Black flies and deer flies

[inthetrees]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

Check out Thermacell.

Sure it works if there is not much wind, however its fairly pricey to use regularly and has a small effective radius.

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by inthetrees

Sure it works if there is not much wind, however its fairly pricey to use regularly and has a small effective radius.

In my experience, when there's too much wind for Thermacell there's been too much wind for black flies and mosquitoes. It's effective for 100 sq ft. The appliance and a holster were $25. This is the third year we've used one. At $8 a year, that's not expensive in my opinion. You can buy the mat and butane refills for $15 (four butane, 12 mats). One box of refills lasts me more than a year through spring through fall hunting, sitting out by the pond, etc.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

Check out Thermacell.

I used one last year, while bulldozing through some woodland. I could easily tell the difference between when it was lit and compared to when it was not lit.

So far this year, I have not seen any biting insects.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

I use either Repel with 100% DEET or Ben's 100, whichever is cheaper. I have used it since it first came out. It is great stuff. It works. I don't use much of it and put it mostly on my hat or the cuffs of my shirt and pants.

[namder1]

I use Bens and it is quite effective.......my dad used to just spark up a big 'ol stoggie.........

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by namder1

I use Bens and it is quite effective.......my dad used to just spark up a big 'ol stoggie.........

Is it true that the best stoggies are short but not too big around?

I think I heard that somewhere"

"... Third boxcar, midnight train
Destination...Bangor, Maine.
Old worn out suits and shoes,
I don't pay no union dues,
I smoke old stogies I have found
Short, but not too big around
I'm a man of means by no means
King of the road. ..."

hmm, Rooms to let for fifty cents. yeah right.

[inthetrees]

black flies are really bad right now in knox county, deep woods off or the heavy deet version of repel seems to keep them from landing and biting, however I hate using this stuff daily

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

In my experience, when there's too much wind for Thermacell there's been too much wind for black flies and mosquitoes. It's effective for 100 sq ft. The appliance and a holster were $25. This is the third year we've used one. At $8 a year, that's not expensive in my opinion. You can buy the mat and butane refills for $15 (four butane, 12 mats). One box of refills lasts me more than a year through spring through fall hunting, sitting out by the pond, etc.

We must sit outside for considerable different amounts of time. Wife and I went thru the 4 pack refill in weeks, using it 4-5 nights a week for a few hours at a time, also with some use random daytime use.

With thick skeeters or flies, even a small 5mph wind made our thermacell pretty useless, sure it would work, but no where near 100sq ft. more like 40 or 50, just enough for one person and only downwind from the cell'

[moosehunter]

blackflies were alive and well in Mid-Maine...around Thursday evening....so I packed up and headed back south Sat night....will be back to camp in July..;-)

[bangorme]

Originally Posted by mainegrl2011

...shoulda found a place to live closer to the ocean....or I guess you could try to create your own ocean breeze.

The coast has its own issues. The biggest being the horse fly. Unlike the deer fly which tends to target high, the horse fly targets low. Think legs, up your shorts, etc. It will bite high if low isn't available. I think the bite is more painful myself.

Then there is the mosquito, which loves the marshes around the coast. The worst mosquito spot I've ever seen was while flounder fishing in Scarborough when I was a kid. They were so thick it looked like fog.

For me, it's always DEET. Works everywhere but your nostrils, mouth, eyes and inside your ears. Repels ticks too, so that's a bonus.

[gcberry]

CAUTION: According to my vet, DEET is NOT safe to use on dogs.