Black Fly: All You Need to Know for a Bug-Free Summer

Black flies are small, bloodsucking insects that can be quite a nuisance during warm days.

Often referred to as gnats, buffalo gnats, or turkey gnats, these insects swarm around the heads of people and animals, delivering painful and itchy bites in some cases.

They measure about 1/8 inch in length and have a stout-body, hump-backed appearance [1].

These insects thrive in flowing water, preferring non-polluted water with high dissolved oxygen levels [2].

Larval habitats can range from large rivers and icy mountain streams to trickling creeks and waterfalls, with each species favoring different habitats.

The presence of black flies can vary depending on the area, the time of year, and even annual fluctuations in population sizes.

Black Fly Basics

Identification and Habitat

Black flies, also known as buffalo gnats and turkey gnats, are small, bloodsucking insects with a hump-backed appearance.

They live as larvae in shallow, clear, fast-running water in rivers and streams.

Suitable aquatic habitats for black fly larval development vary and include large rivers, icy mountain streams, trickling creeks, and waterfalls.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of a black fly has four stages:

1. Egg
2. Larva
3. Pupa
4. Adult

Larvae and pupae develop in flowing water, typically non-polluted water with a high level of dissolved oxygen.

Adult flies emerge in the spring and are usually present for about 3 weeks before they die.

Size and Appearance

Black flies are about 1/8 inch in length, making them much smaller than a house fly. They have a stout body and a hump-backed appearance.

These insects are known for swarming around people’s heads on warm days. They often fly into the eyes and can deliver a painful, itchy bite.

Comparison Table

To summarize, the key features and characteristics of black flies include:

• Small size (1/8 inch)
• Stout, hump-backed body
• Live in fast-flowing water habitats
• Bite humans and animals
• Swarms around people’s heads
• Short life cycle (3 weeks)

Feeding Habits and Biting Behavior

Diet and Blood Meal

Black flies, also known as buffalo gnats, are small insects with a humpbacked appearance.

They feed on nectar, plant sap, and insect honeydew, while the females require a blood meal for reproduction¹. Examples of animals bitten by black flies include:

• Humans
• Birds
• Mammals

Effects on Humans and Animals

Black flies can have different effects on humans and animals. People who are bitten may experience:

• Pain or itchiness at the bite site
• Swelling
• Headache
• Nausea²

In some cases, reactions to black fly bites can lead to “black fly fever,” which includes swollen lymph nodes in the neck³.

As for animals, black fly bites can be lethal in extreme circumstances, causing severe blood loss⁴.

When it comes to avoiding black fly bites, there are a few preventive measures to consider:

• Wearing light-colored clothing, as black flies are more attracted to dark colors⁵
• Using insect repellents containing DEET⁶
• Employing a fan or creating a breeze to deter the flies
• Protecting more sensitive areas like the head, eyes, and neck

Remember, taking appropriate preventive measures can help minimize the risk of encountering black flies and their painful bites.

Diseases Transmitted by Black Flies

Black Fly Fever

Black fly fever is a condition caused by the bites of female black flies. Symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Fever
• Headaches

Black fly fever usually lasts for a few days and isn’t fatal. However, individuals with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms.

River Blindness

Onchocerciasis or River blindness is a disease caused by a parasitic worm transmitted through the bites of infected black flies. Some effects of the disease are:

• Skin itching and rashes
• Nodules under the skin
• Vision loss or blindness

River blindness is a major public health concern in some parts of Africa and Central and South America.

Other Diseases

Black flies can also transmit other diseases to humans and animals. Some common issues include:

• Infections from bites
• Blood loss leading to anemia or even death in severe cases
• Suffocation in poultry and livestock due to black flies swarming and crawling into their airways

In addition to humans, black flies can attack many different domestic and wild animals, including birds, pets, and livestock, leading to significant economic and health impacts.

Preventing and Controlling Black Fly Infestations

Protective Clothing and Repellents

When venturing outdoors in infested areas, wearing protective clothing can help minimize bites from black flies. Some examples include:

• Long-sleeved shirts
• Long pants
• Hats with a head net

Additionally, applying repellents with DEET or picaridin can effectively deter black flies. Reapply repellents as needed, and always follow the product’s instructions.

Environmental and Organic Control Methods

In order to control black fly infestations, it is essential to reduce their preferred breeding sites.

• Remove organic matter from streams and rivers.
• Encourage natural predators such as fish.

Pro tip: Install netting or use fans to create a barrier against black flies.

Comparison Table of Control Methods

Keep in mind, black fly bites can cause swollen lymph nodes and itching. If bitten, wash the area with soap and water, and avoid scratching.

Remember, black flies can also transmit diseases to both humans and wildlife, so it is essential to take preventative measures when spending time outdoors in their presence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Black Fly, an aquatic insect, is a significant concern during the summer months.

Found in running waters, these flies can deliver bites that, while painless initially, result in itchy, swollen areas that may bleed.

Severe attacks can lead to symptoms like headaches, fever, and swollen neck glands, a condition sometimes termed “black-fly fever.”

Although they play a role in the ecosystem, understanding their behavior and habitat is crucial for a bug-free summer.

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