Tabanidae appear to be absent in both Yukon and NW Territories (at least north of tree line?)
Black Flies become a major problem in late June and August. Mosquitos are a serious pest throughout the arctic, but are a major problem near the tree line, day and night and in all weather conditions.
Black Flies are a major problem in most of forested Canada from early May until mid-June. Further north in the boreal forest they may be present in all of June and July. Mosquitos of different varieties may be a serious pest in most of Canada from early spring until early fall, especially near marshes.
Lake of the Woods (report by long-time vacationer, 2002): Black flies generally a problem from late May to July. Mosquitos a problem most of the summer, although by late August the dragonflies and bats have eaten in the numbers. The serious problem is in the woods, in the open or on the water "not bad" Deer flies and nitng midges not a problem. Another difficulty is the army worms that become extremely numerous on a ten year cycle, with a three year serious period. Last year was worst, this year should be better and they should largely be gone for a few years.
Black Flies are a major problem in most of forested Canada from early May until mid-June. Further north in the boreal forest they may be present in all of June and July.
See also New England.
ALASKA (See also Arctic):
Southeast Alaska near water: Advert claims biting insects not a problem in this area.
Southeast Alaska: Green Monster Mountain on Prince of Wales Island: hordes of biting insects a major problem.
OREGON
Eugene: Personal memory, 1959-62, and later visits: Few problems at any season.
WASHINGTON
San Juan Islands: Lopez: Personal memory (1970s): Few problems with biting insects at any season.
Seattle: Personal memory (1970s) and later visits: Few problems in any season.
ALASKA: Black Flies and mosquitos can be a major problem, sometimes pursuing people and animals out onto the water. However, in late July and August, insects became a MINOR problem.
Deer and Horse Flies appear to be absent.
Biting Midges ("valley black gnat", "no-see-ums") a MAJOR problem. For example, in Pt. Reyes National Seashore reported to be a MAJOR problem in February, 1997. They were attacking construction workers in the open.
Near Clear Lake in Lake County, biting midges can also be very dense.
Report that Biting Midges a problem in Santa Barbara foothills already by middle of April 2008, any time during the day. Will also be worse later on in year.
Mosquitos in Sonoma County were such a plague (carrying encephalitus?) that sports teams were asked to stop practice before dark in 5 of last 10 years (report: 1997).
Western Treehole mosquitos problems in Marin and Sonoma counties are worst in April and May. Lessened by June. Times of attack were 6-9 in the morning and 5-8 in the evening.
Mono Lake: Hordes of biting insects, midsummer
Sunnyvale and Palo Alto: An informant reports June 7, 2004 that she has been bitten by Black Flies over the last month, for her a serious problem.
ARIZONA:
Tucson (and S. Arizona):
Recent increase to irritating and possibly public health problem in mosquitos, especially aedes aegypti and culex tarsalis. The latter has been quite numerous in the wetlands at Sweetwater, north of city. Also have a statewide occurrence of anopheles. Web site devoted to the issues .
COLORADO:
Crestone:Baca (a rural, mountain, wilderness area): biting insects prevalent spring through midsummer.
Crestone (another report) Spring to midsummer, biting insects abundant
High Altitude camping organization for Colorado and Wyoming: Claim is: few mosquitos or other biting insects.
MONTANA:
Culicoides (biting midges) dense in June, gone by end of July.
Glacier Park: 1957: bad mosquito year (Major).
WYOMING:
Informant spent mid June to late July (1975) at the Knight Science
Camp (since renamed) at the 9900' level (subalpine spruce-fir forest)
of the Snowy Range in the Medicine Bow National Forest, west of
Centennial, Wyoming. During the daytime large numbers of mosquitoes surrounded
us, and even with the constant use of repellents, I usually managed to
get a couple dozen bites during the course of the day. By netting
those flying around our group of about a dozen participants for a few
minutes, I was able to obtain a wad large enough to crush by hand.
When visiting the area in mid-August during later years, the
mosquitoes were mostly absent.
