When are sandflies most active?

When are sandflies most active?

Sandfly activity patterns are somewhat similar to mosquitoes, but with distinct differences. Understanding their activity timing helps with targeted control:

Activity period

They are mainly active during summer (June-September), starting at dusk and continuing until dawn the next day. Sandflies are nocturnal; they remain inactive during the day, hiding in wall cracks, tree holes, rock crevices, animal burrows, basements, and other dark, damp places.

Activity characteristics

Sandflies are much weaker fliers than mosquitoes, with a short flight range (usually less than 100-200 meters), and their flight is clumsy and hopping. Therefore, they generally do not fly far; if you find sandflies in your home, the breeding source is likely nearby.

Factors affecting activity

• Temperature: Most active at 20-30°C; activity drops significantly below 15°C.
• Humidity: Prefer high humidity; activity decreases in dry weather.
• Wind: Active on calm or breezy days; mostly inactive on windy days.
• Light: Weakly phototactic; not as attracted to bright lights as mosquitoes.

Timing for control

Understanding sandfly activity patterns helps with precise control: close screens before dusk when they become active, and spray corners with insecticide sprays containing deltamethrin to effectively kill them as they emerge.