What's Sandfly Map?

Sandfly Map is an app which allows travellers and locals to report sandfly hotspots around New Zealand.

With full offline support, the app works reliably whether you're in the central CBD or out in the bush - you can even place markers without an internet connection.

Wait... what's a sandfly?

Sandflies (Austrosimulium australense, Austrosimulium ungulatum and Austrosimulium tillyardianum) are Public Enemy #1 to most people in New Zealand.

The West Coast of the South Island is renowned for plagues of sand flies and visitors are warned well in advance. They are also found within other parts of the country - notably the Fiordland, Southland and Tasman areas.

The central and eastern parts of the South Island are seldom affected by sandflies but they are still present for sure.

The critters typically attack the lower leg, ankles and feet but are known to venture further up the body in an attempt to find fresher pickings.

The pain is short, sharp and tends to disappear after a few seconds but don't be fooled, it will return as chronic itchiness soon after. Some people experience severe localised swelling if enough bites are experienced and others develop small rashes around the bite.

Sandflies often lurk around water for breeding but can unfortunately be found a long way from water.

In our experience, the best way to escape them is to submerge yourself under water. However, as soon as you exit the water, you will need to deploy strong air defence techniques.

There are few suitably effective bug repellents available, but we've found that simply lathering the skin with thick oil offers the best protection. The sandflies will be unable to penetrate the thick layer of grease and you can watch with glee as they become stuck and die a painful death.

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