Mayflies

Latin: Order Ephemeroptera

Common Locations:

Attracted to light, especially near aquatic locations.

What are Mayflies?

Mayflies, also called shadflies and lake flies are aquatic insects that are commonly found near, clean fresh water. Attracted to light, they like to gather in large numbers around homes and commercial buildings.

Female Mayflies reproduce by laying their eggs in the water bodies. When they hatch, they live near the bottom of the water feeding on organic materials and once they are mature they leave the water and shed their skin. The adult males die after mating and the females die after laying their eggs. Their dry skin and bodies can crumble easily.

How do I identify Mayflies?

Mayflies have two pairs of wings and long antennae like protrusions from their rear. There are numerous species of Mayflies that can gather, some are less than 1mm long and others can be up to 30mm long. Most have dark bodies with pale yellow, gray or clear wings.

Mayflies can become a nuisance to people at night as they gather near doorways of homes and businesses.

How can I get rid of MayFlies?

Making a building less attractive to Mayflies is the first step in controlling a problem. Since they are commonly attracted to white light, changing bulbs to yellow light can help. Moving porch lights and other exterior lights away from the building can move the light source away from people. Insect light traps that use UV light may be helpful as will reduce the light that shines from windows.

If their water source is a fountain or standing water, consider moving the source farther from exterior opening to a house.

Vacuuming and sweeping inside will help get rid of mayflies that move indoors due to open windows or cracks. Making sure all exterior cracks and doors are sealed and screens are repaired.