Gone with the Wind: A Tourist’s Guide to Dancing with WA’s Flies (and Wind)

Last Updated on October 4, 2025

Ever felt like you’re suddenly the most popular person at the party, but all the attention is from thousands of tiny, winged gate-crashers? If you’re planning a trip to Western Australia, you’ll quickly meet our unofficial welcoming committee, the flies.

In my years travelling this incredible state in a campervan, I’ve learned that knowing how to handle them is the secret to a great trip. It’s a trick every local knows.

This guide is for any visitor to WA who wants the real story on our flying friends. I’m going to show you exactly what to expect, why the wind is your best mate, and the simple gear you need to stay comfortable. Forget the horror stories, because with a little preparation, you’ll enjoy our landscapes without constantly doing the “Aussie salute.”

1. Who are the main culprits? You’ll mostly meet the non-biting but very persistent Bush Fly, along with the biting March Fly and Stable Fly.
2. Why are they here? They are seeking moisture and protein from you to survive and breed. Their populations boom in warmer weather, especially from October to April.
3. What’s the best defence? A simple fly head net is the most effective tool. Pair it with light-coloured clothing and an insect repellent containing Picaridin or DEET.
4. Is there any escape? Yes! Strong coastal breezes like the “Fremantle Doctor” provide natural relief, and fly numbers are much lower in cooler weather or forested areas.

Meet the Cast: Our Star Performers

Before you arrive, let me introduce you to the main players you’ll encounter on your WA road trip. Knowing who’s who helps you understand what you’re dealing with.

The Bush Fly (Musca vetustissima)

The headliner is the Australian bush fly. These are the ones responsible for the famous “Aussie salute,” that constant wave of the hand in front of the face. According to research from organisations like the CSIRO, they aren’t trying to bite you. They are biologically driven to seek out the moisture and proteins found in the sweat, tears, and saliva of mammals to get the nutrients they need for breeding.

Think of them as tiny, over-eager foodies at a walking buffet.

The March Fly (Tabanidae family)

Next up is the March fly. Only the females bite, and trust me, you’ll know when they do. As the WA Department of Health explains, they have sharp, blade-like mouthparts that inflict a painful bite. They need a blood meal to get enough protein to develop their eggs, so your sacrifice is for a good cause, sort of.

The Stable Fly (Stomoxys calcitrans)

You might also run into the stable fly, a nasty biter that looks like a house fly but has a painful, skin-piercing mouthpart. They are a declared agricultural pest in many coastal areas north and south of Perth, particularly in shires like Gingin and Capel. The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) notes they breed in decaying organic matter like seaweed and improperly managed compost, making them a problem for livestock, pets, and people.

Why Winds and Wings Collide in Western Australia

WA isn’t just known for flies, it’s famous for its powerful winds. I’ve spent countless afternoons in my campervan watching the wind completely change the fly situation in minutes.

In summer, hot easterly winds often blow from the inland agricultural areas, carrying millions of flies towards the coast. This is what locals call the start of “fly season,” and it can turn a perfect beach day in Perth into a buzzing ordeal pretty quickly.

But then, the hero often arrives. It’s a cooling afternoon sea breeze from the southwest that we call the “Fremantle Doctor.”

This breeze is a blessing for fly-weary locals. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), it can blow at speeds of 28 to 37 kilometres per hour, sometimes gusting higher. This makes it too difficult for the smaller bush flies to stay airborne, effectively clearing them from the coast.

A pro-tip I’ve learned is to always check the wind forecast on the BOM Weather app. If you see strong westerlies or south-westerlies predicted, it’s a great day for the beach. If it’s a hot, still easterly, maybe plan an indoor activity or head for the hills.

Living in Harmony with Our Flying Friends

While flies can be irritating, locals have found ways to live with them. It’s all about understanding their rhythm and being prepared.

The stable fly problem has become so significant that the Stable Fly Action Group, involving bodies like the WA Horse Council and DPIRD, works on control strategies. This shows how seriously the issue is taken, especially in rural and coastal communities where they impact lifestyle and local economies.

I’ll never forget my first camping trip to Kalbarri National Park in November. I thought I was tough enough to handle a few flies. By the second day, I was wearing a tea towel over my head and would have paid anything for a proper fly net. It’s a rookie mistake you only make once!

Your Survival Kit (With a Smile)

After years of travelling around WA, I’ve got my fly-survival kit perfected. Here’s what you actually need to stay sane and happy.

Fashion Choices Matter

Flies are attracted to dark colours, which absorb more heat and may appear like a potential animal host. Health WA recommends wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing to make yourself less of a target. My summer road trip wardrobe is now almost entirely shades of white, beige, and light grey for this very reason.

The Head Net: Embrace the Look

It might make you look like a beekeeper on holiday, but a head net is the single best investment you can make. You can find them for under $10 at stores like BCF, Anaconda, or even some local service stations. It provides pure bliss and a personal fly-free zone when you’re trying to enjoy a sunset at a place like The Pinnacles.

An insider tip from fellow travellers on forums like Reddit is to wear it over a wide-brimmed hat. This keeps the netting away from your face, improving visibility and comfort.

Repellents: Your Aromatic Shield

When it comes to repellents, not all are created equal. For serious protection, Australian consumer group CHOICE has found that products containing at least 20% Picaridin or DEET are most effective. Picaridin is often preferred as it’s less likely to damage plastics and fabrics.

Brands like Aerogard and RID are popular go-tos. Remember to apply it to all exposed skin for it to be effective.

Tech Solutions for the Modern Explorer

For some campfire entertainment, you can’t beat an electric fly swatter. These battery-powered racquets deliver a satisfying *zap* and cost about $10-$15 from places like Bunnings or Kmart. They are surprisingly effective.

For protecting a larger area like your campsite, a device like the Thermacell MR300 can create a bug-free zone of roughly 20 square metres. While highly effective against mosquitoes, user reviews suggest its performance against the sheer number of WA bush flies can be mixed, but it often helps reduce their numbers.

Regional Fly Forecasts: Know Before You Go

Fly populations vary hugely across our massive state. Here’s a quick guide based on my travels to help you plan your Western Australia itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Befriending the Buzz

As I sit here writing this, doing the odd Aussie salute myself, I’m reminded that the flies are just part of the WA package. They are a sign of a healthy, wild ecosystem.

They’ve taught me to be prepared and have given me a new appreciation for a strong sea breeze.

So pack your head net and your sense of humour, and come see what this place has to offer. The landscapes are more than worth it.

Your next step is simple. Before you head out, grab a fly net from any camping store. It’s the best few dollars you’ll spend on your entire trip, I promise.