No other insects appeared to be pests.
See Also Colorado
MICHIGAN: 1997: first malarial case contracted in the state since 1972.
MINNESOTA: Report WSJ: 8/8/97:
Mosquitos are the "state bird" according to some.
- black flies also terrible.
- Minneapolis especially bas since July 4.
- Very bad near Canadian border.
- St. Croix State Park 100 miles north of Minn. the bug season is all summer.
- Mosquitos fierce on the river.
NEBRASKA:
Report on October 2, 2006 from Douglas County
Everyone is plagued by swarms of small black flying insects, probably biting midges. We don't know how to keep them away. "Off" does not seem to work.
For another view of the Lake of the Woods area in the north, see above Canada: Lake of the Woods.
Gulf Coast Subregion:
Biting insects are seldom as serious as in the most affected parts of northern states, but the season is much longer (sometimes 12 month). Mosquitos, Ticks, Fire Ants, Deer Flies, Black Flies and Biting Midges can be serious pests, especially the latter two when the wind is not blowing. Deer Flies can be a major problem in heavy woods in June and July. Chiggers are also serious pests that are largely restricted to the South.
Biting Midges reported in 1944 to be biting fiercely on Ship Island, and in large numbers 10AM to after dark -- even on bright days.
ALABAMA: Biting insects reported as not as MAJOR a problem in Alabama as Manitoba or upstate New York. reason is the lack of such distinct seasons. But they are a MINOR problem more or less all year. Black Flies not serious.
ARKANSAS:
Fire ants seem to have become a serious problem.
Georgia:
2003 summer: fleas and chiggers especially bad 40 miles west of Atlanta. No-see-ums also bad this year (correspondent had not had trouble with them before).
NORTH CAROLINA:
T. Chrysops; 1974: salt marshes
Millipede invasion: annual problems, clog swimming pools, buildings, "crunch" underneath.
SOUTH CAROLINA:
"velvet ants", actually a small wingless(females) wasp covered with fine hairs. Brightly colored in brilliant patterns of black with red, orange, or yellow. Squeak when disturbed. Encountered outdoors in sandy areas, May through September, especially late afternoon. Although not common, it is one of the most painful of the biting insects.
Deer Flies (especially "black deer flies": severe pest of humans and animals in coastal areas. Active early morning, late afternoon. (Horse Flies all day.)
Near coast and wetlands, mid-June horse fly bite by a swimming pool. Fire ants also seem to be a problem at this time and place.
TEXAS:
Mosquitos: culex tarsalis: active in winter in the lower Rio Grande Valley.
VIRGINIA
Deer Flies: Mountains of SW Virginia, or the border at elevation of 4000 feet, near pond by the woodlands, June 24-25). BUT people not bothered by the flies at this time -- perhaps still autogenic.
NEW JERSEY:
Black Flies reported to be especially numerous and irritating near water in South Jersey, July 2003 (worse than Mosquitos).
NEW YORK:
Tabanus (deerflies and horseflies) 1974 near Rensselarville, May 25 to August 17, afternoon especially
Culiseta (Mosquitos)1972 and 1974, Central New york State by Oneida lake. Often carry equine encephalitus, but not these years. In a deciduous forest:
Adults appeared in May; numbers peaked July 15-30 one year; the next the peak was July 27-August 10 (but still numerous in late August; active at dusk, not in the daytime.
Another variety peaked in June, few after July 10.
CHRYSOPS (deerflies)
Suffolk County: Chrysops: in the salt marshes
Orleans County: numerous in creeks and nearby roads
Monroe County: abundant in marshes around July 10
Genesee County: back roads: almost impossible to walk in July
Long Island Beaches: Chrysops (Deerflies) the worst of Tabanids, especially late June and July.
Chrysops attacks are MAJOR problem on Long Island, Adirondacks, and Niagara County.
South Shore of Lake Ontario common mid-July to mid-August.
Most serious pest June and early July
Late May into June (another report)
Common in Adirondacks late June and July.
