Issue 4, May 15, 2009
Buffalo Gnats
Buffalo gnats, also known as black flies, are being reported in the Springfield area. These pinhead-sized, hump-backed, black flies have been very numerous in central Illinois for a couple of years and have been numerous in northeastern Illinois for many years. They bite humans and other animals, but do not bite through clothing. They have been numerous enough to kill many birds in central Illinois, particularly chickens, other poultry, bluebirds, and other wild birds. Confining poultry inside buildings greatly reduces biting. Repellents are effective in human protection.--Phil Nixon
Author:
Phil Nixon