KAUAI’S BUG AND INSECTS: A GUIDE TO WHAT YOU MIGHT ENCOUNTER
Hawaii is well known for its diverse and beautiful array of flora and fauna. And while most people think of the island’s stunning beaches, rain forests, and mountains when they dream of visiting Hawaii, what many don’t know is that the island is also home to a wide variety of fascinating bugs and insects.
In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most common bugs and insects you might encounter on your trip to Kauai!
Don’t Worry About The Bugs
While you may have heard some horror stories and anecdotes that are exaggerated – there’s no need to worry! Just like most places on Earth, the island of Kauai is home to those same insects. Don’t overthink it, and get to learn more about the critters crawling around Kauai!
Centipedes
Centipedes are long, multi-legged creatures that can be found in a variety of habitats all over the world. On the island of Kauai, they are most commonly seen in damp, dark places such as under rocks and logs or in mulch around plants.
Although they are not considered dangerous to humans, their bite can be painful. Centipedes primarily eat insects, but they will also consume other small invertebrates. In order to help control the population of these predators, Kauai residents often keep centipede traps in their yards. Made from a variety of materials including plastic tubs, boxes, and bottles, these traps provide a safe place for centipedes to hunt while preventing them from entering homes.
Caterpillars
Kauai is home to a variety of different caterpillars, many of which are colorful and interesting to look at. Some of the more common species include the Hawaiianforest caterpillar, the Hawaiian urania caterpillar, and the Kamehameha butterflies caterpillar. While most caterpillars are harmless, there are a few that can cause problems for crops or plants.
The best way to prevent damage from caterpillars is to remove them from the area by hand. However, if you come across a caterpillar that you’re not sure about, it’s best to leave it alone and contact a professional for help. With a little bit of knowledge, you can enjoy Kauai’s caterpillars without having to worry about them causing any problems.
Scorpions
While these little guys are technically classified as arachnids and closer to spiders, we figured we would include them.
Scorpions are usually found in dry, desert habitats but can also be found in more tropical environments such as Kauai. There are several species of scorpions on Kauai, and they range in size from small to large. Scorpions are nocturnal predators that hunt for their prey at night.
They use their stingers to kill their prey and then consume it whole. Scorpions are most active during the summer months when they mate and produce offspring. However, they can be active year-round in warm climates such as Kauai. If you’re hiking or camping on Kauai, be sure to watch out for scorpions!
Roaches
If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, you know that cockroaches are everywhere. They’re in the restaurants, in the hotels, and even on the beaches. And Kauai is no exception. They are a normal part of life and don’t pose much threat to you or others. The only time they need to be dealt with is when it gets out of control.
They also provide information on how to keep them out of your home in the first place. So if you’re planning a trip to Kauai, be sure to pack your insect repellent and an expectation of bugs!
Spiders
Just like scorpions, spiders are arachnids and not insects. But they are still worth mentioning!
Spiders are everywhere on Kauai. They’re in your trees, in your bushes, and in your flowers. And, yes, they’re even in your home. But don’t panic! These spiders are harmless and actually beneficial to have around. In fact, they help control the population of harmful insects like mosquitoes and flies.
There are two types of spiders commonly found on Kauai: the garden spider and the Hawaiian happy-face spider. Garden spiders are large, black, and white spiders that build webs in gardens and trees. Hawaiian happy-face spiders are small orange spiders with a black pattern on their abdomens that resemble a human face.
Both types of spiders are harmless to humans and actually help control the population of harmful insects like mosquitoes and flies. So, if you see a spider on Kauai, don’t be afraid! These spiders are more helpful than harmful.
Don’t Fret – The Bugs Are Harmless!
Even though Kauai is paradise, it’s still wild. And that means there are critters. Some of them, are harmless and even sort of cute. Others, like the centipedes that can get as big as your hand, are a little less adorable. But don’t worry, they’re all harmless! The centipede’s venom is only strong enough to kill small animals, so it’s not a threat to humans.
But overall, Kauai’s critters are nothing to worry about. So enjoy your time on the island and don’t let them bother you!