As the temperature rises across Nova Scotia, many residents are noticing an increase in blackflies compared to previous years. However, this surge in sightings may have a positive aspect.
Andrew Hebda, a former zoology curator at the Nova Scotia Museum, explained on CBC’s “Information Morning Halifax” that blackflies are relatively inactive during winter and cold spells. They become active in spring as the weather warms up, and this season they are emerging rapidly.
Hebda mentioned that with 10 to 14 days of warm weather, the majority of blackflies will have emerged, reproduced, and then disappeared for the summer since they only have one generation annually. In contrast to mosquitoes, which can have multiple generations in a season, blackflies do not reappear until the following year once they have reproduced and died off.
Mosquitoes, on the other hand, thrive in moist and warm summer conditions. Hebda noted that last year’s dry weather suppressed blackfly populations despite the high temperatures.
To avoid blackflies, Hebda advised staying away from tall grass and wooded areas. For mosquitoes, he recommended staying in open areas with strong, steady winds. Using bug sprays to mask scent or wearing bug jackets to create a physical barrier between oneself and the insects can also be effective.
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