BUG SEASON - WHAT TO EXPECT & WHEN
Spring is the season for Blackflies & Mosquitoes!
Canada is home to 161 species of blackfly that have different life cycles with the majority flying as adults during the spring. In Algonquin Park & much of Northern Ontario, blackflies species that are of interest to visitors are flying as adults by mid-May (depends on the weather in any given year) and are usually present until late June. Blackflies seem to be most abundant on hot, humid spring days, but are normally common throughout this mid-May to late June flight period.
Mosquitoes are abundant, beginning in mid to late May and last longer than blackflies (usually into July). Mosquitoes are most often a problem in cooler, shady parts of the forest, as well as in the evening, and into the first couple of hours of darkness. They become less of a problem through the night (although they do not disappear entirely).
HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF
Use insect repellent when outdoors
• Cover up.
• Wear a bug jacket available at local sporting goods retailers. (Northernbugwear.ca)
• Wear long-sleeved shirts (if it is hot, lightweight cotton shirts are good) with cuffs and collars that can be buttoned tight, as well as long pants with elastic cuffs (or tuck your pants into your socks). Blackflies will land on you and then crawl under clothing if they can.
• Wear light colour clothing (white, tan, khaki, etc.) – blackflies are attracted to dark colours.
• When camping, set up a screen dining shelter to avoid biting insects.
• Inspect your mosquito netting (on your tent, bug jacket, etc.) prior to your trip. Repair or replace if necessary.
WEST NILE VIRUS
West Nile virus is established in Ontario. The disease is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. There is no way to predict how serious West Nile virus will be in any given year. It's important you take steps that will protect you and your family from mosquito bites.
