06/18/2026
Seeing fish flies (mayflies) around Windsor-Essex and Pelee Island?
Don’t worry—they don’t bite, sting, or damage property. These insects are an important part of our local aquatic ecosystem, providing food for fish and birds. Their presence is often a sign of healthy water conditions because their larvae need oxygen-rich water to survive. 🌊🐟🐦
📌 What to know about fish flies:
• ✅ They do not bite or sting.
• 🐾 They are harmless to people and pets.
• 🌊 They spend most of their lives underwater before emerging for a short time each year.
• 🐟🐦 They are an important food source for fish, birds, and other wildlife.
• 💧 Their presence can be a sign of healthy aquatic ecosystems and good water quality.
To reduce impacts during fish fly season:
• 💡 Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights, especially near shorelines, as fish flies are attracted to light.
• ⚠️ Use caution on sidewalks, roads, docks, and stairs where accumulations may create slippery conditions.
• 🧹 Sweep or shovel fish flies into yard waste where permitted rather than washing them into storm drains.
• 🌱 Help protect local water quality by reducing fertilizer use, maintaining natural shoreline vegetation, and keeping pollutants out of storm drains.
