Lack of rain means fewer mosquitoes, but biting flies

MILWAUKEE -- Hot and dry conditions means fewer mosquitoes so far this summer. The standing rain means less standing water for them to breed, but there is a bug taking its place!

"Biting flies" are popping up across southeastern Wisconsin.

Clear skies and temperatures in the 90s can be the perfect day to take a boat out onto Lake Michigan, but when biting flies attack, it can ruin an afternoon boating trip.

"We wanted to stay out, and it wasn't any fun," Julie Schinzer said.

Schinzer says the flies were constantly biting during what was supposed to be a fun and relaxing outing on the boat.

"They were biting Spudd, our dog. It was bad," Schinzer said.

Schinzer said they called off their afternoon on the lake after just an hour.

Dave Kusnierek, an associate certified entomologist with Batzner Pest Management says the hot, dry weather is perfect for biting flies.

"I think this will be a horrific season as the summer progresses, especially if we continue to get these warm temperatures," Kusnierek said.

Kusnierek says wearing insect repellant with "deet" can help ward off the biting flies. Also, wearing light clothing helps, because the flies are attracted to dark and shiny objects.