As the temperatures rise across Nova Scotia, many residents are noticing an increase in blackflies compared to previous years. However, there may be a positive aspect to this surge in blackfly activity.
According to Andrew Hebda, a former zoology curator at the Nova Scotia Museum, blackflies remain relatively inactive during winter and cold spells but become active in spring as the weather warms up. 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 have only 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 perished. Mosquitoes tend to thrive in warm, moist conditions during the summer.
Hebda noted that last year’s dry conditions led to some suppression of blackfly populations despite higher temperatures. To avoid blackflies, he advised staying away from tall grass and wooded areas. For mosquitoes, Hebda recommended staying in open areas with strong, steady winds. Additionally, using bug sprays to mask scent or wearing bug jackets can create a physical barrier against insects.
It is essential to take precautions to protect against these pesky insects during outdoor activities in Nova Scotia.