Sandflies: activity pattern and non-drug measures
An owner in Madrid with a Podenco that sleeps in the yard wants to know what else he can do, besides the collar, to reduce the risk of leishmaniosis.
Which recommendation is most appropriate?
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A. Avoid walks at midday, which is when sandflies bite most
It is the other way round: sandflies are crepuscular and nocturnal. During the middle of the day they rest in crevices and cool places.
B. Keep the dog away from ponds and waterlogged areas, where sandflies breed
A common error by analogy with mosquitoes: sandfly larvae are not aquatic; they develop in moist soil rich in organic matter (crevices, walls, pens, henhouses).
C. It is unnecessary inland: the risk is limited to the Mediterranean coast
Leishmaniosis is endemic in much of the peninsula, including inland areas; the human outbreak in south-west Madrid showed this. Only some northern areas have low prevalence.
D. Have the dog sleep indoors from dusk to dawn during the sandfly season, with fine-mesh screens
Correct. Sandflies bite from dusk to dawn, mainly from May to October (longer in warm areas), and are weak fliers. Keeping the dog indoors at night with fine screens, since they are smaller than mosquitoes, greatly reduces exposure.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Sandflies rest during the day in cool, damp places and fly short distances close to the ground. Always combine the repellent with management measures: dog indoors at night, fine screens and clearing organic matter near where it sleeps.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.