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Help - How can I deter deer flies???

by waterotter
50 replies
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I've got a tandem load of wood I'm trying to pile and the deer flies are eating me alive.

It's hot and humid out and the flies are always worse in these conditions.

Bug dope, nothing is working.......Does anyone have any suggestions?
  • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
    One of these should do the trick.

    http://secondcitystyle.typepad.com/....3200970c-800wi

    Dan
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    • Profile picture of the author waterotter
      Originally Posted by jimbo13 View Post

      One of these should do the trick.

      http://secondcitystyle.typepad.com/....3200970c-800wi

      Dan
      LMAO Dan. If I go missing, you'll know what happened!!!

      I do have the netted jacket, but sweating so much it's sticking to my face and driving me nuts. I know, I NEED a baseball cap on, but it's too hot.

      About one more day of this and I will be hiring someone to do it.

      I just found a site that mentions eucalyptus oil. Will give that a try.
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      • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
        I must admit I had to look up what a Deer Fly is and sounds as though they have a nasty bite.

        Isn't there something about Lemons flies don't like or is that Mosquitos? All garden centres here sell Citronella candles to keep insects away whilst having a BBQ and it seems to work.

        Or maybe it is the unappealing British food that keeps them away and we've all been convinced it is the Citronella candles.

        Dan

        PS: Hopefully you get some sensible answers.
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        • Profile picture of the author waterotter
          Originally Posted by jimbo13 View Post

          I must admit I had to look up what a Deer Fly is and sounds as though they have a nasty bite.

          Isn't there something about Lemons flies don't like or is that Mosquitos? All garden centres here sell Citronella candles to keep insects away whilst having a BBQ and it seems to work.

          Or maybe it is the unappealing British food that keeps them away and we've all been convinced it is the Citronella candles.

          Dan

          PS: Hopefully you get some sensible answers.
          They have a really nasty bite - they take a chunk right outta ya. Many people here use the citronella sprays and candles, but I can't use those. I get severe headaches and can't breath properly when around that stuff.

          I have an all natural bug spray for my dog Riley. Up until last year, it didn't bother me. Last year I had to stop using it on her as I couldn't breath right.

          If I could put a fire on in the fire pit, the smoke would help - we have a fire ban on here right now.
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  • Profile picture of the author Roaddog
    Shoot a Deer and drag it's bloody carcass about an eighth of a mile...the flies won't bother you any more. Plus you don't have to worry about what your wearing.

    Instructions: Imagine you're a deah. You're prancing along, you get thirsty, you spot a little brook...you put your little deer lips to the cool clear water...BAM a f@#$%n' bullet rips off part of your head, your brains are lying on the ground in little bloody pieces, so I asks ya, would you give a f&^k what kind of pants the SOB who shot you was wearing? -Marrissa Tomei - My Cousin Vinny

    I'll PM my paypal address. ..:p
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    • Profile picture of the author waterotter
      Originally Posted by Roaddog View Post

      Shoot a Deer and drag it's bloody carcass about am eighth of a mile...the flies won't bother you any more. Plus you don't have to worry about what your wearing.

      Instructions: Imagine you're a deah. You're prancing along, you get thirsty, you spot a little brook...you put your little deer lips to the cool clear water...BAM a f@#$%n' bullet rips off part of your head, your brains are lying on the ground in little bloody pieces, so I asks ya, would you give a f&^k what kind of pants the SOB who shot you was wearing?

      I'll PM my paypal address. ..:p
      Jim, I couldn't shoot a deer to save my soul.
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      • Profile picture of the author Roaddog
        Originally Posted by waterotter View Post

        Jim, I couldn't shoot a deer to save my soul.

        That's all right Jody..I was just kidding. Not sure if I could either.

        But I sure do like venison...

        I know those deer flies are no joke. I saw one make a deer bleed on the nose up in Montana. In fact somewhere around here I have a picture of it, coming into the campsite..very early morning.
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      • Profile picture of the author pickthat apple
        I don't know what to suggest but you are very brave...I would go mad just with one fly in sight.

