Alaska’s short but intense summer produces massive hatches of mosquitoes and black flies across the state. Understanding the different types of flies in Alaska is key to surviving outdoor adventures here. You’ll encounter everything from tiny biting midges to large horse flies.
This guide covers the most common species you’ll meet. We’ll talk about where they live, when they’re active, and how to deal with them. By the end, you’ll know exactly what you’re up against when you step outside.
Types Of Flies In Alaska
Alaska hosts over 35 species of biting flies alone. That’s not counting the non-biting ones like house flies and crane flies. The mix changes depending on your location and the time of year.
Most people think of mosquitoes first. But black flies, no-see-ums, and horse flies can be just as annoying. Each type has its own habits and peak season. Knowing the difference helps you prepare better.
Mosquitoes In Alaska
Alaska has about 28 species of mosquitoes. That’s a lot for one state. They range from the common Culex to the aggressive Aedes species. Some bite during the day, others at dusk.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Ponds, puddles, and even tire tracks can hold thousands of eggs. The females need blood to produce eggs, which is why they bite you.
Peak mosquito season runs from late May through July. In the far north, it’s shorter but more intense. Some areas report clouds of mosquitoes so thick you can’t see through them.
- Aedes communis: Most common in forests and tundra
- Culex pipiens: Found near human settlements
- Anopheles earlei: Can transmit dog heartworm
- Culiseta alaskaensis: Large, slow-flying, bites at night
Mosquitoes are most active when it’s calm and humid. Wind speeds above 5 mph ground them. That’s why evenings by the lake are often the worst.
Black Flies
Black flies are smaller than mosquitoes but their bite is more painful. They’re also called buffalo gnats or turkey gnats. In Alaska, they emerge right after the snow melts.
These flies breed in fast-moving water. Streams and rivers with clean, oxygenated water are perfect for them. The larvae attach to rocks and filter food from the current.
Black flies are daytime biters. They’re most active in the morning and late afternoon. Unlike mosquitoes, they don’t care about wind. They’ll bite you even in a breeze.
Their bites can cause severe reactions. Some people get swelling, itching, and even fever. In rare cases, black flies can cause “black fly fever” with headache and nausea.
Common species in Alaska include:
- Simulium venustum: Widespread across the state
- Simulium arcticum: Found in northern regions
- Prosimulium hirtipes: Early season biter
Black flies are attracted to dark colors and carbon dioxide. They also like sweat and perfume. Wearing light-colored clothing helps reduce bites.
No-See-Ums (Biting Midges)
No-see-ums are tiny flies that pack a big punch. They’re only 1-3 mm long, so you often don’t see them until it’s too late. Their scientific name is Ceratopogonidae.
These flies breed in moist soil, mud, and decaying vegetation. They’re common near marshes, bogs, and lake shores. In Alaska, they’re most active from June to August.
No-see-ums are weak fliers. They prefer calm, humid conditions. They’re most active at dawn and dusk. But they’ll bite during the day if it’s overcast.
Their bites feel like a sharp pinch. Then comes intense itching that can last for days. Some people develop welts or blisters. The itching is caused by an anticoagulant in their saliva.
Standard mosquito repellents don’t always work on no-see-ums. Products with DEET or picaridin are better. But physical barriers like fine mesh screens are most effective.
Horse Flies And Deer Flies
Horse flies and deer flies are larger than mosquitoes. They have colorful eyes and sharp mouthparts that slice skin. Their bites are painful and bleed freely.
Horse flies are active during the day. They’re attracted to movement, warmth, and dark colors. They also like carbon dioxide and sweat. Females are the biters; males feed on nectar.
Deer flies are smaller than horse flies but just as aggressive. They have patterned wings and a distinctive flight pattern. They often circle your head before landing.
In Alaska, you’ll find several species:
- Hybomitra astuta: Common in forested areas
- Chrysops nigripes: A deer fly found in wetlands
- Tabanus marginalis: Large horse fly in coastal regions
These flies breed in wet soil near water. The larvae are predators that feed on other insects. Adults emerge in mid-summer and are active until the first frost.
Horse flies can fly long distances. They’ve been known to follow vehicles for miles. They’re also persistent biters that won’t give up easily.
Stable Flies
Stable flies look like house flies but with a painful bite. They have a distinct proboscis that sticks out forward. They’re also called biting house flies.
These flies breed in decaying organic matter. Manure, wet hay, and rotting vegetation are common sites. In Alaska, they’re often found near farms and horse stables.
Stable flies are daytime biters. They prefer to bite on the legs and ankles. They’re most active in warm weather, from June through September.
Their bites are sharp and painful. They can cause swelling and itching. In large numbers, they can make outdoor activities miserable.
Control methods include removing breeding sites and using traps. Insecticides are less effective because the flies are mobile. Sanitation is the best long-term solution.
House Flies
House flies are the most common non-biting fly in Alaska. They don’t bite, but they can spread disease. They breed in garbage, manure, and other filth.
These flies are gray with four dark stripes on their thorax. They’re about 6-7 mm long. They have sponging mouthparts that can’t bite.
House flies are most active in summer. They enter homes through open doors and windows. They’re attracted to food, garbage, and pet waste.
They can carry over 100 pathogens. These include bacteria that cause food poisoning and dysentery. That’s why it’s important to keep them out of your kitchen.
Prevention tips:
- Keep screens on windows and doors
- Store garbage in sealed containers
- Clean up pet waste promptly
- Use fly traps or sticky strips
House flies breed quickly. A single female can lay up to 500 eggs. The life cycle from egg to adult takes about two weeks in warm weather.
