Thailand is home to a whole host of bugs and other critters that can be potentially harmfulfor people and pets. Some are venomous and require urgent medical attention, whilst others can be pretty painful but won’t cause any lasting effects. There are also those that spread potentially lethal diseases and others that can cause some nasty infections.
Let’s take a look at some of the nasty things that you might come across in Chiang Mai:
Mosquitoes
Almost everyone knows that mosquitoes can transmit malaria, and although that isn’t a particular concern in Chiang Mai, there is a very real risk of contracting Dengue Fever from a mosquito bite. The bites themselves aren’t usually painful, although they can be itchy. There is no vaccine or prophylaxis for Dengue Fever, so making sure that you avoid being bitten is crucial. Another nasty disease that is spread by mosquitoes is Japanese Encephalitis.
Image By www.flickr.com/photos/s2ublack[/caption]Spiders
There are many different types of spider in Thailand, some of which can give a rather nasty bite. Whilst bites are typically not fatal, the bite site can become infected. It can also be very painful, and swelling can reduce mobility for a few days. Some of the nastier species of spider in Thailand include the Tarantula, Black Widow, Huntsmen, and Giant Orb Spider.
Fire Ants
Whilst the bite of one Fire Ant will hurt, most people who are unlucky enough to be bitten don’t just get the one bite … These nasty ants can bit you many times, and they typically don’t hang out alone. If you disturb a nest you will know about it very quickly – ants will be all over you in seconds! As well as being painful with a burning sensation, enough bites can send your body into shock – and that can be fatal.
Giant Centipedes
Pretty aggressive and fearsome looking, the giant centipede packs quite a punch if it bites you.
Image By www.flickr.com/photos/fixersphotos[/caption]
Indeed, it is said to be one of the most painful bites you can get in Thailand. The bite alone probably won’t kill you, but it can get infected. Infection or not, it is likely to be very painful for a few days at least.
Scorpions
Most scorpions in Thailand aren’t too harmful, but they can deliver a nasty little sting that can become infected. You have a greater risk of bumping into a scorpion if you’re out hiking in the jungles, but that’s not to say that one won’t sneak into your home. Shake shoes before putting them on!
Snakes
There are lots of different poisonous snakes all around Thailand, and you will find them almost everywhere in Chiang Mai. Whether you’re in the jungle, walking along the street, or at home, there is a good chance that you may spot one of Thailand’s slithery creatures. Some can be pretty aggressive. If you are bitten by any snake you should seek urgent medical attention. Some venomous snakes deliver fatal bites. There are others where the bite won’t kill you but can lead to paralysis or decaying flesh (known as necrosis). Snakes in Thailand include cobras (some of which aim venom into your eyes from a distance), vipers, kraits, and pythons. It’s worth noting that pythons are the least dangerous of the dangerous snakes as they have to be pretty big to cause much damage to a human.
Monitor Lizards
Image By www.flickr.com/photos/88087720@N00[/caption]
The bites and scratches of a monitor lizard can become infected. Whilst these large reptiles usually run away from humans, they may attack if they are provoked. They are commonly found near water.
Hornets
Aggressive and with a very painful sting, hornets can be a real nuisance. If one is near you, try to remain calm – if you swipe at it, it is more likely to get angry and attack. Intense pain and swelling usually comes right after a sting, but it can also send you into shock. If this happens, go to a hospital immediately.
Street Dogs
Whilst most dogs are all bark and little bite, street dogs can be aggressive. They are especially dangerous if they are in a pack or infected with a disease. Although rare, it is not impossible for a person to be mauled to death by a dog. The greater risk comes from a bite becoming infected, or an infection entering the bloodstream through the bite. If you are bitten by a dog (or cat for that matter) you should seek medical advice – you will likely need rabies shots to be on the safe side.
Have you had any issues with creatures in Chiang Mai? Are there any others that you would add to this list?
Let’s take a look at some of the nasty things that you might come across in Chiang Mai:
Mosquitoes
Almost everyone knows that mosquitoes can transmit malaria, and although that isn’t a particular concern in Chiang Mai, there is a very real risk of contracting Dengue Fever from a mosquito bite. The bites themselves aren’t usually painful, although they can be itchy. There is no vaccine or prophylaxis for Dengue Fever, so making sure that you avoid being bitten is crucial. Another nasty disease that is spread by mosquitoes is Japanese Encephalitis.
Image By www.flickr.com/photos/s2ublack[/caption]SpidersThere are many different types of spider in Thailand, some of which can give a rather nasty bite. Whilst bites are typically not fatal, the bite site can become infected. It can also be very painful, and swelling can reduce mobility for a few days. Some of the nastier species of spider in Thailand include the Tarantula, Black Widow, Huntsmen, and Giant Orb Spider.
Fire Ants
Whilst the bite of one Fire Ant will hurt, most people who are unlucky enough to be bitten don’t just get the one bite … These nasty ants can bit you many times, and they typically don’t hang out alone. If you disturb a nest you will know about it very quickly – ants will be all over you in seconds! As well as being painful with a burning sensation, enough bites can send your body into shock – and that can be fatal.
Giant Centipedes
Pretty aggressive and fearsome looking, the giant centipede packs quite a punch if it bites you.
Image By www.flickr.com/photos/fixersphotos[/caption]Scorpions
Most scorpions in Thailand aren’t too harmful, but they can deliver a nasty little sting that can become infected. You have a greater risk of bumping into a scorpion if you’re out hiking in the jungles, but that’s not to say that one won’t sneak into your home. Shake shoes before putting them on!
Snakes
There are lots of different poisonous snakes all around Thailand, and you will find them almost everywhere in Chiang Mai. Whether you’re in the jungle, walking along the street, or at home, there is a good chance that you may spot one of Thailand’s slithery creatures. Some can be pretty aggressive. If you are bitten by any snake you should seek urgent medical attention. Some venomous snakes deliver fatal bites. There are others where the bite won’t kill you but can lead to paralysis or decaying flesh (known as necrosis). Snakes in Thailand include cobras (some of which aim venom into your eyes from a distance), vipers, kraits, and pythons. It’s worth noting that pythons are the least dangerous of the dangerous snakes as they have to be pretty big to cause much damage to a human.
Monitor Lizards
Image By www.flickr.com/photos/88087720@N00[/caption]
The bites and scratches of a monitor lizard can become infected. Whilst these large reptiles usually run away from humans, they may attack if they are provoked. They are commonly found near water.Hornets
Aggressive and with a very painful sting, hornets can be a real nuisance. If one is near you, try to remain calm – if you swipe at it, it is more likely to get angry and attack. Intense pain and swelling usually comes right after a sting, but it can also send you into shock. If this happens, go to a hospital immediately.
Street Dogs
Whilst most dogs are all bark and little bite, street dogs can be aggressive. They are especially dangerous if they are in a pack or infected with a disease. Although rare, it is not impossible for a person to be mauled to death by a dog. The greater risk comes from a bite becoming infected, or an infection entering the bloodstream through the bite. If you are bitten by a dog (or cat for that matter) you should seek medical advice – you will likely need rabies shots to be on the safe side.
Have you had any issues with creatures in Chiang Mai? Are there any others that you would add to this list?
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