Black Flies in RI? (work, health, houses)

[Annabelle56]

What about those black flies,no see ums and other nasty insects that I keep reading about in the Maine forum,does RI have them too?
What about humidity?Is it very high?what would be the best time to visit?
Thank you :-)

[Apple Annie]

The black flies? RI has "May" flies or gnats that will drive you nuts in the spring especially at twilight. If you live in the country or a heavily treed area anywhere, you will get "something", and if you live near the seashore, you will have other "somethings" like horseflies which are really painful when they bite, and sand fleas.

As for humidity -- definitely. There are extremes of temperature in RI. It can be below zero sometimes for a week in the winter, and on and off. In the summer I've seen it hover in the high 90's for maybe two or three weeks at a time. It can go over 100 at times also. 98 degrees with 98% humidity is not uncommon in the summer. Many people say they don't need central air, but don't believe it, the weather can be oppressive. You need it if you want to breathe in the summer. Any coastal state is going to be humid.

[Annabelle56]

Thanks for responding Apple Annie....I've been reading posts about mosquitos,snakes,black flies,"no see ums"and other "fun"stuff.Now I'm really scared,especially after reading a post with a detailed description of what black flies will do to you...wow!
What do people do to keep those pests away???

[Apple Annie]

Simply use an insect repellent if you're hiking or in the woods, camping, etc. ... the bugs are not a problem in RI. Bugs are everywhere, part of the ecological system, no getting away from critters. Where are you living now that has made you paranoid about insects? (Snakes? Cannot recall ever seeing one and I lived there all my life.) I used to be totally phobic about spiders when I lived up north ... now, unless they are really big and bad, I don't even pay attention to them.

[Annabelle56]

AppleAnnie, I am in eastern WA State.Of course we have bugs too,spiders mosquitos etc,like everywhere else.I'm definitely not paranoid about insects,just don't like them.But after reading all those descriptions(some posted on the Maine website)I started thinking that maybe I won't be able to handle it,that's all.That's why I asked the "bug"questions.
Thanks for your reply.

[Apple Annie]

Well, yes, Maine might be a lot more buggy with those black flies than RI because there is a lot of forest and wooded land in Maine; and it has a very different weather pattern. I share your concern about bugs; believe me. There is a very good natural bug repellant that my sister clued me in to when she lived in So. California. It's called Penny Royal (looks like oregano). You can buy it in most organic health food stores in bulk. I keep a small jar of it with holes in the lid in all of my cupboards, clothes closets, anywhere there is food. Have been doing it for years and I swear by it. Just don't let animals near it. Otherwise, outside, lemon eucalyptus cream works great and we go camping a lot. ( I even rub a little in my hair when hiking ). Enjoy RI.

[Annabelle56]

Annie,are there "better"areas than others in RI?I mean there is always a bad area in every city(crime,drugs etc)Which are the areas to avoid if any?Which areas/cities are viewed as upper class/ritzy?
What type of grocery stores(chains)do you have in RI?I've heard of something called Market Basket(Boston),do they have a store anywhere in RI?
What about the fruit/veggies industry?Are there any fruit warehouses?
Sorry about asking so many questions :-/

[Apple Annie]

Upper class? Ritzy? Areas to avoid? I am not a licensed Realtor in RI anymore; even so, you would need to pose that question to a Realtor. There are laws against "steering" people to certain neighborhoods. Sorry. I also have no information about the Market Basket or fruit warehouses. I doub it.