Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Bush Flies

Planning on doing some bicycle touring in the southwestern area of West Australia state during late November to early December. What can I expect in the way of bush flies, a minor nuisance or a major headache? Wondering if the dung beetle has made any impact relative to controlling this problem.

Planning on doing some bicycle touring in the southwestern area of West Australia state during late November to early December. What can I expect in the way of bush flies, a minor nuisance or a major headache? Wondering if the dung beetle has made any impact relative to controlling this problem.

On reading the title of this thread, I thought we were going to discuss a certain former President's travel plans...:( (Sorry OP, I'm completely off-topic:))

So just to at least make an effort at replying, I was there a year or so ago (in March) and out in the bush the flies were a major headache...

Australia has lots of flies! The population density varies with season and location (winter, virtually none - summer, heaps).

Not sure if cycling and sweating as a result makes a big difference, but typically the best (probably only) way to avoid them (or at least minimise the impact) is to spray a repellent onto exposed skin (Aerogard is one of the better known brands, no idea if it is best).

Depends how warm the spring is. The earlier it gets warmer the sooner the dung beetles get going. Ime November-December are the worst months for flies. Where in the south-west are you going to be cycling?

If you're planning to be cycling for the most part fo the trip I hardly see how flies would be an issue? If you were hiking/bushwalking through the landscape I could understand how bush flies could be an issue but at speed on a bike I'm not sure you would have a problem.

If you're planning to be cycling for the most part fo the trip I hardly see how flies would be an issue? If you were hiking/bushwalking through the landscape I could understand how bush flies could be an issue but at speed on a bike I'm not sure you would have a problem.

^ As a regular cyclist flies on a bike are not an issue.

Where in the south-west are you going to be cycling?

South of Perth and Kalgoorlie and west of Kalgoorlie and Esperance.

when we were there two years ago, we didn't buy head nets until got north of perth at cervantes. that was unbelievable. but the onshore breezes in the south seemed to make all the difference. even in the big trees in november it wasn't an issue for us... but north of perth.... ah, that makes the difference.

but they don't bite; they just make you crazy. so i'd imagine that on a bike, they'd stay out of your face, whether or not they covered your back, so it would be just fine.

fwiw

Flies can be outright annoying! If conditions are right for breeding, they can get in your mouth regularly. Although, I think that your biggest worry should be the temperature - you could be facing 40+ celcius days, and that is definitely no fun.

Although, I think that your biggest worry should be the temperature - you could be facing 40+ celcius days, and that is definitely no fun.
I generally bike in the morning, starting before 8 AM and finishing by noon time if it's going to be a hot day.