Cape Cod: Black flies? (Brockton, Yarmouth: homes, live, safe)

[lizbet46]

We are thinking of going to New England for a week at the end of May, but I'm worried about black flies. I've never encountered them (in the past, we've always visited in July or August), but I've heard they are quite awful. Are they a serious problem on the Cape as well? Someone recommended Truro as a nice place to visit; also Martha's Vinyard.
Thanks.

[Woof Woof Woof!]

I think you're safe in May.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by lizbet46

We are thinking of going to New England for a week at the end of May, but I'm worried about black flies. I've never encountered them (in the past, we've always visited in July or August), but I've heard they are quite awful. Are they a serious problem on the Cape as well? Someone recommended Truro as a nice place to visit; also Martha's Vinyard.
Thanks.

They can get annoying when they're out in full affect, but I wouldn't call them awful. Especially not on the Cape. I would say you'd be OK. A nice breeze helps to keep them at bay so given Cape Cod and the Islands' exposure to the ocean, breezes are common just about every day PARTICULARLY closer to the waterfront. Truro is beautiful. It's right near P-Town on the Outer or Lower Cape. Given the narrow landmass it sits on, the breezes should be enough to keep any black flies in the area away from you. Even if there is no wind, it shouldn't be too bothersome. Same goes for most of Martha's Vinyard.

I'd also recommend Nantucket if no one had already. It's gorgeous. Personally, it's my favorite place to stay in the area with P-Town/Truro being a close second.

[Cape Cod MINI]

You'll get some no see-ums that can be brutal. In Maine they call them midges. The black flies will be out but not as bad as the no see-ums.
If it's been warm, and a new record high was set in Hyannis today, they'll be hatched and active.
Worse than the midges are the green heads and horse flies. Oh they are wicked here.
FWIW I spent all day working outside today here in South Dennis and not a single black fly but was in Brockton visiting friends yesterday and was bombarded and eaten up by black flies all afternoon.

I suggest the Vineyard over Nantucket for a summer visit. M.V. is much larger and people are much friendlier, lots more to visit and see, pasture lands, wild turkey, nice farms, farm stands, Aquinnah, lots of potters and artisans. Nantucket is flat as a board, congested, and the summer residents in their boxy monstrosity SUV's can be quite rude, snooty and entitled...as opposed to the winter when Nantucket is tolerable.
Where ever you visit, have fun!

[lizbet46]

I was a bit confused by your message. What is a "no see-um"? Is it another biting insect? How is it worse than a black fly? And are they a terrible problem at the end of May? Do you think the insect problem would spoil a vacation on Cape Cod (Truro or Martha's Vinyard) then? Is it bad enough that we should try a different place? I realize it would make sense to go in the summer instead, but that's not an option. Thanks for your suggestion. Please give me some further info.

Thanks.
Elizabeth

[CoastalMaine]

I've lived on Cape Cod for thirty years and have yet to be bitten or even see the black flies that are famous in Maine. No-see-ums are not a big deal unless you're planning on taking hikes through some of the trails.

All can be alleviated with some simple bug repellent on your jackets, but I've not had to worry about it in 30 years. Mosquitos at dusk or in heavily shaded areas would be my main concern.... and certainly ticks if you plan to walk through the wooded trails.

All of 6A throughout the Cape is quite scenic and enjoyable. Truro is charming, but very tiny and not much to see or do there. Very wealthy people in their shorefront homes... Wellfleet would be more fun as would P'town... Orleans, Chatham, and/or Brewster. Sandwich is quite charming as is Barnstable and Yarmouthport.

I too would prefer M.V. over Nantucket for the reasons given in other posts.

If I can be of more help, please don't hesitate to send me a direct message.

Good luck with your choices... late May is a wonderful time to visit the Cape!