Black fly repellant?! Is there such a thing?

[jcrew]

HI, all!

We are looking forward to visiting this summer with the family! We'll be staying on the East side of the island, on the water. Lovely spot we'll be returning to. Just wondered if the Islanders had any advice on a way to keep the black flies from biting. Is there anything that works? We'd sure like to enjoy the beach a bit more this time around. We'll be there July 4th week and I'm thinking that might be peak season?

Hope all is well with you and our favorite island! The Temples

[Hayseeder]

diesel fuel ....serious

[Campbell60tr34@aol.com]

Put your diesel fuel in the freezer over night and it will get to just the right jelly like consistency so you can smear it all over yourself. Better not get too close to the camp fire though. According to Chuck Norris diesel makes makes pretty good cough syrup also.

[Trish Scott]

The east side is normally alee, so not much wind. If the flies are biting, head to a beach that is windward The flies cannot bother you in the wind. If you prefer staying on the east side, a screen tent is your best bet.

[cindyr]

I heard that Vicks VapoRub works to repel the black flies. Also, because they bite rather than sting, their jaws cannot work through many of the repellent oils. There are hats - we used to sell them here at the hardware - that have a patch of adhesive on the back that attracts and catches the flies...if you don't mind having dead flies as part of your island attire!

[cindyr]

I should mention that we do carry several repellents here at Powers' DoItBest Hardware that work well against black flies and other pests. "Bug Off Oil" is an all natural product that you apply directly to your skin. It keeps black flies, no-see-ums and mosquitoes away, and is safe for children. Other products like this are also available, as well as sprays to treat an area, rather than your skin. Good luck!

[Dick and Amy]

ah yes, biting flies,or as i like to call them winged spawn of Satan. I've tried them all except fuel oil.your only hope is the butane bug chaser avail. at the hardware. good luck, Amy

[Batman]

Insect repellents do a decent job ! Unfortunately, there are some species that don't give a hoot about DEET insect repellent, even if you lather it on. If you are trying to enjoy an evening on the porch you might want to hold your cold drink in one hand and your can of fly spray in the other.
Black fly populations are found in many parts of North America and because they are so widespread their total eradication is unlikely. They are great fliers and they don't stick around waiting for us to kill them off with pesticides. So, your choice is to hide inside or man your battle stations with repellents, garments that don't attract them (dark blue) and insect sprays to keep them at bay, and go out and live life.
Most places on the east side have a screened porch for a reason .
also we have fly bags that use dried deer blood and water that catch them that do help
Ken Hogarth
Hogarths Pest Control
www.hogarthspestcontrol.com
231-264-6060

[Dick and Amy]

Amy is right the (thermo cell) repellant works well
for about 3 hours per pad; works well in an area of about a 25 foot circle. 2 at a time gives a pretty fair area of no black flies. It is a must have on a work site.Each package of three pads and a small butane cylinder will protect for 9+ hours if you don't waste gas and change when the pads are nearly white. When flies return you'll know that it is time to add a new pad; usually about 4-5 hours. Powers does have them. R.E.

[jcrew]

Appreciate the responses! We'll stay away from the lathering ourselves with diesel fuel as we do enjoy the campfires. We will pick up one of those butane jobbies at the hardware when we get there. Thanks!