Creepy Crawlers While somewhat pesky, it is extremely rare to be inflicted with serious problems by any of Portugal’s flies, bugs, or creepy crawlers.

Portugal’s Flies, Bugs & Insects

By Rosanna Bucknill

Since moving to Portugal, I have experienced some creepy crawlers that I never encountered in the UK. One of the biggest shocks to the system has to be sighting some hairy centipedes that look like prawns on steroids. These centipedes have a long translucent grey body that can grow up to 30mm in length and, on average, have15 pairs of thin and wire-like legs. Attracted by humidity, these centipedes can move extremely quickly and crawl along walls and skirting boards. My first sight of this type of centipede was in my Porto kitchen when I reached to slice a loaf of bread that I’d left out on the side counter. A large centipede shot out from under the loaf, scuttling across the surface top and down the wall, as I let out a banshee-like shrill shriek. Following some online research, I discovered that these centipedes are clearly harmless, although definitely unnerving. I managed to keep them at bay by purchasing a can of ‘Bio Kill Insecticida.’ Still, I am constantly on the lookout and now store loaves of bread wrapped in the cupboards. Flies, too, can be extremely irritating in Portugal. It’s estimated that there are around 3,000 different species residing here. In 2021—in case you’re keeping track— scientists identified four new species of ant-flies in the Iberian Peninsula. Personally, my worst experience with flies was during the summer in the Douro valley. Laying out on a lounger by the pool was a bloody nightmare because of pesky, small, black, human-biting flies. Once bitten, you experience a sharp stinging pain that later swells and itches. Beach-wise, especially, it seems there is no solution for deflecting these flies, even when covering your arms and legs with a towel or a light shawl. On certain beaches in northern Portugal, I discovered that Asian hornets have been causing panic during the summer months. It’s believed that Asian hornets were introduced to France during the transportation of some bonsai trees from Southeast Asia; from there, they spread throughout Europe. Asian hornets are predators of bees, so beekeepers are keen to keep these pests in check—some beekeepers installing electric fences to protect their hives. Don’t attempt to destroy their nests … leave this task to the experts. (Their nests are usually found in very high places, such as tree tops.) Partial-destruction of a nest can aggravate rather than eliminate the problem. Avoid at all costs coming in contact with Asian hornets. They’re mean, aggressive, offensive, and their bites not only hurt, but can be dangerous. If stung by an Asian hornet, seek immediate medical attention because their sting can be lethal if untreated. Mosquitoes are also an issue here in Portugal. This year I was astonished to learn that in Porto, the worst month for mosquitoes was November … despite the low temperatures.

In 2017, the first Asian tiger mosquito was detected in a tire factory in Northern Portugal. There is nothing more annoying than being awakened at 3am every night with the whining buzz of a mosquito. So, I have come up with some strategies • My preferred solution is the plug-in liquid ‘Raid’ sold in

Portuguese supermarkets. It typically costs about eight euros and you recharge the liquid after 30 nights. • Another option I have tried in the past is a pop-up

Mongolian bed/tent you can order one online for an average cost of €35. Its only disadvantage is that it does take up a lot of space and it’s essential that to leave it zipped throughout the day so no bugs get trapped inside it. • From my own experience, I find that anti-mosquito citronella candles or wristbands are the least effective in terms of bite-protection. Some say there are around 800 different species of spider in Portugal, but very few of them are dangerous—

photo: CDC/Wikimedia Commons

illustration: Al G. Smith

including the Mediterranean Black Widow and Violin Spider (also nicknamed the ‘brown recluse,’ because it prefers dry and quiet habitats). The black widow is recognized by its jet-black colour, with a small red marking on the torso. The Armadeira is another spider than can cause problems if it bites. Introduced to Portugal by stowing away in banana crates coming from Brazil, these spiders can grow to an enormous size (13-18cm) and are generally brown with some white speckles. Some European tarantulas—identified by their four pairs of eyes—are also found in Portugal. Rarely dangerous, they bite only for defensive reasons. Relatively large with a black colour and white spots, the Desertas Wolf Spider, is also venomous, but is exclusively found in Madeira. Portugal hosts a variety of creepy crawlers. While somewhat pesky, it is extremely rare to be inflicted with serious problems by any of them. So, get out your fly-swatters … and try to relax!

Wine tourism master, writer, and sommelier Rosanna Bucknill studied at the Universidade do Porto and University of Edinburg.

Break into the hemp-based CBD industry

The first direct selling company in the legal cannabis industry The company which launched CBD to the world The company which set the safety standards for the industry *Kannaway - the Premier Cannabis Company* We seek entrepreneurs to help build distribution channels for Kannaway in Portugal Do you know someone looking for a new business opportunity? Message or email Dan for details

Dan Marshall Tel or text: +351 911 082 930 WhatsApp: +44 7913 450 445 dan@helpmetohemp.com

‘Hemp in Every Home’