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The black fly elimination with drones
What is the black fly and what effects does it produce?
Black flies , whose scientific name is Simuliidae , belong to the family of Nematoceran Diptera . They range in size from 2 to 5 mm and are generally dark in color. They are characterized by having piercing-sucking mouthparts, broad wings, and short legs.
The black fly is a real nightmare for people and livestock , because some species act as vectors of serious diseases.
Some 1.700 species and 41 subgenres are known.
Black fly bites
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Black fly bites
Black fly biting
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Black fly biting
Onchocerciasis
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Onchocerciasis
- The simúlidos (black fly) are a diptera between 2 and 5 mm in size
- It is a real nightmare for people and livestock
- They act as vectors of serious diseases
- About 1.700 species and 41 subgenres are known
- They live near streams, where they breed and where they attack mammals and birds most aggressively.
- They look for highly oxygenated waters with a lot of organic matter in suspension, for a correct development of their larvae
- They reject polluted waters. The improvement of our rivers has favored their spread
- Their larvae are aquatic and live fixed on the stones and vegetation of those areas
- Daytime habits, especially in hours close to sunrise and sunset
- They are very good fliers, being able to reach 50 km from their birth zone
Reproduction and habitat of the black fly
Their natural habitat is usually near flowing waterways , where they breed and where they most aggressively attack mammals and birds in the area. They seek out highly oxygenated waters with abundant suspended organic matter for the proper development of their larvae. They are averse to water pollution , and for this reason, they have spread more easily throughout European rivers, which have generally seen an improvement in water quality.
Their larvae are aquatic and live attached to rocks and vegetation in areas where water flows. They are diurnal, especially active at dawn and dusk, and are excellent fliers, reaching a range of up to 50 km from their hatching site under favorable conditions. This range is much greater for females when they are hunting.
Adults tend to form clouds or swarms , especially during sunrise and sunset, so the probability of being stung by more than one individual increases during those times, especially if the host approaches the vegetation areas around the places where they breed.
The bite of the black fly
The simulids normally feed on the juices of the vegetables, but the adult females of many species are blood-suckingThat is, they can bite people and other animals, just like mosquitoes. Although unlike these, It is not a sting, but a bite, to suck your blood. This will be a great nutritional contribution for the development and laying of the eggs by the females.
Its mouthparts are mandibular , unlike mosquitoes that bite with a stylet, and therefore inflict a painful bite that, in some cases, can bleed. A series of enzymes and histamine mix with the blood, preventing clotting until the fly ingests it. These bites cause localized tissue damage, and if a large number of flies feed, their feeding can cause anemia due to blood loss in their victim.
Effects on human health of the black fly bite
The host's reaction to fly attacks can include systemic illness, allergic reactions, or even death , presumably mediated by histamine. In humans, this systemic reaction is known as "black fly fever" and is characterized by:
- Headaches,
- fever,
- nausea,
- adenitis,
- dermatitis
- and allergic asthma.
Some species of these insects are vectors of Onchocerca volvulus and Mansonella ozzardi, parasites responsible for river blindness, which affects more than 17 million people in African regions. In birds, they are responsible for the transmission of a parasitic protozoan.
While they bite, they inject an anesthetic, a vasodilator, and an anticoagulant, which prevent the bite from being immediately noticeable . It is later that severe irritation and inflammation of the tissues occur, and in some cases, medical attention will be necessary.
- Adults tend to clump together in cloud or swarm formation
- The chances of an attack increase if the host approaches the breeding areas
- The females of many species are blood-sucking (they feed on the blood of people and / or animals)
- They do not bite, but bite, to suck blood, for this they have a mandibular type apparatus
- They release a series of enzymes and histamine that mix with the blood to prevent clotting
- If the attack is by a large group of flies, they can cause anemia due to blood loss in their victim
- Systemic diseases, allergic reactions, and even death
- In humans, the systemic reaction is known as "black fly fever"
- Some species may be vectors of Onchocerca valvulus and Mansonella ozzardi, parasites that cause River Blindness.
- 17 million people are affected by Onchocerciasis in Africa
- In their bites they inject an anesthetic, a vasodilator and an anticoagulant to prevent the bite from being noticed instantly
- Black flies are among the few insects that have killed animals through direct attacks
- They can kill their victims due to toxic shock
- Responsible for large-scale livestock deaths
- Responsible for more than 22.000 deaths along the Danube river
- It was considered one of the most dangerous species in the world
- Found throughout Europe
- We carry out pioneering treatments, in areas of difficult access with our drones
- Very environmentally friendly application
Effects on fauna of the black fly bite
In 2001, the reintroduction of a migratory population of Grus americana (Trumpeter Crane) into eastern North America was launched. Hatching success, however, was extremely low due to the harassment of black flies (Simuliidae) in hatching birds.
Black flies are among the few insects that routinely kill animals through direct attacks, bleeding, or toxic shock (simuliotoxicosis) from injected salivary components. Around seven species worldwide, all thriving in large rivers, have been responsible for large-scale livestock deaths.
Although now largely a historical phenomenon, the largest mass killing of domestic animals was caused by Simulium colombaschense (Scopoli) , responsible for over 22,000 deaths along the Danube River in southeastern Europe. This led to it being considered "among the most dangerous species in the world ," killing animals across a wide area beyond the Danube River.
This situation caused the generation of myths among the local population, which was unable to explain the outbreaks. A popular legend said that the flies emerged from a cave located in a wall of the river gorge, where a dragon wounded by Saint George had sought refuge and finally died; expelling the flies from his head. So powerful was the legend that the Austro-Hungarian government gave the order to close the two caves in the gorge with lead and cement.
The last major outbreak of S. colombaschense occurred in 1950, killing more than 800 animals.
Due to the large number of species and subgenera, it can be found in almost all of Europe.
How do we carry out the treatments?
Using our drones , we will carry out a series of groundbreaking treatments . Once again, our strength lies in our ability to reach hard-to-access areas where larvae may be breeding , allowing us to apply treatments precisely and cover large areas in a very short time. This time, we will use treatments that are compatible with the protection of other existing wildlife and, by mitigating the presence of the pest, will also benefit the area's biodiversity.
Once again, as with all our drone treatments, we will carry out an environmentally friendly application.
Although these pests are considered native to the area, proper management is necessary to avoid mass displacements of animal species and to mitigate the terrible effects they have on the population.
We will utilize state-of-the-art drone technology for our operations , which we will use to perform autonomous flight and area analysis . This will involve using artificial vision systems , radiometry, and other precise sensors .