        I guess maybe spread something on the skin that they really hate and cover yourself as much as possible...
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        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          Well let me tell you a little story
          A friend of mine served in Nam back in the day.
          One time I was helping him in his garden and noticed he had incense burning all over the place.
          When I asked him why he told me how when he was in Nam he would see incense burning everywhere and he thought it was a religious thing.
          So one day he asked a villager what religion he belonged to that required them to burn the incense every where.
          He said the guy replied "Religion? We burn it to keep the bugs away".
          Another time I was doing a spring clean up on a horse farm. We where getting attacked by Black Fly's, no-seeum's, and horse flies.
          I normally don't use bug sprays but that day was bad enough that I decided to give it a try. My buddy said he had some in the truck so I went up and sprayed myself good with it. An hour or so later I was saying how good it worked as I hadn't been bothered by another bug yet. I also said I thought it smelled great. He came over to me gave a quick sniff and told me I put on the sunscreen by mistake:rolleyes:

          If you don't find anything that works, you can always stack the wood after dark
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          • Profile picture of the author Kay King
            The only spray I've found that works is Deep Woods Off. It may not be good for me but I don't go out to work in the yard without spraying it on exposed skin. Doesn't smell awful, dries quickly - and it does repel nasty biters and stingers.

            It's the ONLY solution I've found that actually works.

            kay
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by Roaddog View Post

      Shoot a Deer and drag it's bloody carcass about am eighth of a mile...the flies won't bother you any more. Plus you don't have to worry about what your wearing.

      Instructions: Imagine you're a deah. You're prancing along, you get thirsty, you spot a little brook...you put your little deer lips to the cool clear water...BAM a f@#$%n' bullet rips off part of your head, your brains are lying on the ground in little bloody pieces, so I asks ya, would you give a f&^k what kind of pants the SOB who shot you was wearing? -Marrissa Tomei - My Cousin Vinny

      I'll PM my paypal address. ..:p
      I recognized that quote IMMEDIATELY! I LOVED that movie!

      Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
        Jody, the easist way to get rid of problems caused by biting flies is to simply stop biting the flies.

        Or...

        Here's an experiment you could try based on something I saw here a while back. Try this...

        Take several 1 liter soda bottles and cut the tops off of them about a 1/2" below where the sides of the bottle start to straighten out.

        Then takes the tops and turn them over so they fit down inside the bottles in a funnel shape and run some tape around the joint just to keep the two pieces together.

        Now, drop some meat into the funnel part of the bottles and let it fall into the bottom of the bottles. Place those bottles around your work perimiter plus a few feet for good measure.

        The smell of the meat will attract the flies and once they enter the bottles they will have a hard time locating the exit which is at the bottom of the funnel.

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        • Profile picture of the author waterotter
          Originally Posted by Bill Farnham View Post

          Jody, the easist way to get rid of problems caused by biting flies is to simply stop biting the flies.

          Or...

          Here's an experiment you could try based on something I saw here a while back. Try this...

          Take several 1 liter soda bottles and cut the tops off of them about a 1/2" below where the sides of the bottle start to straighten out.

          Then takes the tops and turn them over so they fit down inside the bottles in a funnel shape and run some tape around the joint just to keep the two pieces together.

          Now, drop some meat into the funnel part of the bottles and let it fall into the bottom of the bottles. Place those bottles around your work perimiter plus a few feet for good measure.

          The smell of the meat will attract the flies and once they enter the bottles they will have a hard time locating the exit which is at the bottom of the funnel.
          I know i gotta quit bitin' them - I'm gettin' tired of spittin' them out!

          I like this idea. Just one question - how long till the bears arrive???!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    How do they do in wind? Can you get a big, powerful fan or two, point it on you and "blow their minds"?

    Most bugs don't do well in high wind.
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  • Profile picture of the author waterotter
    The eucalyptus oil is working for my head! I have 14 bites on my legs.....that's just in the past 1/2 hr.

