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Feb 21, 2024 · Black flies are small dark flies that bite humans and animals, causing itchiness, pain, and sometimes diseases. Learn how to identify, treat, and prevent black fly bites, and when to see a doctor.
Black fly. A black fly or blackfly [1] (sometimes called a buffalo gnat, turkey gnat, or white socks) is any member of the family Simuliidae of the Culicomorpha infraorder. It is related to the Ceratopogonidae, Chironomidae, and Thaumaleidae. Over 2,200 species of black flies have been formally named, of which 15 are extinct. [2]
- Simuliidae, Newman, 1834
- Arthropoda
Learn about the life cycle, distribution, and feeding habits of black flies, small but annoying biting pests of humans and animals. Find out how to avoid being bitten and the possible diseases they may transmit.
Learn about black fly, a family of small, humpbacked flies that bite and carry diseases. See pictures and facts about their life cycle, distribution, and impact on animals and humans.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Protect Your Skin. Black flies can be difficult to repel. The simplest way to prevent getting bitten is to protect your skin by wearing long sleeves and pants at all times when outdoors.
- De-Swarm! One particularly annoying habit of black flies is their tendency to swarm the face. This occurs because they are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale.
- Try Some Pine. Some recommended natural repellants include vanilla extract, lavender, and the extract from pine branches — just break open a young branch and rub the moisture from inside on your skin.
- Avoid The Sweets. Avoiding wearing sweet-smelling perfumes, fabric softeners, and indulging in candy or soft drinks when outdoors can also help to reduce your risk of attracting black flies.
Sep 3, 2023 · Learn about black flies, small, bloodsucking insects that swarm around people and animals in warm days. Find out how to prevent and control their bites, and what diseases they can transmit.
Learn about the habits, life cycles, and control of black flies in New Hampshire, a state with about 40 species of black flies that can bite or annoy humans. Find out how to avoid, repel, or treat black fly problems with clothing, repellents, or pesticides.
