Black fly outbreak brings misery

An outbreak of biting black flies is spreading in pockets across the Inland Northwest, bringing misery in the form of itchy bleeding bite wounds and allergic reactions.

“They are out there looking for blood,” said assistant professor Jeb Owen, an entomologist at Washington State University.

Because flowing water is a key part of the black fly life cycle, this year’s heavy precipitation may be at work, he said.

One woman, responding to a Facebook request for black fly information, said that she and her family were attacked within minutes of arriving at Manito Park on Saturday and forced to flee/ Mike Prager , SR. More here.