Where Does Flies Go When It Rains?
WouterDuring the summer, thunderstorms provide welcome relief from the hot weather and swarming insects. During these events, humans typically seek refuge indoors, grab an umbrella, and wear waterproof clothing. Meanwhile, hundreds of billions of insects have to deal with the falling raindrops.
Flies are attracted to moisture, so when it rains, they seek out dark places to hide. While small flies often drown or are knocked off by raindrops, larger flies often seek shelter under rocks or in crevices. During rainy conditions, flies seek out these areas to stay dry and protected from the wind.
Insects spend the day buzzing around, but once nightfall falls, they are tired and will seek shelter in cool locations. They can survive without food for two to three days. Flies feed on sugar, and do not survive on animal manure. However, they are less effective in flying when their wings have been damaged by rain.
Some insects use rainy weather to complete their reproductive cycles. This allows them to avoid competition with other insects, which would otherwise feed on humans and animals. Some insects even wait until the rain is over to complete their reproduction cycle. One example of this is the rain beetle, a robust oval black insect that only emerges in response to rain. Arachnids like red velvet mites and dragonflies are also active during rainy weather.
Although most people stay indoors during rainy weather, some people enjoy the rain and walk outside when it falls. Insects have the unique ability to detect changes in the weather, so that they can prepare themselves and find food. The rainy weather also creates opportunities for mating.
