G’day, fellow adventurers! If you’ve ever visited Western Australia, you’ll know our local flies have mastered what I like to call the “outback handshake” – that friendly, persistent buzzing around your face that serves as our state’s unofficial welcome ceremony.
While you’re busy taking in our breathtaking landscapes, from the rugged Kimberley to the pristine beaches of the South West, these tiny aerial acrobats are busy taking in… well, you. But fear not! This guide will help you understand our unique winged residents and their fascinating relationship with WA’s infamous winds.
Meet the Cast: Our Star Performers
Let me introduce you to the tiny celebrities you’ll encounter on your WA adventure:
The bush fly is our headline act. According to research from the University of Western Australia, these little blighters aren’t actually interested in biting you – they’re just incredibly curious about the moisture around your eyes, nose, and mouth. Think of them as overeager tourists themselves, desperate to sample the local attractions (which happen to be your facial features).
“They’re essentially looking for protein and salt,” explains Dr. David Cook, entomologist at UWA. “It’s like they’ve found a walking salt lick with eyes.”
Then there’s the March fly – the drama queen of our insect world. Only the females bite, and when they do, you’ll certainly know about it. Health WA notes these ladies need a blood meal to develop their eggs. Consider it your contribution to WA’s biodiversity!
What many visitors don’t realize is that our flies actually play a crucial role in our ecosystem. They’re decomposers, pollinators, and food for many native birds. Not that this knowledge makes them any less annoying when they’re performing synchronized swimming routines in your coffee.
When Winds and Wings Collide
WA isn’t just famous for our friendly flies – we’re also known for our robust winds, which create a fascinating natural phenomenon I’ve watched play out countless times from my Perth verandah.
During summer, our easterly winds effectively serve as free Uber rides for flies from the agricultural areas east of Perth. These winds can transport millions of flies over considerable distances, creating what locals jokingly call “fly migration season.”
I’ve witnessed days where Perth beaches transform from idyllic swimming spots to impromptu fly conventions in a matter of hours, all thanks to a shift in wind direction. It’s nature’s own flash mob!
But here’s the kicker – flies are actually rather poor fliers in strong winds. On particularly blustery days, you might notice a blessed decrease in their numbers. They’re literally grounded, taking shelter and waiting for calmer conditions to resume their aerial antics.
My mate Dave, who runs fishing charters off Rottnest Island, swears by the old bushman’s trick of checking wind forecasts to plan low-fly-density excursions. “Easterlies bring the buggers in,” he told me over a beer last summer, “but a good southerly will blow them back where they came from.”
Living in Harmony with Our Flying Friends
While our flies can sometimes seem like they’re auditioning for a role in a horror movie, there’s a certain rhythm to their presence that locals have learned to dance with.
The stable flies, particularly prevalent around our agricultural areas, have become such a topic of conversation that the WA Horse Council regularly discusses mitigation strategies for property owners. These flies are particularly drawn to farm animals, making them the bane of rural living during peak seasons.
I still chuckle remembering my first camping trip to Kalbarri. I’d packed everything except fly protection, naively believing they couldn’t possibly be “that bad.” By day two, I’d fashioned a makeshift head net from a tea towel and was seriously contemplating how much I could get for my soul if I traded it for some industrial-strength repellent.
Your Survival Kit (With a Smile)
After years of perfecting the “Aussie salute” (that constant waving motion to shoo flies from your face), I’ve compiled my essential fly-survival tactics:
Fashion Choices Matter
Flies have surprisingly sophisticated fashion sense – they’re drawn to dark colors like black and navy blue. Opt for lighter-colored clothing when exploring during fly season. My personal wardrobe has gradually transitioned to increasingly lighter shades with each passing summer in WA.
The Head Net: Embrace the Look
Yes, you’ll look like a beekeeping astronaut. Yes, children might point and stare. But a proper head net is worth its weight in gold when the flies are staging a full-scale invasion. You can pick these up for about $10 at most camping stores, or get fancy with integrated hat versions for around $25.
I’ve seen tourists go from mocking to begging to purchase head nets from locals within a single afternoon at Wave Rock.
Repellents: Your Aromatic Shield
Not all insect repellents are created equal when it comes to our determined WA flies. Products containing DEET offer some protection, but don’t expect miracles. Natural alternatives like eucalyptus oil can provide temporary relief.
My neighbor Shelia swears by her homemade concoction of apple cider vinegar, eucalyptus, and lemongrass oil. “They hate it,” she insists, “almost as much as my husband does!” The smell is certainly distinctive, but I’ve borrowed it on particularly bad fly days and found it surprisingly effective.
Tech Solutions for the Modern Explorer
For around $30, you can arm yourself with a battery-powered fly swatter that delivers a satisfying zap to any fly brave enough to venture within range. I’ve witnessed grown adults giggle with childlike glee while wielding these electronic fly executioners.
For the budget-conscious traveler, a simple $10 bug zapper from eBay can provide both protection and entertainment during those long evenings around the campfire. There’s something oddly satisfying about the pop that signals another fly has met its maker.
Regional Fly Forecasts: Know Before You Go
Having explored every corner of this magnificent state, I’ve compiled this handy regional guide to WA’s fly conditions:
Kimberley: Peak fly activity during the dry season (May-October). The wet season brings fewer flies but more mosquitoes – it’s nature’s way of ensuring you’re never completely comfortable.
Pilbara: Flies here seem to have completed some sort of heat-endurance training. They’re active year-round but especially prevalent after rainfall when breeding conditions are optimal.
Perth & Southwest: Early summer (November-December) often sees fly populations explode, particularly after good spring rains. February through April typically offers some relief as numbers naturally decline.
Southern Forests: The dense canopy provides natural protection from flies, making this region a good choice during peak fly season elsewhere. Just don’t mention this to the locals – they prefer to keep this secret to themselves.
Conclusion: Embracing the Buzz
As I sit writing this from my backyard in Perth, occasionally performing the Aussie salute between keystrokes, I’m reminded that our flies are just another part of what makes Western Australia so uniquely wonderful.
These tiny creatures have taught me patience, improved my reflexes, and given me countless stories to share over a cold beer at the pub. They’ve also helped me identify fellow WA locals anywhere in the world – we’re the ones who still instinctively wave at our faces even when there’s not a fly in sight.
So pack your head net, your sense of humor, and perhaps a fly swatter or two, and come experience the magnificent dance of winds and wings in Western Australia. Our flies may be persistent, but our landscapes are spectacular, our people are friendly, and our sunsets are worth every single buzzing encounter.
After all, where else can you experience a wildlife encounter without even trying? In WA, the wildlife comes to you – right up to your face, in fact!
And remember, as we say in the west: You can always tell a happy WA camper – they’re the ones smiling with their mouth closed to keep the flies out!