A marsh species on the coast -- June
Niagara and Erie Counties:
along creeks in late August attack in late afternoon, even evening.
One type in wooded areas reported to attack quietly
Another report says they are second to mosquitos and blackflies as pests in the state, although in season they bother cows and horses severely.
Chrysops vittatus is, however, the most common in New York and they have a definite preference for humans.
Tabanus
near creeks in Orleans "numerous at times"
greenheads major bother on Long Island beaches, maximum, late July.
Another greenhead (quinquevittatus) serious pest in southern Adirondacks, late June to early August -- but even more serious pest of animals.
Another horse fly readily attacks humans, maximum late July and early August.
A different horse fly a serious animal pest in the Western part of the state in autumn
Aedes (mosquitos)
Lay eggs late May to September
Very annoying to humans in Ithaca vicinity, especially irritating bites.
Feed in shaded areas during day; come out at dusk.
In the past, the Sierra Club considered Wasps, especially ground-nesting wasps, the most dangerous insect pest in the region because of the seriousness of their bites. Black Flies were seen as the region's greatest nuisance, especially during May and June. Biting Midges become a minor pest later on. One report says "greenheads" are worst along the coast from July 15 to August 7. Most people might now consider deer Ticks the more serious danger in the New England woods, because of the danger of Lyme Disease.
Mosquitos expected to be especially numerous and larger than usual in size during the 2003 summer due to the heavy Spring and June rainfall. (New York Times, June 24, page 1 and continuation)
CONNECTICUT:Tabanids: Chrysops or deer flies with green or golden eyes very common and of many varieties. Prevalent May to August with June worst. Often fly around the head. Some specialize in sea coast and marshes, others in boggy woods, others dry woods.
CONNECTICUT: Tabanids: Tabanus or "horse flies" (the smaller ones of which are called "greenheads"). Some are extremely abundant at times. Many concentrate on livestock, but the "greenhead" living near the coast habitually attacks humans.
CONNECTICUT: Tabanids (deer fly and greenhead) are reported as most abundant in June, and become most bothersome to residents in July (as there is a build-up of females).
CONNECTICUT: Tabanids common in Milford, especially the Marsh deer Fly; biting between 9:30 A.M. and 7.PM during June and July.
Another report has them common in May.
CONNECTICUT: All Tabanids were found in tests of pastures near woods in August, in study 1975-79. Towns included Woodbridge, East Wallingford, Newtown, West Hartford, Sharon, Branford, and Cheshire. Also same experience in woods in E. Haddam, Newtown and Milford, June-August, 1983-84.
CONNECTICUT: Essex: No bothersome biting insects in back yard up to August 1 at least. Although a few mosquitos very late, eating out no problem; an occasional wasp was also no problem.
Essex: Cut-over hill with low growth: everyone in party picked up ticks from bushes (most small red ticks, not the deer ticks).
Essex: River shoreline (with marshes behind): mid-July and August: no insect problems before 7:30 P.M. when the mosquitos came out. (may be a problem also very early).
CONNECTICUT: Mt.Carmel: Psorophora ferox (Mosquito) can be very annoying from mid to late summer. But occurrence very unpredictable: some years numerous July and August; other years only later.
Mt. Carmel and Northford woodlands May to August, mosquitos serious problem, especially near wet areas. More common in late Spring than August. Peaks one year June 20, another June 8. Most common in open 5-7:30; otherwise out only in shade or on overcast days.
CONNECTICUT: Guilford salt marshes, mosquitos significant March to October.
Mosquitos common also in woodlands 10 miles in. Some have 2-3 broods a year. A particularly serious biter Aedes solicitans frequent open areas, but out in early evening (5-10 P.M.).
MAINE: Coast: Personal report: May to June Mosquitos are a major problem.
MAINE: southern interior: Personal experience and report: First week of May: biting insects not a problem inside or out. Told that the problems begin with black flies and no-see-ums the middle of May, then Mosquitos reach a peak in June and July, Tabanids somewhat later.
