It鈥檚 all about sex and feasting!
The swarms of small flies flitting about annoyingly are most likely midges if they鈥檙e black and in swarms, or aphids otherwise.
Former provincial entomologist and operator of his own company IPM2Go, Hugh Phillip says fall is when the flies are ensuring future generations.
鈥淭here are so many of them at this time of year,鈥� he says, pointing out the swarms are likely comprised of male and female midges, who have just emerged from local streams. 鈥淲hen the mating is over, they head for creeks or ponds, lay their eggs on the surface of the water and once they鈥檝e laid their eggs, they die.鈥�
It鈥檚 also the time of year for the winged aphids to mate, following which females lay their eggs on woody ornamentals, Phillip says.
He says a lot of native species are cyclical and this might be a very good year for the harmless but pesky flies.
And the bounty has another upside for some species.
鈥淚t鈥檚 good food for bats and birds and orb spiders, who build those typical webs between branches, as well as other spiders that are building on hedges and cedars,鈥� Phillip says, noting with wonder only an entomologist would display that he found a perfect funnel spider web in his backyard shed. 鈥淭here are lots of baby spiders and this will help them make it through the winter.鈥�
For those who who do not share a love of bugs, the first hard frost is likely to usher them out.
