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As temperatures have warmed up around the province, many Nova Scotians are seeing a lot more blackflies than in previous years, but there might be a silver lining to the sightings.
Andrew Hebda, a retired curator of zoology at the Nova Scotia Museum, told the CBC’s Information Morning Halifax blackflies are fairly dormant throughout the winter and during cold periods. They come out in spring when the weather warms up — and are emerging quickly this season.
“If we can get 10 days to two weeks like this, essentially the majority will have emerged and will have reproduced and then that’s it for the summer,” said Hebda. “They have only one generation per year.”
Unlike mosquitos, which can have up to six generations per season, once blackflies have reproduced and died off, they won’t reappear until the following year.
Mosquitoes thrive during moist, warm summers.
“Last year, it was very dry, so although the temperatures were up, the moisture was down … so we actually had a bit of suppression,” said Hebda.
He said the best way to avoid blackflies is to stay away from tall grass and wooded areas.
For mosquitoes, Hebda suggests staying in open areas with strong steady winds.
Additionally, bug sprays can be used to mask your scent, or bug jackets can be used to create a physical barrier between you and the insects.
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