I guess even paradise has its drawbacks. Up here on the Gunflint Trail, it’s the dreaded black fly.
Anyone who has ever hiked, camped, fished, biked or done pretty much any outdoor activity in late spring to early summer has encountered the dreaded and despised black fly. These little nasties crawl in your ears, up your nose, in your mouth, and find their way into your pants, your shirts, and under your hats.
Although there is no 100% way to protect yourself from them, here are some helpful ideas to somewhat protect yourself from the onslaught:
1) Wear light colored clothing; they are attracted to darker colors.
2) Use a bug repellent with DEET. For those of you who do not like to use harsh chemicals, Premethrine (Found in Gerainiums) works well also. You can even buy clothing that is impregnated with it. There are also some lemon and eucalyptus-based product that work well. Some people also use Avon’s Skin-So-Soft, but personally I think that is like putting syrup on a pancake–it just makes you taste better.
3) Try an unscented dryer sheet. I have been out berry picking and seen little old ladies with dryer sheets sticking out of their hats. Do they know something?
4) The Amish use Vanilla Extract. Put it in a spray bottle and squirt yourself down.
5) Tuck your pants into your socks and wear shirts and jackets with tight sleeves.
6) Raise your arm above your head. They seem to attack the highest point.
7) Stay inside? No way.
No matter how bad the bugs are, we still need to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Summer is way too short and we Minnesotians are tough. I hope these hints/ideas save you from some scratching, itching, swelling, and blood loss.
Did I miss any secret tips for avoiding black flies and their bites? If so, please add your suggestions in the comments below.
7 Comments
“Despised” is a very strong word. We must not forget that blackflies are pollinators, too, and blueberries are among the plants they pollinate. Unlike mosquitoes, they breed in running water, by the way.
I would add a net hat and impervious raincoat with rubber rainboots to the Blackfly Hazmat Outfit to prevent or reduce bites, including the ankles. My neighbor sprays a stocking cap with Deet repellent before putting it on, tucking hair up under it.
Isn’t it interesting that all species and subspecies, despised or not, have some purpose in the chain of life? Or as they say, one person’s trash is another’s treasure. Thank you for the reminder on the blueberries. I don’t think any of us up here would like to think of going through a season with no blueberries for our pancakes, pies or jam.
We can all accept that the black fly is needed so we can have our blueberries. But what pray tell is the usefulness of the more despised wood tick?
Google is Great! Try this link:
http://www.ehow.com/about5149803purpose
Thanks, Max! I’m reluctantly glad to know they have a purpose.
I use hemroid cream in the bites. It takes the itch and swelling down. Preparation H seems to work the best. The flies love me. I spent a lot of time in misery until.I discovered this awesome cure for the nite.
We weren’t sure whether or not you were kidding, Janet but it’s just odd enough that we believe you! Thanks for the tip!
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