Flesh Flies
Flesh flies look similar to house flies but are larger. They have a checkerboard pattern on their abdomen. They’re often seen near dead animals or garbage.
These flies are scavengers. They lay eggs on carrion, dung, or rotting meat. The larvae feed on the decaying material. Some species are parasites of other insects.
Flesh flies are attracted to strong odors. They’re common in summer when temperatures are warm. They don’t bite humans, but they can be a nuisance.
In Alaska, you might see them near fishing camps or hunting sites. They’re also found around compost piles and outdoor toilets. Keeping areas clean reduces their numbers.
Blow Flies
Blow flies are metallic green or blue. They’re also called bottle flies. They’re attracted to dead animals and garbage.
These flies are important decomposers. They help break down dead matter. But they can also carry disease if they land on food.
Blow flies are active in warm weather. They’re common in Alaska from June to August. They’re often the first insects to find a dead animal.
Their larvae are used in forensic science. The stage of development helps determine time of death. In nature, they’re food for birds and other insects.
Crane Flies
Crane flies look like giant mosquitoes but they don’t bite. They have long legs and a slender body. They’re often called “mosquito hawks” but that’s a myth.
Adult crane flies feed on nectar or nothing at all. Some species don’t have mouthparts. They live only a few days to mate and lay eggs.
The larvae live in soil or water. They feed on decaying plant matter. Some species are pests of lawns and crops.
In Alaska, crane flies emerge in late spring and early summer. They’re most common near wetlands and forests. They’re harmless to humans and pets.
Seasonal Patterns For Alaskan Flies
Fly activity follows a predictable pattern in Alaska. Understanding this helps you plan your outdoor time.
Spring (May-June): Black flies and mosquitoes emerge first. They’re most active in the first few weeks after snowmelt. No-see-ums appear later in June.
Summer (July-August): All species are active. Horse flies and deer flies peak in July. House flies and stable flies are common near settlements.
Fall (September-October): Activity drops as temperatures cool. Mosquitoes persist until the first hard frost. Some species overwinter as eggs or larvae.
Winter (November-April): Most flies are inactive. Some survive as larvae under ice. A few adults may emerge on warm days.
Where Flies Are Worst In Alaska
Some areas have more flies than others. Here’s what to expect:
- Interior Alaska: High mosquito and black fly populations. The Yukon River valley is notorious.
- Southcentral: Moderate fly activity. Coastal areas have fewer mosquitoes but more no-see-ums.
- Southeast: Heavy rain keeps some flies down. But black flies are common in summer.
- Arctic: Intense but short mosquito season. Black flies are less common.
Wetlands and bogs are always worse. Higher elevations and windy areas have fewer flies. Staying near the coast can help in some regions.
How To Protect Yourself
Dealing with flies is part of life in Alaska. Here are practical tips:
- Use EPA-approved repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing
- Use head nets in heavy fly areas
- Set up fans on decks and patios (flies are weak fliers)
- Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk
- Keep screens in good repair
- Remove standing water around your home
- Use permethrin-treated clothing for extra protection
For camping, use a tent with fine mesh. Set up camp away from water and wetlands. Use campfire smoke to deter flies. Some people swear by citronella candles, but their effect is limited.
Natural Predators Of Flies
Alaska has natural fly control. Birds like swallows and martins eat thousands of flies daily. Bats also consume large numbers. Dragonflies are voracious predators of mosquitoes.
Fish eat mosquito larvae in water. Gambusia (mosquitofish) are used in some areas. But they’re not native to Alaska. Native fish like sticklebacks also help.
Encouraging these predators can reduce fly populations. But don’t expect complete control. Flies are too numerous for natural predators to eliminate.
Health Risks From Flies
Most fly bites are just annoying. But some can cause problems:
- Allergic reactions: Some people develop severe swelling or hives
- Secondary infections: Scratching bites can lead to skin infections
- Disease transmission: House flies can carry bacteria like E. coli
- Dog heartworm: Mosquitoes can transmit this to dogs
If you get a bad reaction, clean the bite with soap and water. Use antihistamines for itching. See a doctor if you develop signs of infection like redness, warmth, or pus.
FAQ About Flies In Alaska
What is the most common fly in Alaska?
Mosquitoes are the most common biting fly. House flies are the most common non-biting fly.
Are there horse flies in Alaska?
Yes, several species of horse flies and deer flies live in Alaska. They’re most active in July.
Do Alaskan flies carry diseases?
Mosquitoes can transmit dog heartworm. House flies can carry bacteria. But serious human diseases are rare.
When is fly season in Alaska?
It starts in May and lasts through September. Peak activity is June to August.
What repels Alaskan flies best?
DEET-based repellents work best for most species. Picaridin is also effective. Head nets and permethrin clothing provide physical protection.
Knowing the types of flies in Alaska helps you prepare for outdoor adventures. Each species has its own habits and peak season. With the right knowledge and gear, you can minimize their impact and enjoy Alaska’s beautiful summer.
Remember that flies are part of the ecosystem. They’re food for birds, fish, and other wildlife. They also pollinate plants and decompose organic matter. A little tolerance goes a long way.
Plan your activities around peak fly times. Use repellents and protective clothing. And keep a sense of humor about it. Every Alaskan has stories about battling flies. It’s just part of living in the Last Frontier.
With this guide, you’re ready to face whatever flies come your way. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, or just sitting on your porch, you’ll know what you’re dealing with. Stay prepared, stay protected, and enjoy Alaska’s wild beauty.