Mar 14 • 00:06 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Why does denim attract hordes of biting march flies?

The article discusses why denim, particularly dark blue, attracts march flies in southwestern Australia, posing challenges for outdoor enthusiasts.

The article explains the surprising prevalence of biting march flies, especially in regions of southern Western Australia, during warmer months. The flies are known for their painful bites and are particularly bothersome to bushwalkers in areas like Pemberton, which is south of Perth. A recent encounter shared by a local woman highlighted the unexpected swarm of these insects, underscoring their aggressive nature and prevalence in certain clothing colors.

Denim, particularly in darker shades such as blue, is noted to be particularly attractive to these flies. This observation stems from recommendations from friends who noted that lighter and earth-toned clothing like green, khaki, or grey might help ward off these pests. The article underscores the importance of clothing choices in outdoor settings and how they can affect the experience of leisure activities like hiking.

As the article concludes, the presence of march flies serves as a reminder for outdoor enthusiasts to be aware of their environment and prepare appropriately to mitigate encounters with these pesky insects. It also opens up broader discussions on how wildlife interactions can impact outdoor activities, especially as climate change may alter the patterns of such insect swarms in the future.

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