are these similar to the fly-like insects in minnesota that leave softball sized swollen bites? I had an EVIL portage once where I ran with a duluth pack to escape them.
You must be referring to the early April storm that slammed Maine just as all the snow was melting. That was some welcome to spring, at least here in the south.Originally Posted by woodsy
I agree, According to a fisheries biologist i spoke with the black flies were late and fewer. He reasoned that the late heavy snowfall we had made for a late snowpack melt which kept the water temps too cold for a normal hatch.
Hoping for the same this year!
Kirby
Wait:
Are you saying you ran with a full pack and a canoe to avoid the black flies?
I know portaging as carrying a canoe on your back, we might be operating under different uses of the word.
Kirby
Probably. There are lots of closely related species of "black flies", not exactly the same genetically, but they're all EVIL. They're not very big - about the size of the letter "T" here. Some people are more allergic than others, and the bites get really swollen and ulcerated.
"That's the thing about possum innards - they's just as good the second day." - Jed Clampett
Actually Deet is supposed to go on your skin and you are supposed to avoid getting it on clothing and gear. Deet can badly stain cloth and will melt the paint off the plastic bottles it's stored in, among other things.
Permethrin is what is supposed to be applied to clothing (and avoided on skin).
I use DEET on the clothes. Keeps them from swirling so much, and prevents crawlup. I figure my duds can be replaced, what is left of my sanity is more valuable. I try to pick older stuff to wear, it will make fleece wierd if you get alot on it. Little dab will do.
I always take my glasses off, and usually put them upwind.
Always.
Blackfly bites
Check out the picture of this hiker dude after being poisioned by blackfly bites! Some of you anti- bug dope SOBOs may want to bring a seeing eye dog along to help you find your way, just kidding, or am i?
WALK ON
kirby- I ran with the duluth pack, someone else had the canoe. Never tried running with a canoe...but I can't imagine it would be very easy.
it's not.
Kirby
One of their most endearing qualities is their propensity for licking the wounds they create.
Last edited by emerald; 12-29-2007 at 14:46.
Now that is nasty. I wonder if he sprayed his face without holding his hand over his eyes. Or rubbed his eyes with DEET on his hands. I have seen people use waaay too much at one shot. Often in July.
I would think that any mudhead would know better.
What is the big deal?They are a bug that's bites...so what.You have WHAT 2 MONTHS OF IT?
Hmmm, what's your location again? FL
Yeah, those lovebugs are vicious...
"That's the thing about possum innards - they's just as good the second day." - Jed Clampett
FUNNY MAN.Hmmm, what's your location again? FL
Yeah, those lovebugs are vicious...
We got mosquitoes in the swamps that will pick U up 7 months a year.
But the red ants can be hell at times as well.
FUNNY MAN.
We got mosquitoes in the swamps that will pick U up 7 months a year.
But the red ants can be hell at times as well.
What really gets me about FL bugs though is the whole "Palmetto bug" scam. When tourists ask they are told, "Oh that? That's just a Palmetto bug." Bull****. It's a big ol' nasty FLYING ROACH.
I hate those things.
"That's the thing about possum innards - they's just as good the second day." - Jed Clampett
It's funny but true.
What really gets me about FL bugs though is the whole "Palmetto bug" scam. When tourists ask they are told, "Oh that? That's just a Palmetto bug." Bull****. It's a big ol' nasty FLYING ROACH.
I hate those things.
Our other winged pests that bite
Might as well throw these guys into the mix while we are talking about biting insects in the northeast.
Although the Black Fly is our most noted pest for a few months, the Deer fly in summer(they like it warm) is really annoying as they buzz in circles around your head usually, and will follow U for miles sometimes, unless you've got a real fast hand to smack them with .
A slap doesn't usually kill them but if U can stun them enough, roll them between thumb and fingers for the final kill. These guys are tough buggers.
Again, Deet, I use a 30% solution made by by BENS(in the small orange bottle), keeps them at bay.
WALK ON
At least you have a fighting chance against them as they tend to be solo attackers or at worst a pair or so. Granted you can get turned around a bit swatting at the SOB's, but at least you can knock a few of them into fly afterlife. They are persistent though. On the golf course a good stinky cigar seems to work well against both them and the smaller black flies, but a good cuban ain't the best lung fuel for climbing over hill and dale.
I sometimes take a half a dryer fabric softener sheet and put it under my hat to keep away the black flies in the spring. They don't seem to like the smell. Not sure if it repels the big flies too?
"That's the thing about possum innards - they's just as good the second day." - Jed Clampett
I like the crunch deer flies make when you roll them. Yes, you do have to pinch them.
Always amuses me when people from away underestimate black flies.
Even if it is less than two months.
Kind of like the time I went roaring into Collier State Park in FL. The entrance sign recommended bug spray. No need. I'm rough and tough and from Maine.
Whoops.
The problem with biting bugs is that they make it hard easy to hurt yourself. You don't take regular breaks, not watching for blisters, losing concentration on the trail. Around here, deet works inefficiently. Sitting in one place draws a cloud 'skeeters looking for any opening.
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