Seasonal pests
“B-A-N-G!!” goes another deafening explosion. All across the island the sounds of pyromania cause my eardrums to further collapse. The odor of sulphur wafts through the window, as does that sinister laughter of those reveling in their domestic crimes of terror. I try to imagine with each deafening crack, another finger is lost – suddenly my sweet fantasy delivers gentle calm.
Every year during December, Indonesians (particularly youngsters) recede into this catatonic obsession with fireworks, spending all day (& night), terrorizing local communities with their relentless lunacy. The authorities partially outlawed fireworks last year, but no one seems to care, and the stores still openly sell them – this is Indonesia after all – what can you do? Although, perhaps that Denpasar temple that almost burned down recently will inspire some law enforcement – lets see.
Also… during this month of ‘living dangerously’.. there’s another dreaded pest that emerges from the sultry night skies – simply known as… the ‘Alate’ termite.
Alate’s typically appear at the start of the rainy season. Once night falls, they swarm – in their hundreds – upon any light source, feverishly flying about, until their wings fall off. Once they shed these appendages, they begin their delightful process of nesting.
A queen can lay up to 2,000 eggs a day… nice.
dip ‘em in honey and put them onto hot iron – termite crisps – a little salt
A preferred option for any ‘skint’ Indo surf-warrior in need of some protein…
The chicken love a wingless termite …….. Im sitting down under in Mark Cherry,s old apartment over looking Bronte beach and reading a letter to him from the office of state Revenue . I will post a photo of the letter on Hollywoodhoy or facebook .
Cheers Jim – hope ya getting some waves…
by the hundreds?? by the thousands…. 6 inches thick on the floor. swarming the street lamps. and yes, the geckos absolutely gorging themselves.
If you leave a window open with the light on… you end up wading through knee-deep wing-confetti..
I did always think those geckos looked pretty amazing…
Here’s one from my trip
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150198324460517&set=a.10150282114060517.540336.852135516&type=3&theater
(don’t know if link will work)
That’s a beauty mate – thanks for sharing…
Not a problem. Just found your blog today. I’ll be back!