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Black Fly
(Simuliidae) Bites
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Tiny biting flies that occur near flowing water -
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Summary:
Black flies are small biting
flies that develop in streams, rivers and
other flowing water. Black flies can be extremely
abundant and annoying. Insect repellents are
somewhat effective against this pest as are certain
traps.
Jack
DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext.
Entomologist (ret.)
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Black flies are small biting flies
Black flies are small (1-3 mm),
usually dark colored, biting flies with a
distinctive "humpbacked" profile (see photo right).
Immature, or larval, black flies develop in fast
flowing streams, rivers and creeks where they cling
to the undersides of rocks or debris. A few species
breed in relatively slow moving water and can even
be found in landscape water features.
Black flies are very persistant and
fierce daytime biting flies. The bite site
often bleeds profusely because of a strong
anticoagulant in the saliva of the fly. An itchy
skin lesion usually develops at the bite site as
well. Like mosquitoes, black fly females require a
blood meal in order to lay healthy eggs.
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tiny
black fly adult ~ 1-3 mm; common
names - buffalo gnats, humpbacked flies;
misspellings - black flys, blackfly
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Use repellents to avoid bites
Black flies can be present in dense
swarms that attack people and livestock near flowing
streams and rivers. Even a small trickle of water can
support a black fly population in some circumstances.
It is impractical for individuals to
control black fly larvae in the fresh water streams
where larvae live. The best approach is to use insect
repellents when your activity takes you near
black fly habitat. Repellents are not always effective
but are worth trying (see Using
Insect Repellents).
Black flies are normally found near
flowing water, however some species are able to travel
on wind currents and thus may occur some distance from
a suitable breeding habitat.
Propane-powered mosquito traps
may be useful for black fly control especially if your
home is near a fresh water stream where black flies
breed (see Related Articles below).
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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and
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using least-toxic methods.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD,
 , email:
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