Alaska, often envisioned as a land of pristine glaciers and icy wilderness, might seem an unlikely haven for insects. This image overlooks a thriving insect population that emerges with warmer months. While the cold climate deters many species, Alaska is home to numerous insects, some in surprisingly large numbers.
The Reality of Alaskan Insects
Alaska provides exceptionally favorable conditions for insect proliferation during its brief summer. Melting snow and ice create extensive wetlands, bogs, and standing water, serving as ideal breeding grounds. Abundant lakes and rivers further contribute to these moist environments. Extended summer daylight, sometimes lasting up to 20 hours, coupled with warming temperatures (50-80°F), accelerate insect life cycles. This short, intense burst of warmth allows insects to develop rapidly.
Many Alaskan insects have developed remarkable adaptations to survive harsh winter conditions. Some persist through dormancy, entering suspended animation as adults or larvae in sheltered locations. Others survive freezing temperatures in their egg stage, with eggs laid in late summer lying dormant until spring thawing. Certain insects, such as the red flat bark beetle, exhibit “supercooling,” where their body fluids do not freeze even at extremely low temperatures.
Meet the Alaskan Bug Brigade
Alaska hosts several noticeable insect types, particularly biting varieties. Mosquitoes are perhaps the most famous due to their sheer numbers. They are most active from late May through July, with peak populations in June and early July, especially in interior, tundra, and forested areas. While irritating, Alaskan mosquitoes do not transmit diseases harmful to humans.
Black flies, also known as buffalo gnats, are another prevalent biting insect. These smaller flies inflict painful bites, often crawling under clothing or near the hairline to feed. Their bites can result in itchy, swollen welts that may persist for over a week.
Biting midges, commonly called “no-see-ums,” are tiny, less than 1/8 inch long, yet their bites are disproportionately painful and irritating. These minute insects can sometimes pass through standard window screens.
Larger biting insects like horseflies and deerflies are also found in Alaska. These flies are known for their aggressive and painful bites, as females require a blood meal to reproduce. They are strong fliers and can travel considerable distances, often found near their breeding habitats of moist soil or water. Some species can transmit tularemia, a bacterial disease, though human cases are rare in Alaska.
Strategies for a Bug-Free Alaskan Experience
Timing your trip can significantly affect bug presence; late August and September typically see a decline in insect activity as temperatures cool. However, this period might also mean shorter daylight hours and fewer available summer activities.
Protective clothing offers a primary defense against biting insects. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a head net during peak bug season creates a physical barrier. Loose-fitting, light-colored garments are recommended, as mosquitoes are less attracted to them and cannot bite through loose fabric. Permethrin-treated clothing provides enhanced protection, repelling insects that land on the fabric.
Insect repellents are an effective tool. Products containing DEET are widely considered most effective, with 30-40% concentrations generally sufficient for strong protection. Alternatives like picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus also provide protection. When selecting a campsite, choosing breezy locations away from standing water helps reduce insect presence. Tents, RVs, or cabins with fine-mesh screens create bug-free zones.