Roger, Ubud writes: I read your articles in the Bali Advertiser frequently and find then extremely helpful for my future plans. I am currently planning to build on a plot of land north of Ubud; my problem at this time is that whenever I visit the land I get “bitten” or “stung” by something very small which I cannot see. They often sting around the upper thighs, even when wearing thick jeans. The results are extremely itchy and long lasting rather like sand fly bites. Would you know what it might be? How can I get rid of them before commencing my landscaping? Are there many snakes in Bali and what plants would be good to keep them away?
I really needed more information from Roger, so a quick email brought the following response: The land is in the hills at Kerta about 25 mins north of Ubud, formerly rice field but apparently difficult to grow at that elevation. It has been left to alang alang and weeds; construction has not started yet. The immediate surround is similar overgrown rice paddy except for the ravine side which is normal ravine forest. The nearest neighbors are about 300 m away, a developed villa, and do not seem to have the same problem.
Roger, without a specimen, it is almost impossible to identify your ‘beasties’. I suggest that you (a) seek local knowledge (ie: ask neighbors and in particular Balinese people if you can); and (b) apply a good insect repellent to your body and clothing whilst inspecting the land. Any preparation with DEET in it is very effective in keeping nasty stingers away
My first recommendation would be that you clear the land of all the rubbish and weeds. This would remove the habitat in which these insects are living. By this, I mean slashing the vegetation. Having seen similar areas allowed to ‘revert to nature’ I have a quite accurate mental picture of what your block looks like. This would also explain why you are being bitten at hip height, What is there at present provides an ideal habitat for many different kinds of ‘nasties’ (including snakes).
Either have the weeds and alang alang removed, or allow the debris to dry sufficiently for burning – between 5-7 days should be enough at this time of year. Rake it into a number of smallish piles spread around the block. This allows better fire control and also makes it easier to spread the ash after the fire has died. Ash is an excellent fertilizer and ‘sweetens’ the soil at the same time. Depending on the size of the piles, only light one or two at the same time. Again making fire control easier, burning faster and more effective.
A rapid blaze produces far less smoke – something you must consider with established neighbors just 300m away. Given the speed of re-growth in the tropics, you may need to do this more than once. This will depend on the lead time between now and when you begin to build.
There are snakes of one kind or another in every country of the world, excepting Ireland and really frigid areas, where cold-blooded reptiles cannot exist; Bali/Indonesia is no exception. There are a number of venomous snakes in my native country, Australia, but in my quite long life, I have seen but three living snakes – this despite spending my first 16 years in a small bush town. (I don’t count the ‘road kills’ or the dead ones strung up on country fences.) During the more than a decade I have spent living in Indonesia, (not always in big cities), I have only seen one live snake zipping across the road as quickly as possible to avoid the wheels of my oncoming car
You should remember that as a general rule they are far more afraid of us than we are of them, and usually may be relied upon to get away from us as fast as they can. Their behavior is unpredictable only when in the annual process of shedding their skins. Until the new scales dry and harden, they are quite blind and will strike at any perceived threat. If you happen upon one at this time, keep well out of its way. Clearing your land removes potential hiding places for snakes also. If you are nervous about snakes (and most people are), removing habitat is the best possible measure.
If you do find yourself having to deal with snakebite, best practice today is firmly bandage the affected part to restrict blood flow; calm the patient as best you can and quickly seek medical aid. If possible identify the snake, though I believe there are now anti-venenes effective against many kinds of snakes. With reasonable care, such an emergency may be avoided.
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