West coast sandflies...

[netchicken]

Spring has come and the sandflies are coming out..

Here is one of the giant ones, looking to have a tourist for dinner...

Make sure you bring PLENTY of bug repellent!

[debrajane]

Hello, Everyone!

Everything I read about NZ describes attacks of the killer sandflies.

If I plan to stay for ten days, how many cans of DEET should I bring?!

[netchicken]

Actually i was joking about the bug spray, as sandflies are a native species, they are protected. You are not allowed to kill them

[johnynz]

Sandflies are a native species, but to say they are protected and you can't kill them is ridiculous. I would be very surprised if Netchicken actually lives in New Zealand (reading some of the advice he/she is giving out and given that this site is run out of Seattle usa I believe).
Sandflies can be a nuisance at times but are usually only found in areas around native bush or beaches etc. Yes, you should carry insect repellent with you, particually if you react to bites. Sandflies are clean, do not carry diseases, their bites are nothing more than a mild irritation and they are good at keeping the human population from over running our native forests. :-)
Don't let them put you off visiting what are some of the most stunning areas in NZ.

[netchicken]

What a babble you make Johnny, Yes I am a Kiwi, and yes I indulge in humor.

[johnynz]

Given that this is a travel discussion board, it is important not to spread mis-information. We wouldn't want an unsuspecting visitor to the West Coast hating their experience because they thought they couldn't swat a sandfly. Perhaps you should make your "humour" a little more obvious (like the picture etc) in future.

[netchicken]

As you are striking 3 out of 3 in stupidity who the heck are you to tell me what to do.

Go away and bother someone else.

[johnynz]

No need for personal attacks and abuse Netchicken.
C'mon tell us where you are really from.