ARE INSECTS AND SNAKES SCARY IN BALI?

Talking in general about snakes in Bali

Despite the obvious danger, snakes have a special place in Balinese culture. They are associated with gods and spirits, and also play an important role in religious rituals and ceremonies.

Most Balinese treat snakes with respect and caution. They believe in the divine power of snakes and believe that they can bring both prosperity and misfortune. Therefore, the Balinese try not to kill these creatures, but, on the contrary, treat them with care and respect.

Snakes play an important role in Bali's ecosystem, controlling the numbers of rodents and other species that could become agricultural pests. Preserving biodiversity and ecological balance is an important objective for nature conservation in Bali.

Balinese cobra

This species is characterized by a long and slender body, as well as a hood-like spread of the neck. The Balinese cobra is brightly colored with alternating stripes of yellow and black.

King Cobra

Fortunately, such a snake will not be encountered during a simple walk around the island. This species is very large - about half a meter in length. It has a hood, is painted mainly in dark colors, but usually has light spots closer to the head.

Krayt

Small black and white snakes, their color reminiscent of a pedestrian crossing.

Keffiyeh

Small green snakes. They usually have a red color on the tail.

Viper

Vipers in Bali are brown in color with many dark spots along the entire length of the body. The size of such snakes can be quite impressive.

In general, if you see a snake in nature, we advise you not to approach them under any circumstances. The fact is that snakes do not have the habit of specifically looking for prey in the form of a person, and they bite only when it seems to them that they are in danger.

Snakes in Bali can have both very dangerous and very weak venom. Some are not at all dangerous to humans. Here are a number of signs that will help distinguish dangerous snakes:

Color

Venomous snakes in Bali tend to be brightly colored, often with alternating stripes or spots.

Hood

Many dangerous snakes have a distinctive hood that they extend when threatened.

Eyes

You are unlikely to see the eyes of snakes when you meet them, but there is such a sign. Poisonous snakes have vertical pupils, while harmless species have round pupils.

Tail

A sharp tail that tapers to a point can be a sign of a venomous snake.

• Avoid close contact. Never attempt to approach or touch snakes, even if they appear harmless.

• Use caution. When walking through natural areas in Bali, be careful and avoid particularly noisy traffic. This will help you avoid unexpected encounters with snakes.

• Shoes and clothing. Always wear closed shoes and clothing to protect your feet and body from possible bites.

• Specialized assistance. If you are bitten by a snake, seek medical attention immediately. And, if possible, remember the signs of the snake, or take a photograph of it. This will help in finding the right medicine.

Now we move on to less dangerous species, which, nevertheless, also very frighten some guests of the island - insects. Most insects in Bali are harmless, but can be quite annoying. Let's figure it out.

Spiders and scorpions

Let us immediately reassure the most impressionable: no, there are no dangerous spiders or scorpions in Bali. They may scare you when they meet, but they do not have any poison harmful to humans.

Mosquitoes

As in many tropical regions, mosquitoes are common in Bali. They can be nasty with their bites and carry a variety of diseases, including malaria and dengue. However, you can significantly reduce the danger by simply applying mosquito repellent to yourself. They are especially effective in Bali, so you can simply buy them in the store.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches may be found in homes and public places on the island. They are not dangerous at all, but they can scare you with their size. They try to poison them in all residential areas of the island.

Bees and wasps

In Bali you can encounter bees, wasps and hornets. They play an important role in plant pollination and honey production. There is a simple rule with them - do not touch them and try not to provoke them.

Ants

Ants pose no danger to humans and are present throughout the island. One interesting thing about them is that they can be so brazen that they will steal your food. Therefore, locals simply poison ants if they see them in the house.

Butterflies and dragonflies

Bali is famous for its variety of butterflies and dragonflies. These beautiful insects bring joy and beauty to the nature of the island. And, of course, they are not dangerous in any way.

As we said, most insects in Bali are not dangerous to humans. However, mosquitoes can carry diseases, so it is important to take precautions such as using mosquito repellents and wearing protective clothing during the evening and night hours.

For insect bites, watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as severe swelling or itching. If serious allergic reactions, swelling and fever from unknown insects occur, you should consult a doctor.

So, in Bali there are both snakes and insects. Although the former can pose a danger to life, the latter are completely harmless to humans. Follow the recommendations in this article and you will be completely safe.

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