Green Fly About To Die

Usually these blood thirsty bastards are at worst when the wind is from the west.

The Greenhead Problem: The salt marsh greenhead fly, Tabanus nigrovittatus, is an abundant and bothersome summertime pest along our coastal marshes. Because the females bite during daylight, and because they occur in large numbers, have a long flight range, and attack persistently, they interfere with the enjoyment of coastal areas (BEACH) throughout much of the summer.

Adults are strong fliers and are capable of flying over 31 mi (50 km). However they generally do not disperse widely, usually less than 2 mi (3 km). Moving and dark objects are most often attacked. A slight drop in temperature or increase in wind will greatly reduce the numbers flying

To anyone who has not visited the New Jersey coastal areas during "fly season," the impact of these flies on daytime activities is hard to imagine. We have collected in traps over 1000 greenhead flies per hour all seeking a blood meal. Greenhead fly populations reach peak numbers during July, but extend from late June into September.