Mayflies Are Swarming in Northern New Jersey
Relatively harmless but endlessly annoying, mayflies have started swarming in northern New Jersey. An annual June pest in areas near open water, hundreds of mayflies can be found hovering near ponds, streams, lakes, golf course water features and subdivision retention ponds. These spindly flying insects can become an intolerable nuisance near restaurants and outdoor dining areas. When swarming, hundreds of these insects may descend and cling to street lights, windows, signs, tables — nearly any surface.
Short-lived in their mature stage, adult mayflies live from a few hours to less than a day. Because mature mayflies have no need to feed, adult mayflies have no mouth or stinger, rendering them completely harmless. However, these insects do present a fierce appearance that fools many northern New Jersey residents into assuming mayflies to be a threat. Bearing a slight resemblance to small dragonflies, mayflies are about 3/4 inch long with large eyes and long, upright membranous wings. Their cylindrical bodies taper into a segmented abdomen that ends with two long cerci that protrude from its hind tip. Actually sensory organs, the cerci are sometimes mistaken for stingers.
Mayflies lay their eggs on the surface of water of lakes or streams. Eggs sink to the bottom and hatch into water-dwelling naiads. Naiads feed on decaying vegetation and algae. The naiad stage may last from several months to several years before the development to adult. Outdoor pest control treatment by a northern New Jersey pest control professional can help keep swarming mayflies at bay.