Watch Out For Black Flies, A New Species Of Biting Insects On The Loose In Minnesota

By and large, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is free of the types of terrifying animals you’ll find in warmer climates. Venomous snakes are few and far between (though there are two species found here). Likewise, scorpions, sharks, and crocodiles are all thankfully found far away from Minnesota. But there are still a few creepy crawlies left in the state that everyone should be aware of. For example, black flies have been making headlines for their recent resurgence in Minnesota. These creatures are not dangerous, but they are unpleasant. Read on to learn what these black, biting bugs in Minnesota are and how to avoid them.

Black flies - also called biting gnats - are a type of fly that is found all around the world. There are many different species of black flies. But there are four genera in particular that have species known to bite humans.

These genera are Simulium, Prosimulium, Austrosimulium, and Cnephia. Flies from the Simulium genus are the most common.

Here in Minnesota, the flies are not a new thing. But their population seems to have spiked in the state this year.

The flies - two to three times bigger than normal gnats - lay eggs in rivers and streams, making these areas hotbeds of black fly activity. Sometimes eggs can be laid later in the season and will hatch early the following spring like this Prosimulium black fly larva.

In particular, Minnehaha Creek, the Vermilion River, and Nine Mile Creek have been cited as potential places where the population is growing rapidly.

In Minnesota and other states in the Upper Midwest, black flies typically start showing up in April, with their populations surging throughout the summer.

This can put a damper on many of your favorite outdoor activities, from hiking to fishing to camping. It's not uncommon for the flies to swarm in large numbers in some areas.

While black fly bites are not harmful - the flies in Minnesota carry no diseases known to affect humans - they can be painful. Those who have been bitten this year report more pain and itching than other fly or gnat bites.

To prevent bites, make sure you wear bug spray when you spend time outdoors. Also wear long sleeves and pants when possible to keep these little black bugs in Minnesota away from your skin.

While these flies aren’t harmful, they can be a major nuisance! Take precautions when you spend time outside, and you’re likely to avoid black fly bites. For more information about these black, biting bugs in Minnesota, take a look at the black fly page on the Minnesota Department of Health website.

If you love bugs, or want to know which one's to avoid, here are 12 more bugs you'll find in Minnesota.