2021-May-26
The Buzz About Black Flies
It wouldn’t be cottage season without a few (hundred) bites and the beginning of the season is often dominated by black flies. These relentless pests are Ontario’s smallest biting insects and are usually at their worst in May and June.
There are 165 types of black flies in Canada but only two that pester us. Despite their nuisance, black flies are an important part of the food web as a food source for fish, other insects and birds and they are also pollinators.
Here are some black fly basics:
- The lifespan of a black fly is about 3 weeks
- Only the females bite
- Their bite will not transmit diseases to humans, but they often cause reactions like swelling, bleeding, and itching
- Black flies are attracted not only to body heat and carbon dioxide, but also to the scent of perfumes, lotions, and hair products
- Females can lay up to 600 eggs and unlike mosquitoes, black flies lay their eggs in or near clean, moving water
Black flies tend to be most active in the mornings and late afternoons, disappearing at night. They particularly like warm, overcast days.
Here are a few ways to make yourself less of a target:
- Cover up with pants, long sleeved shirts and a hat
- Wear light colours
- If you use a repellent, make sure to cover your neck and ankles
- Citronella candles or a breeze will also help keep the flies away
More fascinating facts about black flies can be found here.
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