Source: AgriLife Today
Reports of black flies are increasing as recent rains created favorable conditions for the swarming, biting pest, according to Dr. Sonja Swiger, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist, Stephenville.
Swiger said she has received a higher number of calls about black flies this year and suspects spring rains have created perfect breeding grounds for the pest. A mild spring may have also provided better conditions for the temperature-dependent fly, which usually is active throughout the summer.
Black flies:
- have been known to kill animals by sucking blood or suffocation from clogging or covering up airways
- carry diseases
- have a flight pattern dependent upon the wind, light, temperature and host availability
More information on Black Flies from Livestock Veterinary Entomology
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