Eye-biting black flies are surging in the San Gabriel Valley. Here's how to protect yourself from their painful bites.
The population of eye-biting black flies is surging in the San Gabriel Valley . Here's why and how to protect yourself from their painful bites.What to know about blackflies and their painful bites. Video broadcast Saturday March 28, 2026 on Today in LA Weekend.
said black fly activity is high and will likely remain that way for a few weeks. The District is treating breeding sites near rivers to reduce the population of black flies, also called 'eye-biting flies,' but it takes time for treatments to take effect.The flies earned their nickname because they tend to bite around the eyes and necklines of humans and domestic animals. The bites are painful, but do not transmit diseases in Los Angeles County. "Their bites cause a lot of pain," said Anais Medina Diaz, of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District."A lot of the times they're confused with mosquitos, but they're actually smaller than mosquitos. Their bites are very different. Mosquitos will make you itchy, maybe after they've bitten you. Black flies, you'll know right away." The District offered the following tips to protect yourself around black flies, which thrive near flowing water like rivers and streams in foothill communities like Altadena, Azusa, Bradbury, Duarte, Glendora, Monrovia, San Dimas, and Sierra Madre.Wear repellent on exposed skin. Only DEET works against black fliesSudden population spikes are sometimes caused by water releases from upstream dams. The releases are necessary for the region's water management and usually occur in spring when mountain snow turns into warmer weather runoff.Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.The female deposits about 200-500 fertilized eggs in or on flowing water. The larvae emerge and attack to rocks or other surfaces under the water and feed, growing to about 1/4 inch. The process takes about 10 days to several months. Eventually, they reach the adult stage and emerge from a pupal case, then float to the surface in a bubble of air.
Animals And Wildlife San Gabriel Valley
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tiny eye-biting fly population skyrockets in San Gabriel ValleyThe number of tiny eye-biting flies has skyrocketed thanks to the unseasonably warm weather in Southern California.
Read more »
LAPD arrests kidnapping suspect in San Fernando ValleyOfficers said the suspect allegedly kidnapped a girl in North Hills on Friday. Detectives have not determined if he is connected to last week's kidnapping.
Read more »
Eye-biting black flies are 'like little demons' in San Gabriel Valley, residents sayResidents in the San Gabriel Valley are contending with a dramatic surge in black flies, a painful little pest known for biting around the eyes and necks of people and pets.
Read more »
San Gabriel restaurant fined for signature 'stinky tofu' dishGolden Leaf in San Gabriel must pay the city $1,200 in fines after a neighbor complained about its signature 'stinky tofu' dish.
Read more »
San Gabriel Valley Habitat celebrates first Altadena rebuild after Eaton FireThe first home built by San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity has been completed after just five months.
Read more »
San Gabriel Valley sees early surge of tiny black flies that bite human eyesTiny black flies that are attracted to human breath and the salty moisture around the eyes are swarming parts of the San Gabriel Valley, experts say.
Read more »