[baker Freesia]

Forty years ago when on family vacation, we stopped off for a picnic lunch not to far north across Mackinaw bridge, while there black flies were in great numbers around us, only 2 of us,, being we were females got bit by these black flies. Now, my Mother had on a yellow light weight jacket, she didn't know whether it was because she was wearing a yellow jacket she got bit by the black flies, or was it because her & I being females, the black flies were attracted to us because or our pheromone. We got bit by those flies a number of times.

Anyone here on the forum tell me whether or not the black flies are still in great abundance just north of the Mackinaw bridge? We called them black flies perhaps they go by another name.

[JimmyInGreatLakes]

We've been to the U.P. about 7-8 times in the last 15 years and have never had a problem with them. However, each trip has been in August. From what I hear, they can be a nuisance in late May or early June.

[baker Freesia]

Originally Posted by JimmyInGreatLakes

From what I hear, they can be a nuisance in late May or early June.

Early June is when I can remember taking family vacation, since that would be when we'd take our trips right after School was let out for Summer. So, that would make sense. I had wondered too if these black flies were around all Summer, since my vacation only was one week of June.

[michmoldman]

Never had a problem in July or August. I would still get out and hike the U.P if there were a hundred biting me at the same time.

[Sparrow_temp]

Black flies are just a nuisance if you're moving; Deer flies are the real problem if you go hiking since repellents rarely work. I get quite the reaction from a black fly bite compared to mosquitoes but the Deer fly bites actually hurt.

With respect to color, I was always told that dark colors were what mosquitoes like. Yellow should have been better.

[Nephler]

Hardly a bug to be found up there now, as of yesterday.

[southern6]

can someone tell me why the black flies are so bad in Sept. They will run you out of the garden and yard. I have never seen them this way.

[merit1sje]

baker Freesia, I have property in St. Ignace. We have been there several times this year and have not been bothered by black flies at all however, we did encounter them up in Copper Harbor this year.