to or in houses, often in potplants, old tyres or tins and bottles that hold water. Removal of these breeding sites is the best protection against attack.

Ross River Fever is like an extended Dengue fever, lasting up to a year or more. It is a debilitating illness, and is also spread by mosquitoes. The same control measures apply as with Dengue fever.

Since mosquitoes usually breed in stagnant water, and many do not fly far, control of their breeding sites is the best protection against them. Bird baths and pot plants with wells or saucers should be checked every few days for 'wrigglers', the mosquito larvae, and the water changed or thrown out if they are found. Water tanks should be made mosquito proof with gauze over all openings. Tree holes that hold water should be located and drained. Ponds can be stocked with suitable native fish to control larvae. Check to make sure the species is not one that can cause problems if it escapes into the environment during heavy rain.

Despite all precautions, some mosquitoes may remain. Houses may be screened to prevent their entry, while some people prefer to keep their rooms open and use mosquito nets over beds at night, when mosquitoes are more active. Smoke can be used to repel mosquitoes during bad outbreaks, and mosquito coils can be burnt in the room, preferably under a table or on the floor. Metal containers with tiny holes to allow the smoke to escape are a good precaution against fire. Some plants are alleged to discourage mosquitoes and other insects.

March Flies, Horse Flies

These large biting flies are common over the hottest months, and are said to be attracted to dark blue clothing. They are often slow moving, and are easily swatted. If one lands on you, it usually takes a few seconds to get ready to bite, and during this time you can slowly move your hand towards it without startling it, allowing it to be slapped. At times they arrive in large numbers, and their constant attacks can become very wearing. While the bite may be painful at the time, the sting is brief. However one of the smaller striped varieties can inflict a painful bite, and may be quite dangerous to people allergic to sulpha drugs.

Little can be done to repel these flies, other than shut them out or use insect screens to keep them out. While some traps are advertised to attract and kill them, there is little evidence that they are successful.

Centipedes, Scorpions

These are not strictly insects, but are similar in having hard exoskeletons. Centipedes are common in leaf litter, decaying wood, and under logs and suchlike. They can grow quite large, and their bite can be painful and require medical treatment. Fortunately such bites are rare.

Scorpions are found under pavers, stones, and similar objects, and sometimes take up residence in homes, particularly enjoying tiled floors. The smaller ones can sting, but without much venom, not unlike a wasp bite. Larger ones are considered more dangerous, but bites are fortunately rare. Centipedes and scorpions are best left alone, unless they enter your house when they should be removed.

Spiders

There are many varieties of spiders to be found in the rainforest, and open forest, of the Kuranda area, some of which like to take up residence in homes. Most are harmless, and some are good insect eaters. Web builders include the giant Golden Orb spider, which is reputed to catch birds. The male of this species is much smaller than the female, and can easily be missed. The St Andrew's Cross spider constructs a web with a white diagonal cross in the centre, and the spider often places itself over this cross with its legs following the white pattern. There are ground dwelling spiders, some of which make funnel shaped webs, some with trap doors. These may be poisonous.

A very few spiders can cause a disease called necrotising arachnidism, a form of gangrene which develops near the site of a bite, and can be extremely difficult to treat. The White Tailed spider, which is sometimes found in gardens, a moderately large and active grey brown spider with a lighter abdomen, is thought to belong to this group. One of the tiny Money Spiders of the rainforest is also suspected to be an offender. Fortunately necrotising arachnidism is very rare.

The well known Red Back Spider is sometimes found in this area. It favours dark nooks and crannies, under houses, in discarded tins, and such like. Its bite is serious and requires medical attention. The spider has thin dark legs and a pea like rounded abdomen, with a bright red sripe on top. Its webs often contain egg cases, about the size of a pea, in white silk. This can be an indication that the spider is present. Interestingly, one of the symptoms of a bite is supposed to be a sense of dread.

Snakes

Snakes of many kinds are found in the Kuranda area. Some, such as the Taipan, are amongst the most dangerous known, while most are relatively harmless. All native snakes are protected.

It is not possible in a brief survey such as this to give details of snake identification. There are numerous books available for those interested. Colour varies a lot, and is not always a good indicator of the species.

Venomous snakes inject their venom through fangs, which may be grooved or hollow. If bitten by a snake, and a pair (or pairs) of puncture marks are visible, the bite should be treated as venomous. The bite should be firmly bandaged, using a pad to compress the bite area, and unnecessary movement or panic avoided. Contact the ambulance immediately. Do not cut the skin or suck the bite. A description of the snake, if available, can be helpful in choosing an appropriate antivenine.

Non-venomous snakes can bite, in some cases quite severely. Some will hold on tightly and are difficult to remove. Often the wounds become infected. Pythons, which kill their prey by constricting and crushing them, are able to inflict a painful bite.

The best way to avoid being bitten is to avoid snakes. Most snakes will make every effort to avoid you, and often attack only when cornered or frightened. Do not attempt to kill or chase a snake unless absolutely necessary. Most snakes live within a wide territory and will usually move on if left alone. Pythons and Carpet Snakes often live in houses, and can be of great value in eradicating rats and other pests, especially in ceilings. Other snakes will sometimes enter a house, and can usually be coaxed to leave through an open door.

Avoid walking in long grass or dense vegetation whenever possible. As snakes are sensitive to vibration, stamping one's feet might help to warn off a snake if you do need to walk in such areas. Snakes often like to coil up under objects such as sheets of roofing iron left on the ground. Be cautious when moving such objects.

Leeches, Wasps and Hairy Caterpillars

Leeches are common in rainforest in wet weather. A 50/50 mix of baby oil and dettol makes a good repellent. Once attached, leeches should not be pulled off as their mouth parts can remain in the skin and cause infection. Use salt or an insect repellent to get them to drop off.

Wasps are common pests but their sting, while painful, is rarely dangerous. Paper wasps are often found in gardens and they can be very aggressive. Some paper wasps build football shaped nests in trees, or on buildings. Stingose is readily available from chemists, and is effective in easing the pain of wasp bites. Some people suffer allergic reactions to wasps and require anti-histimines to treat the symptoms.

Hairy caterpillars can cause a severe sting if touched, so are best avoided. They often live in web like nests in trees. One species that feeds in White Cedar trees can become such a problem that the tree is best removed. Some form long lines to travel while others are solitary.

Sources of Further Information

These are a few publications that can augment the information given here. Most are available from the Mareeba/Kuranda Libraries.

Wildlife of Tropical North Queensland Queensland Museum 2000. (Comprehensive, well illustrated and focussed on North Queensland. A good purchase at about $30)

A Field Guide to Insects in Australia by Paul Zborowski and Ross Story 1995 (Written by local residents, and one of the better books on insects.)

Spiders of Australia by Terence Lindsey 1998 (Well illustrated.)

Dangerous Snakes of Australia by Mirtschin and Davis 1992 (Informative and well illustrated.)

Australian Tropical Rainforest Life by Clifford and Dawn Frith (A well photographed booklet showing the Stinging Tree, some snakes, etc.) See also their Australia's Cape York Peninsula.