Insect numbers also vary from one location to another on the Island due to micro-climate effects and from day to day due to weather changes. For example, the cooler Lake Superior shores tend to have fewer mosquitoes, but wind direction and other factors can override that tendency. Hot, humid weather brings out every available mosquito and black fly. Cool, dry, breezy days slows them down. In a typical year, the mosquito and black fly hatch starts at the end of May or the beginning of June.
Black flies hatch in cold running water.
They can be especially numerous if we have unusually warm weather during spring runoff, or when heavy rains keep streams high into summer. When they are really out, they can be so thick as to drive campers to desperate measures such as spending lots of time in tents, using head nets and breathing through their teeth. At times, the conversation turns to modes of protection. Discussions of the merits of DEET repellents versus citronella repellents entertain some folks, while others securely cover all exposed skin on their bodies with bite-proof material and receive the benefits of both insect protection and a walking sauna simultaneously. Do come prepared to protect yourself.