Maine Black Flies

[Scar]

I'm going fishing in a couple of weeks at Big Lake, Maine, about 40 miles inland from the coast and 15 miles from the boarder of Canada. Anyone know how the Black Flies might be then? Anyone have any tips to avoid getting bitten?

[diz_girl]

They should still be active in June.

First off, they are attracted to darker clothing, so avoid black, blue, brown, etc. shirts. It's better to wear lighter colors, such as white, yellow and beige. To keep them away from your head, you might want to wear a light-colored shirt and dark pants (NOT shorts), so they are attracted to your pants. Keep your shirt tucked into your pants at all times and your pants tucked into your socks at the ankles. Make sure that your clothes don't have any holes. Duct tape can seal off sleeves and pant legs. The more covered-up you are, the better. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide in your breath, so they may still fly around your head to some extent anyway.

Secondly, this may not sound too appealing, but you might want to stop bathing a few days before you go on your trip. You may also want to eat food with lots of garlic prior to and during your trip. They love fresh, clean skin, so the stinkier you are, the better. Your loved ones may avoid you for those few days. The only other alternative is insect repellant with DEET, but that stuff makes anything plastic disintegrate.

Good luck!

[Tinkerfreak]

Well the black flies are pretty bad right now and I am further south so I'm sure they are really bad up North. DH was trying to chop wood last night and had to come in because they were eating him alive. I agree with everything the op said about clothing. Keep to the light colors and keep covered up. Do not use soaps or lotions or even deodorant with any kind of fragrance to it or they will really get you. I know alot of people don't like to use the insect repellents with DEET but I have yet to find anything that works better other then just staying inside.

Good luck and have fun I hope you have a good trip.

[CPT Trips]

Scar . . . what an appropriate name for the topic.

This site - http://www.maineblackfly.org/ - might prove helpful for more detailed info on the unofficial Maine State Bird.

[Scar]

Just got back and had to say I didn't see one black fly. A couple of mosquito bites, but all in all, the bugs were no problem.

What a different world up there.