Eliminate standing water around your home
Clean gutters and downspouts regularly
Remove decaying leaves, grass, and organic debris
Keep trash cans tightly sealed
Store pet food indoors and clean spills quickly
Use fine-mesh window and door screens
Seal gaps around windows, doors, and vents
Turn off outdoor lights at night or use yellow bug lights
Set up sticky traps near entry points
Use fans in outdoor seating areas
Apply insect repellent to exposed skin
Wear long sleeves and light-colored clothing outdoors
Treat breeding areas with approved larvicides
Use outdoor insecticides labeled for black flies
Trim overgrown vegetation near the house
Keep compost bins covered and maintained
Fix leaky faucets, hoses, and irrigation systems
Call a pest control professional for severe infestations