Just finished a 3 night trip with some buddies. There were some mosquitos in the woods during the day but precious few in the open camp areas. They were really bad from 8:45-10:15, when they virtually disappeared. Each night. You could set your watch by it. I've witnessed this phenomenon many times over the years, of course, though maybe not such a dramatic on/off as this year. I've never read a good explanation for this. Can anyone care to educate me?

The Mosquitoes, Black Flies, and Nusiance Bugs Local 1978 signed a new contract in early 2023 that limited hours that they can bite, harass, and siphon blood from BWCA visitors.

Mike

I have experienced the same thing at or around 8:45 PM during August, although they usually seem to be done by 9:30 or 9:45. I just always assumed it was related to air/ground temperature and the lack of most of their daytime aerial predators (dragonflies, swallows, etc) being active. But I don’t really know for sure why.

I’m with Mike - they had to fulfill their contractual obligations.

I've always thought that it was because the foliage back in the trees stays warmer and the bugs migrate to warmth. So, when the sun goes down and the evening air drops, the bugs retreat to warmer areas. They may also find moisture back in the woods. I really have no idea, but if you can get through that witching hour after dusk, the North Woods and night is a wonderful place to be.

Imho, it aligns with the level of solar activity & temperature. I’ve noticed they tend to come about at the start of the Golden Hour & dissipate by Twilight. Similarly in the morning from Golden Hour to Daytime. Daytime-Golden Hour the sun is intense & impedes their abilities (targeting?), which is why they are worse in shaded forested areas during the day. Twilight-Golden Hour the lack of heat impedes their abilities as well as, per my understanding, they are cold blooded. Just my amateur observation.

They just have a strict dinner time!!

Likely on the "Intermittant Fasting" diet that's all the rage these days.

MikeinMpls: "The Mosquitoes, Black Flies, and Nusiance Bugs Local 1978 signed a new contract in early 2023 that limited hours that they can bite, harass, and siphon blood from BWCA visitors.

Mike"

LMAO Mike… LOLOL

Many variables. Light, temperature. The amount of living beings to suck blood from. I have heard that a lot of animals will come down to the waters edge to drink around that time also. Not sure if that one is true.

MikeinMpls: "The Mosquitoes, Black Flies, and Nusiance Bugs Local 1978 signed a new contract in early 2023 that limited hours that they can bite, harass, and siphon blood from BWCA visitors.


Mike"

That's funny !