biting flies in Maine? (Portland, Bangor: house, work, art)

[leavingfla]

I have heard that Maine has a problem with biting flies. Can anyone tell me what season that is, and what areas are not as bad? What about north/west of Bangor or Portland?

[Bydand]

Flies, we have no stinkin' flies! What we have is small flying vampires.

Seasons change depending on the spring melt and how quick it warms up. Can be mid-late May when it starts to late June. They taper off after a bit when it gets hot, but there are always a few of the nasties around to be found.

[forest beekeeper]

I do not think that there are any mosquitoes or black fly in Maine this week.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

I do not think that there are any mosquitoes or black fly in Maine this week.

I concur with this statement. Even though Wal-Mart will lead you to think otherwise. I was in there yesterday and they were setting up the bug dope shelf and hauling out summer type items.

[Maine Writer]

Warning: Shameless use of my publication. Black Flies.

[7th generation]

Writer, I've been looking through old threads and came upon that-excellent source!
Here is a thread in it's entirety:
Ok...Where are the black flies?
Hopefully these will help the OP.

[dmyankee]

Don't forget The Black Fly Breeders Association.

Tim Sample was hosting the morning show on WVOM last week and told the story of how he and Marshall Dodge came up with the Rangely Black Fly Festival.

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by dmyankee

Don't forget The Black Fly Breeders Association.

Tim Sample was hosting the morning show on WVOM last week and told the story of how he and Marshall Dodge came up with the Rangely Black Fly Festival.

Eastport should hold the Vacant Building Festival during blackfly season, just so you'd have something to do.




I'm just kidding!

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by leavingfla

I have heard that Maine has a problem with biting flies. Can anyone tell me what season that is, and what areas are not as bad? What about north/west of Bangor or Portland?

In late May and early June there are parts of the State you don't want to be anywhere near. Milinockett area comes to mind. We worked there in May and June one year and we had to wear head nets to keep from breathing in the black flies.
They can be very miserable to deal with. Winter is just about the only time you don't have to deal with some type of biting fly. Some months are much worse than others though inland is bad in the spring and summer is bad on the coast.
Mosquitoes are bad and so are deer flies and horse flies. Along the coast there are midges and green headed horse flies that will take quite a chunk out of you. The midges come out at dusk and will quickly drive you into the house. The green headed flies are out most of the day but seem more prevalent when it's hot out. Out of all of the little buggers I'd have to rate the green headed fly as having the worst bite. Then there's the ticks!

[cvap]

Black flies seem to know when your hands are full, so you can't slap them. They love to go in your ears, eyes and nose.A friend of mine fishing years back,got bit so bad he got sick.When i built my home the concrete guy came to quote. He got back in his truck and left.He said sorry,find someone else.It was spring and the excavation stirred em up good.