How Long Do Black Flies Last?
WouterBlack flies can be an annoying nuisance, but there are ways to reduce your chances of being bitten. First, be sure to cover up your exposed skin and wear a bug net when you are outdoors. If you do not wear a bug net, you can always cover your clothes with trash to protect them from the flying insects. Also, be sure to clean up any sticky spills you may have while outdoors.
Black flies are most active during the daytime. They do not bite during the night. There are some specific times of the day that are more active, however, such as the late mornings or early afternoons. Black flies are not known to carry disease, but they can trigger severe allergic reactions in some people.
Once they hatch from their pupae, black flies live for two to three weeks. In this time, they undergo complete metamorphosis, molting and developing into winged adults. Female black flies lay a batch of between 200 and 500 eggs. Most of these eggs are laid in flowing water, although some species lay them on moist surfaces.
Black flies lay their eggs in water where they can develop. The larvae attach themselves to submerged rocks and vegetation, and take anywhere from two to three weeks to complete their development. The pupae are not active and do not feed, but they do need an oxygen-rich blood meal to lay their eggs. They mature in about three to four weeks, although some species may have multiple generations in a year.
