As temperatures rise across Nova Scotia, residents are encountering a higher number of blackflies compared to previous years. However, there may be a positive aspect to this surge in blackfly activity. Andrew Hebda, a former curator of zoology at the Nova Scotia Museum, explained to CBC’s Information Morning Halifax that blackflies are typically inactive during winter and cold spells. They become active in spring as temperatures increase, and this season, they are emerging rapidly.
Hebda mentioned that if the warm weather persists for 10 to 14 days, the majority of blackflies will have already appeared, reproduced, and completed their life cycle for the summer. Unlike mosquitoes, which can have multiple generations in a single season, blackflies have only one generation per year. Once they have bred and perished, they will not reappear until the following year.
Mosquitoes, on the other hand, thrive in humid and warm summers. Hebda noted that last year’s dry conditions suppressed blackfly populations despite high temperatures. To avoid blackflies, it is advisable to avoid tall grass and wooded areas. For mosquitoes, staying in open spaces with strong, consistent winds is recommended.
In addition to environmental precautions, using bug sprays to mask odors or wearing bug jackets as a physical barrier against insects can help prevent bites. These measures can aid in minimizing the nuisance caused by blackflies and mosquitoes during outdoor activities.
