Black Flies (Avon: work, house, rain)

[MaineMathTCHER]

Is there anyway to cut down on the black fly population? I don't remember them being this thick last year (my first year in Maine). Any suggestions on controlling them-or a good bug juice to put on me when I walk to keep them away? While I would still take the black flies over the HUGE mosquito problem back in Texas, they are very annoying and seem to storm my car as I drive up to the house-must have been a 100 of 'em trying to get at me as I got out of the car after work today!

[forest beekeeper]

We have not seen any this year.

[msina]

Here's some good info on the lil suckers and what repellants work well. (personally I think they believe DEET is just BBQ sauce for people meat)

Maine Nature News - Some questions and answers about black flies in Maine

[dmyankee]

I don't really mind 'em much. If you lay off the fancy smelling shampoo and deodorant, that will help. Many swear by Avon Skin so Soft.

[AustinB]

The blackflies will soon be out in droves here... I just put the pump jacks up on the side of my boat shed to shingle it.

[Bydand]

This Spring is going to be a doozy of a year for the little black devils I have a feeling. Plenty of running water for them to bred and hatch in this year, and the temps look like they are going to jump up to the "right" temp for them to come out in droves. I have only seen a couple so far, but this week-end is going to change all that I have a feeling. Last few days have been 70ish and sunny, with some rain in the near future. I'm stopping by the store tomorrow and stocking up on Bens 100. Plus some fresh fruit. Slather yourself with the Bens, then cut an Orange, Apple, any sweet smelling fruit in half and rub it on somebody who is out with you then run. The black flies will carry them away and not pay attention to you much if at all.

[bringselpup]

Without any history myself I rely on what the neighbors say.

They've been out for over a week here, and theysay it's a bumper crop.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by MaineMathTCHER

Is there anyway to cut down on the black fly population? I don't remember them being this thick last year (my first year in Maine). Any suggestions on controlling them-or a good bug juice to put on me when I walk to keep them away? While I would still take the black flies over the HUGE mosquito problem back in Texas, they are very annoying and seem to storm my car as I drive up to the house-must have been a 100 of 'em trying to get at me as I got out of the car after work today!

You were warned! They are BRUTAL. Southern Maine does not have as big a problem with them as Northern Maine. No one in their right mind would go near the north woods until at least the end of July!

[Nor'Eastah]

Originally Posted by Maineah

They are BRUTAL.

Why not borrow one of Forest's bee hats?

[RANGER.101ST]

only 100 thats not bad .now that they no where you live there will be 10,000 tomorow.