Black Fly - How To Protect Yourself In The Wilderness

Summary

In this video, the host introduces blackflies, focusing on their habitat, life cycle, and how they bite. The blackfly’s eggs hatch in clean, flowing water, and the females bite to obtain blood for egg production. Unlike mosquitoes, blackflies prefer the outdoors and don't follow people indoors. The host discusses various ways to protect oneself from blackflies, such as using insect repellent, wearing light-colored clothes, and creating physical barriers. The video also touches on the importance of understanding these insects to fully enjoy outdoor adventures during blackfly season.

Takeaways

• 🐜 Blackflies prefer clean, flowing water and thrive in the early spring after snowmelt.
• 🐞 Female blackflies lay their eggs in running water, and their lifecycle involves several stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
• 💉 Female blackflies need blood to lay eggs, and their bites can cause swelling and itching due to saliva and anticoagulant secretions.
• 🚫 Males are harmless and only feed on nectar, while females bite multiple times throughout their lifespan.
• 🏞️ Blackflies are mainly found outdoors and won't follow you indoors, making tents and cars a safe retreat.
• 🌡️ They are attracted to body heat, carbon dioxide from breath, and lactic acid in sweat.
• 🧴 DEET-based repellents are effective but not recommended for certain uses, and alternatives like lemon eucalyptus-based repellents can also work.
• 🦟 Light-colored clothing and physical barriers, like bandanas and head nets, can prevent blackfly bites.
• 👖 Tight-fitting clothing prevents blackflies from crawling under fabric, and securing pant legs can protect against bites.
• 🌳 Though blackflies are troublesome in the wild, they are less noticeable in cities due to the absence of running water.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is dealing with black flies and other biting insects in the wilderness, focusing on how to protect yourself from them.

Where do black flies prefer to live and lay their eggs?

Black flies prefer to live near clean, free-flowing water, such as streams and rivers, especially in the early spring after snowmelt.

What is the life cycle of a black fly?

The black fly life cycle begins when females lay eggs in flowing water. The larvae attach to underwater structures and filter feed for 3 to 14 days, then become pupae. In the spring, they emerge as adults.

Why are female black flies more bothersome than males?

Female black flies need a blood meal to produce and lay eggs. They cut into skin, secrete saliva with anticoagulants, and drink blood, causing swelling and itching.

What attracts black flies to humans and other animals?

Black flies are attracted by heat signatures, carbon dioxide from breath, and lactic acid in perspiration. They are drawn to warm-blooded mammals like humans, deer, and raccoons.

Why aren't black flies as much of a problem in cities?

In cities, black flies are less of a problem because most running water, like streams, has been converted into underground sewers, reducing their habitat.

What is the role of DEET in insect repellents, and why does the presenter avoid recommending it?

DEET is a common ingredient in insect repellents that is effective against biting insects, but the presenter avoids recommending it for environmental and health reasons, providing a video link with more details.

What is the alternative insect repellent tested by the presenter?

The presenter tests an insect repellent based on lemon eucalyptus, which has a pleasant smell and is DEET-free. It is applied liberally to skin and clothes to protect against black flies and mosquitoes.

How can wearing light-colored clothing help against black flies?

Light-colored clothing helps because black flies are attracted to dark-colored prey like animals with dark fur. Wearing light colors reduces their attraction to you.

What are some physical barriers recommended by the presenter to protect against black flies?

The presenter recommends using items like a 'no-sweat bandana,' a snug-fitting hat, and a mosquito head net as physical barriers to keep black flies away from the scalp and face.