Monday, Aug. 12, 2024
Does wet weather increase fly populations?
Flies are attracted to wet weather. Ranchers and farmers have reported increases in horn flies, stable flies and houseflies after the wet spring, according to the Texas Farm Bureau.
Fort Worth’s rain levels during the spring were unusually high. The 2024 rain levels between March and May were 2 to 3 inches higher than the average rainfall during the same months since 2000, according to the National Weather Service.
Heavy rain often leads to oversaturated yards and increases the chance of flooding, according to Align Foundation Repair, a Fort Worth drainage company.
Many species of flies require moisture to lay their eggs to reproduce. Flies often lay eggs in still water found outside and inside of homes and different decaying organic matter like grass clippings and feces. Periods of heavy rain can cause still water and decaying organic matter, according to Orkin Pest Control.
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Sources
- Texas Farm Bureau Rainfall affects fly control, hay market for ranchers
- National Weather Service DFW Monthly and Annual Precipitation
- National Weather Service Monthly Rain Levels Since 2000
- Align Foundation Repair Drainage
- Orkin Pest Control Where Do Flies Lay Eggs Inside Houses?
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