Black Flies

[ginzokid]

OK Guys. I am sick and tired of the black flies attacking me whenever I try to cut the grass. Where did they come from? Mosquitos were the bane of our existence when I was a tadpole. Where did these biters come from? Question. When is the best time to cut the grass to avoid the plague of the century? First thing in the morning or late at night right after sunset. In other words, when are the black flies asleep and least likely to be awakened by a noisy lawn mower? I certainly know that anytime between 10AM and 4PM is a certain attack time. It's 8PM right now and Kimmers has reported that "they" are out there "in force". God but I look like a pin cushion today. Any insectologists in the group? We never had these bugs in AZ. TheBittenFadda

[barrysfp45]

It's a sign Pete, time to get of the island, and think of the money you can save on postage and car repairs alone, they really are giving you the thumbs up. Barry.......]:)

[ginzokid]

I'm not going outside any more except to the store ot PT or mail. I'm going to hire someone to cut the grass. I just can't take it anymore. Actually the guys who do my lawn care for bugs , weeds, fertilizer etc. also cut lawns. I couldn't even enjoy a cup of coffee on the deck this morning. They swarmed me. Funny that they don't bother Kim or her brother either. I'm just too sweet I guess......

[70novahound]

Here Dad, no black flies that I know of! http://www.realtor.com/pennsylvania/nbselpa.asp?poe=realtor CJ]:)

[g-pa1]

Try these sites for ideas you might have to scroll down on one. http://www.mosquito-repellent.biz/ http://www.mainenature.org/blackfly/blackflyinfo.html Gene

[untabubba]

Pete, I have heard about systems that use carbon dioxide gas as a "decoy. You place the device at the furthest point of your property and the insects, Black Flies in your case, are attracted to the more concentrated emmissions. They may be expensive, but they MIGHT be worth a "google search" on your part. Here's one example: http://www.old-fashioned-values.com/item.asp?n=biter&f=1&sb=1&sc=goto&k=biter Marc

[ginzokid]

The best idea yet is the Barrier Repellant. I tried to get a Canadian link, but it would not work. Thanks Gene. I'll have to call them direct. I love garlic! The other links are similar to my own research through Google. Thanks all. I do have head nets for Kim and myself. Yes they are even biting her today. And I have that "buzz off" shirt and hat from L.L. Bean which seem to work. Trouble is you have to button up all the way to the neck, then put the net over the hat and tuck your pants into your boots and of course wear gloves too. It gets mighty hot in there! Today I managed to plant two pots of beans, wax and green bush type and two long planters of snow peas while all bundled up and I nearly sweat off 10 pounds. It is 84F today. Summer came with a vengence. So, if I can get some of the Barrier, I'll surely try it. The electronic traps do not work well here. Too many of the little buggers get through. And the citronella candles are a big joke. AZ is looking good about now......all they have is poisonous spiders, snakes and gila monsters. No black flies........and you don't have to shovel either. If we could only afford to go back.....

[dl85vette]

Those ones Marc are the ones that run of propane? The smaller units (enuf power to cover a yard) aren't all that much money. couple hundred bucks I think. those things work great

[sd35]

I thought the citronella candles were great. Light them and put them in your neighbors yard to attract all the biting bugs to THEIR house. AZ... you ever seen how hot it gets there??? It's so hot it doesn't matter whether the heat is dry, wet or damp.

[ginzokid]

Kevin, we lived there for 15 years and loved it. The comfort zone is air conditioning and a pool, both of which we had. We only moved up here to get away from the influx of illegals and pollution in Phoenix. We should have looked for a place in a smaller town, which we may still do when Kimmers retires. Heat I can handle. Humidity and flies drive me nuts! And I hate shoveling snow! This morning I was able to get a half cup of coffee down while on the deck before "they" found me. About 10 minutes actually. Then it was back to the sanctuary. B-)

[dl85vette]

Years and years ago I wondered how a person could live in NV or AZ in the summer. After working in the middle east it would be a breeze. Mind you winipeg is a challenge as it goes from -50 C in winter to +35 in summer.

[flaretired]

Pete. Have you ever tried Skin so Soft from Avon. Black flies here in FL. are call "no see um's". I use to use it all the time when I worked the night shift. They will still land on your skin but as fast as they land there gone. Chuck.

[dl85vette]

get yourself a beekeeper outfit. you'll look great out on the patio sipping the martonnies bug free. 😉

[ginzokid]

You should see me when working in the yard. Slathered in Skin-so-soft and Deet spray, long pants tucked into the rubber boots, gloves, longsleeve shirt buttoned up to the neck, ball cap and head net. I sweat so much it draws them even more. Some do find their way in the small gap near the collar of the shirt and the net and they even crawl up the sleeves between the gloves and shirt cuff. All they need is a tiny gap. All the sprays and salves in the world do not keep them off me. I'm too sweet! I'll just stay inside until it snows again. B-)

[ginzokid]

The flies have gone back into hibernation I think. Of course it is cold here still, again, yet. Thursday is supposed to be sunny again, it's foggy now, so maybe I can cut the grass then. You just watch. As soon as the sun comes out and I want to do something outside the bloody bugs will be back. B-)