What could possibly be more terrifying than a swarm of bugs so large it shows up on Doppler radar? Maybe a swarm of spiders, but luckily, that’s not the case for parts of the Northeast. Unlucky for them, huge swarms of flying insects are in the forecast this summer with the annual mayfly season. Every summer, cities near northern lakes, particularly Lake Erie, experience flocks of mayflies coming to town and annoying locals with their overpopulation.
Photo: Jeff Reutter via Flickr
Despite the fact that mayflies themselves are harmless, since they do not sting or bite, the large swarms of the summer insect can cause problems for drivers (and anyone who is afraid of bugs). Mayflies are attracted to light, so they often create blizzard-like conditions at night when they swarm to sources of light like streetlights and headlights, making it hard for drivers to see. On top of that, the sole purpose of these bugs is to reproduce. With a lifespan of about 24-72 hours, according to MayflyNews.net, there can be millions of them piled up on sidewalks and streets, leading to slippery road conditions and often times, car accidents.
Why do these bugs come to the Northeast? Mayflies hatch in the water, particularly in rivers and lakes in this area, where they burrow in the mud for two years until they are adults ready to make their appearance. The New York Times reports that their recent abundance means lakes and rivers are in healthier conditions that past years, which is good news.
In terms of getting rid of these mayflies, there is no permanent solution to the pests, says MayflyNews.net. Your best control strategy is using a broom or leaf blower to remove the pesky bugs. “To avoid the bugs, keep lights off as much as possible at night, and replace the bright lights with yellow lights, which do not attract the pests,” says Sarah Orlando, an Ohio Clean Marinas program manager, in a Cleveland.com article.
Whatever you do though, do NOT use a hose to wash the bugs away. You will be left with an awful fishy smell that may be just as bad as the bugs themselves.
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