Insects of Nepal

Wherever you go, the local people know what to avoid and what’s not a problem. Insects are one of those things. They are life forms and fellow earthlings, so please be gentle with them. Just like humans, they just want to live their lives in peace.

If you come to Nepal you may have some reservations due to the insects and other natural critters. Here in the Kathmandu Valley there really aren’t any insects you need to really worry about, although there is a yellow caterpillar that can cause quite an irritation, which I haven’t heard of any tourists to be effected.

There is little to worry about here in the Kathmandu Valley, but I have to disclose a neighbor in the village where I lived got bit by a spider on his big toe and it caused pain and swelling all the way up to his groin. He was in a village home without a good floor or even glass in the windows.

Insects can be pretty scary, but they are so important for life on our planet. Scientists say that if just the bees die we will also; that’s how important they are for life on our planet.

No, I don’t like them to crawl on me or anything, but I sure do admire them from afar.

To understand just how the insects will affect you, you’ll need to realize that Nepal has 3 very different climates. First, Chitwan is in the flat elevation like people think of as India. You really can’t tell just where Nepal ends and India begins and it’s full of all kinds of problematic critters-from the very small insects to the occasional wild bull elephant. If you go to Chitwan be sure to bring a pair of binoculars. The birds and wildlife are amazing there.

Then, there is a more temperate climate like in the Kathmandu Valley. It’s great for farming. Although there have been reports of Dengue fever even in the higher elevations, there isn’t a big likelihood that you’ll be affected by it unless you are volunteering and living where people have it, usually by the river or at the hospitals.

Then there is the higher country where there really isn’t a need to worry at all about insects, but be sure to keep your distance from the larger animals, such as cows and mountain cats.

If you go to Chitwan you will need to take a few precautions or at least heighten your awareness about insects. Here are a few tips for you to consider.

1. If you have an aversion to insects or an outright fear you’ll want to stay in a bit better guesthouse and stay as high up as you can-3-4th floor will make a big difference.

2. You can have your guesthouse staff check your room with you in the evening. You will need to lift the bed up to check for spiders and snakes. Yes, if you are staying in a resort with the thatch roof you will need to check under your bed nightly.

3. Use a sleeping bag liner to help keep insects and spiders away from you in bed. You can find them in Thamel or just about anywhere they sell trekking supplies.

Ants: Interestingly, we are not bothered by fire ants here in the Kathmandu Valley. Although originally from Africa, these aggressive ants are difficult to avoid in many parts of the US.

3:27 in the video: Unfortunately, this blue bee got lost in our apartment and I was unable to get a good video of him. These are rare and beautiful, so I’m including her.

2:47 in the video: This beetle was about 4 inches long. We also have some smaller ones that buzz around the lights and bang into walls. They are fun to watch and completely harmless.

5:55 on the video: If you do hiking during the monsoon season you may get one of these leeches on you. Don’t worry if you do. They are gross but perfectly harmless.

Mosquito: If you are concerned about Malaria or Dengue Fever check out the video on that subject for more information. 

Our travel insurance link will take you to the best value for your money on travel insurance. This is a shopping platform similar to Booking.com or Tripadvisor.com They are suppliers of the highest-rated policies from international travel insurance companies. Not only are the policies the same prices as offered by the travel insurance companies directly, but if you do need to put in a claim Insure My Trip will provide you with an advocate who will help you get everything you can out of your policy. You really do not want to go through it alone.

Travel Insurance link: https://www.insuremytrip.com/?linkId=8507

Learn more about Ama’s work in Nepal. (http://KayGarnay.org) 

We have an e-Book to help you have a great time in Nepal with even more tips. Our eBook, Nepal: A Tourist’s Manual. http://Payhip.com/Nepal Save 50% by using coupon code WhatAboutNepal

Website: https://WhatAboutNepal.org