Black Flies:

Black flies are part of the natural environment. They also may be one of the most annoying and serious pests affecting the Northwest Territories. Black fly activity occurs a few weeks after the ice leaves streams and rivers in the spring and continues until the first frost in the fall.

Black flies are active during daylight hours in sheltered areas, particularly during cloudy periods. In open areas, black flies are active in the early morning and in the evening shortly after sunset, which is considered the peak time for black fly activity. Black fly activity increases at the approach of storms, however, rain and cold inhibit activity.

Black fly swarms can be vicious. Alternatively, black flies can occur in such small numbers, they are barely noticeable. As black flies bite quietly and painlessly, you may not be aware of the bite until you notice a small reddish bump on your skin. Black flies bites can occur behind your ears, around your neck and belt line and on the lower parts of your legs and arms.

Scratching a bite should be avoided as it can cause skin infections. Toxins injected during a severe black fly bite can result in headaches, nausea, fever and swollen glands. However, black flies do not transmit diseases.

Black flies have natural predators, which include birds such as swallows and other insects such as dragonflies..

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are found in every part of the Northwest Territories from early spring to late summer, with the peak season from mid June to late July. Mosquitoes usually bite all night to morning, avoiding bright, hot sunlight and windy locations.

Mosquitoes may be found in massive swarms or in small numbers. The female mosquito feeds on blood. When it bites, an anticoagulant is injected, which can cause itchiness. Avoid scratching or rubbing the site and the bite will usually subside quickly.

Mosquitoes occur more frequently an hour after sunrise and sunset and are more common in bushy than open areas. They are usually inactive during hot, dry, sunny days in open areas. Avoid low, poorly drained, overgrown campsites.

Mosquitoes do have natural predators. These predators, which include swallows and dragonflies, help reduce mosquito populations. Additionally, some of our finest sport fish feed on mosquito larvae, so the mosquito is not without value!

Protection From Biting Insects

Please be sure to protect yourself from biting insects before venturing into their environment!

Wear appropriate clothing. Keep shirtsleeves and fronts tightly closed and your trousers inside socks and boots. Light shades of clothes and colours, such as orange, yellow and light green is less attractive to black flies then dark shades such as blue, purple or red.

Use insect repellents safely. Before using any repellent, read the directions on the label carefully. Care should be taken as solvents found in most repellents can damage synthetic fibres and plastics. Deet is one of the best all-purpose repellent chemicals available. Apply to all clothing, especially around cuffs, collars, waistbands and the fronts of shirts and trousers. Reapply repellent if it is washed off or its effectiveness is reduced over time.

Some people are highly sensitive to insect bites. Antihistamines and anesthetics available at a local drug store or supermarket can soothe itching and swelling. A dilute solution of baking soda and water applied to a bite also helps remove the itch and swelling. A little baking soda in bath water will assist in a scratch-free sleep.

Avoid using perfumes, aftershave or perfumed personal products while in the outdoors.

Smudges or smoking branches are very effective for keeping Black Flies away from an area.