Also known as the shadfly, dayfly, and lakefly, mayflies are an ever-present summer pest. Despite their name, they’re not a fly species, as they have two pairs of wings that they hold together above their bodies when resting. In fact, they’re closely related to dragonflies.
Adult mayflies don’t have mouthparts for feeding, due to the fact they spend all their energy on mating. Therefore, adults don’t eat. Larvae eat organic residue called detritus and other plant material in the bodies of water they inhabit.
Mayflies are primarily an aquatic species, spending most of their lives developing in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Though they’re no one’s favorite pest, their presence is a sign of a healthy water ecosystem, as they require clean water to survive.
Use a hand vacuum to capture and remove mayflies and a broom and dustpan to clean up the deceased. Because these bugs are attracted to light, you can prevent mayflies by replacing mercury vapor lamps with high-pressure sodium vapor lamps and white incandescent fluorescent bulbs with yellow bulbs. Make sure to keep your window screens intact and sealed and your property free of standing water.
If your mayfly infestation continues, call us today for a professional pest control plan.
Adult mayflies live only for a day or two. Because their sole purpose is to mate, they only live long enough to accomplish that goal. However, mayfly larvae, called nymphs, can live in bodies of water for up to a year. This puts the total lifespan of a mayfly between a couple days to a full year.
Some states aren’t just great places for people — they’re paradise for pests, too. Warm weather, high humidity, and plenty of food and water sources can turn an everyday backyard into a bug buffet. Whether you’re planning a vacation, thinking about moving, or just curious about what states have the most bugs, we’re here to …
When you see a bug, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it how annoying they are when they buzz around your head? Or how itchy one of their bites can be? Chances are, you’re probably not thinking about the surprising role these tiny creatures have played in shaping human history, culture, and …
What’s Bugging Your Nose: 6 of the Smelliest Infestations So, you’ve noticed an odor that’s a little off in your home. Is it just a passing breeze or is there something more sinister lurking beneath the scent? If a strange stench is lingering, it could be a pest infestation. While you might expect pests to …
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Don’t share your home with pests! Schedule a free inspection with a Stark Exterminators professional.
Get an Stark Exterminators professional at your door stat by locating a service center near you.