MAINE: Interior: general: the first is over by the middle of August. This is the time to plan a canoeing or hunting trip in the north.
MASSACHUSETTS: 1997 beaches especially bad because of Chrysops.
MASSACHUSETTS: Martha's Vineyard: Flying ants one of worst problems, some years a massive invasion on the beaches lasts several minutes (August 8 one year).
MASSACHUSETTS: Berkshires and "Hill Towns": webmaster's personal experience.
July 20 report:
- from the beginning of Spring mosquitos heavy, but only in wooded areas.
- black flies by this date no longer a problem. (May is the terrible black fly month.)
- wasps around house a problem, but minor this year.
August 1 report:
-Only mosquitos are a problem and then only in wooded areas.
August 15 report:
-cool day; very few mosquitos, even in wood fringe; no black flies.
September 6: few if any flying pests.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: lower state, inland: Deer Flies serious pest early August, largely gone by end. Black Flies are at their height from the beginning of May through the middle of June.
Blackflies emerged starting June 1 in Claksville (N. Coos County?). Near a swamp and along a fast-flowing stream.
Mosquitos were much worse in Florida before developments filled in the wetlands. Still a problem. One entomologist states that people simply have to accept the fact that biting insects are more of a problem here than elsewhere.
Yet another writer insists that ticks and deer flies are not as bad in the North as the South, and that mosquitos are worse in Canada and Alaska.
Salt Marsh and tidal pool areas are reported to have serious mosquito problems from April to October.
Mosquito problem varies by habitat. It is low in deep Tupelo and Cypress Swamps, probably because of the tannic water. They are also a minor problem in the piney hills behind the coast. A Major problem near mangroves and salt marshes in warm weather. As of 1986 encephalitus was not a major danger, and malaria was not reported.
Ticks are a significant problem in piney woods or unburned scrub, although they vary greatly year to year.
Chiggers are worst in late Spring and Summer. Repellents are only somewhat effect. Don't go barefoot or lay down on leaves.
Fire Ants a problem of the pine barrens and wild meadows and pastures -- if sufficiently dry. Avoid hills.
Biting Midges are major problem in recreational and even housing areas of South Florida. Problem most serious in late December to mid-January. Lesser numbers late February to September.
Other areas most serious April to October.
They go by the name "sand flies" near the salt water where they are present year around in South Florida. There appear to be Spring, Summer, and Fall versions.
Another report points out they can go through screens into houses. They sometimes cause vacationers to leave the area. High temperatures and sweating people are particularly attractive.
At the beginning of June, 2004, received the following report: "We live northeast of Jacksonville, Florida very close to the coast. Being a native of south Florida, I thought I was pretty familiar with insects. Due to the many marsh areas here we have an incredible infestation of biting midges (no-see-ums). Except here they are plenty big enough to be seen. The worst time to be bitten is between about 3:30 pm and dark. The itching caused by their bites is much more intense and longer-lasting than mosquito bites. BEWARE"
Non-biting midges in the Orlando - Winter Haven area June through August can appear in large intimidating swarms, getting into the nostrils and ears. "Love Bugs" present a similar problem in May and September in central and North Florida. They get into the hair and the swarms may damage auto paint.
Deer Flies - Fort Wilderness Campground/Disney Resort, Orlando, Florida --Severe attacks reported May 9 to 12th.
More generally, Deer Flies are reported as the worst biters, with the "high season" often given as March/April and again in August. Another report confirms this, but points to June and July as worst, and in heavy woods. They especially attack chin and neck, or any moving target.
The Stable Fly (also known as the dog fly or biting house fly) is a vicious biter. Both sexes are equally vicious. It breeds in soggy hay, manure, or seaweed. It is also a strong flier less deterred by the wind. It is a major pest in West Florida where it hurts the tourist industry.
Black Flies not a major problem for home owners.
Recent reports of serious bites by brown recluse spiders.
See also American South
Hawaii appears to be thankfully free of Tabanids.
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