Here in the Great Lakes area, we have 22% of the world’s fresh water. Besides the five lakes surrounding the two peninsulas, our state is dotted with many smaller lakes and rivers. With all that water, we have a large population of bugs.
June is especially buggy, as the larva hatch in standing pools of water. Gnats the smallest bugs don’t bite, they swarm in clouds, trying to fly into nostrils, eyes and ears.
The largest bug is a June bug or beetle. it can grow from a half inch to over an inch in diameter. Not harmful to humans or pets, they will eat fruits, grasses and tree sap. They can be messy if hit by a car’s windshield. Fish flies are an unusual bug. Long and thin, they gather on the outside of buildings. They are grey to black in color. If you get close you will smell why they have the name of fish fly.
One of the nastiest bugs is the deerfly. Larger than a common house fly, the deerfly is present for a short time in July. Sporting clear wings with black veining, the deer fly has large yellow or green eyes. It is found near water in tall grass. The bite of this insect is painful, usually with a piece of skin removed.
Dragonflies are large graceful flyers. In Michigan, the Green dasher can be seen hovering on the waterfront. Though not prone to biting, if captured they will defend themselves.
Swarms of mosquitoes are found in the woods. They can be avoided by not walking at dawn and dusk when they are most likely to draw blood.
To enjoy the Michigan outdoors, a few precautions are suggested. If walking in a bug infested area, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants, select light colors. Finally use a commercial bug repellent. If you would rather have a natural solution, brew some lemongrass, mint, lavender to apply to the skin Marigolds and eucalyptus in bouquets will also discourage bugs.
Don’t let a few insects spoil your outdoor fun.
Dragonfly dashing in their iridescent green
racing , hovering over water
acrobatic feats displayed
graceful in appearance
one to a area
never in groups
free spirit
look close
Yikes!
Carolaspot@aol.com June 5th 2023
traveling up and down the blind highway 