This Texas fly can bite, leaving irritated skin. It loves the heat and moving water

Black flies, also called buffalo gnats or turkey gnats, are known to bite people during the day — particularly around the neck and head, leaving skin itchy and swollen. Black fly season lasts from April to July.

Black flies are small flies up to 5 mm that are active during the day, fast and strong fliers. They have a characteristic “hump-back” and can be black, gray, light tan or yellow in color. Black fly species can commonly be found along fast-moving rivers, particularly in northeast Texas.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Dalia Faheid.

LAST UPDATED

February 7, 2025

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

Yahoo News

Media Mentions from Yahoo News

The latest news and headlines from Yahoo! News. Get breaking news stories and in-depth coverage with videos and photos. Top stories. Trusted sources. Your window to the news that matters most to you.

Explore More Content

Media Mentions

When I’m going to be walking in tall grass and weeds, I wear my snake boots which I’ve sprayed with Sawyer’s permethrin. Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/article308242365.html#storylink=cpy

Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon
Executive Producers and Hosts, "The People's Pharmacy

Media Mentions

Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent: Top-pick bug repellent

Wirecutter Staff
Staff

Media Mentions

Water purification technology has reached new heights with the Sawyer Squeeze System, delivering 0.1-micron absolute filtration that removes 99.9% of harmful bacteria, protozoa, and cysts.

Camping Survival
Website