Mayflies invade Pittsburgh ballpark, other venues

Mayflies invade Pittsburgh ballpark, other venues

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Some riverside venues in Pittsburgh have been swarmed by mayflies the last two nights — but experts say that’s not a bad thing, even though it can be annoying.

Fans at Pittsburgh Pirates games at PNC Park reported swarms of the bugs during games Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The bugs hatch in rivers before taking flight for about a day before they mate and then die, and were apparently drawn by the stadium’s bright lights.

Singer Colbie Caillat learned the same lesson Tuesday when spotlights drew the bugs toward her during a show at nearby Stage AE. Like PNC Park, the amphitheater is located along the north shore of the Allegheny River.

Experts say the bugs are more numerous in recent years because the city’s rivers are less polluted.