    @ Kurt - I'm on the lake so the flies are always worse, especially in the heat and humidity. Fans would work if I was in one spot, but I'm carting the wood across the yard to the back of the garage and piling it there.

    @ ThomM - The smoke does work. They call it a 'smudge' here. I can't light a fire in the fire pit as we have a fire ban on right now. If I wait till dark, the mosquitoes will eat me alive!

    @ Kay - I agree with you Kay. I have an empty can of it sitting on the counter. They don't carry it at the General Store here, so have to wait till I get to town to replenish. I have a can of 'Sawyer Insect Repellent' with deet, from the states - it doesn't do anything. Also tried 'Off' lotion - it doesn't work.

    @ Ken - Thanks for that idea. I have neem oil here!
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  • Profile picture of the author I.M.Retired
    Waterotter: As a fellow Canadian living in the same neck of the woods as you, I can assure you that there is only one sure way to deter deer flies.

    Have your wood deliverer dump it into the pool. Get a snorkel, dive down and pile the wood. In the fall, drain the pool. By the time winter gets here your wood should be nice and dry and ready to use.
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    • Profile picture of the author waterotter
      Originally Posted by Val.S. View Post

      Waterotter: As a fellow Canadian living in the same neck of the woods as you, I can assure you that there is only one way to deter deerflies.

      Have your wood deliverer dump it into the pool. Get a snorkel, dive down and pile the wood. In the fall, drain the pool. By the time winter gets here you wood should be nice and dry and ready to use.
      LOL Val, I'm seriously thinking about a different heating system. I love the wood, but I'm getting to old for this. I've darn near swat myself silly today with the bugs.

      I just came back in....the darn horse flies are out in full force now. I think we've seen the end of the pesky black flies for now. With our crazy weather this year, I won't be surprised to see another batch or two though (bite my tongue!!).

      I guess we were spoiled last year with the early spring. I had all my outdoor work done long before the flies arrived.
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  • Profile picture of the author I.M.Retired
    Don't give up yet Waterotter! We Canucks are resourceful when it comes to bug wars. And woodstoves!

    Here's suggestion #2

    Tape a vacuum cleaner on your head while working outdoors during bug season. (Use duct tape!)

    Here's one I recommend:


    That'll suck all them thar little batards right into the bag. (Batard is French for small loaf of bread - for all the non French Canadians viewing this thread.)

    Here's proof:


    Getting a bit of topic here.

    But I hear you. We got all of our wood piled early this year. But walking the dog still has it's moments. Those dang bugs are vicious. I'm glad I'm not a deer! Although I do think these wretched flies find that humans are a lot juicier.
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    • Profile picture of the author waterotter
      I wish I could watch the video Val. Still have that ole dial-up! I sure like the concept though. The duct tape would save on a hair-cut!!!

      I'm grateful I don't have to walk Riley this time of the year. She gets all her exercise swimming.

      If I could go at the wood non-stop, I'd have it finished in about a day. With the heat & humidity, bugs on top - I should have it finished up in two days.
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  • Profile picture of the author I.M.Retired
    Waterotter: I think you misunderstand.

    The duct tape is to be applied to the vacuum cleaner, not your hair!

    Soldier on - autumn breezes will be blowing in less than 10 weeks!
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    Jody - you may want to do a little research on why these bugs are picking on you.

    What I mean by this is for example(s):

    I used to be attacked by fleas - they would bite me 20 times and leave everyone else alone. A doctor told me that this may be an indication of a B Vitamin deficiency.

    My diet is a lot better now and I rarely get bitten by anything.

    As well, everything turns into a welt with me. The doctor said I am allergic to their saliva (flies, mosquitoes, etc).

    When you wear perfume, or other fragranced lotions, bees/other insects 'think' you are a flower so they will buzz around you -

    (still wearing perfume and love bees who never sting me) (well once as a kid when I stepped on one).

    Flies are just evil. Especially when you realize they used to be maggots and were hatched on something dead - maybe even as horrible as a dead human.

    I used to be nice and coax them out of the house with a towel, fan, etc. but now I take pleasure in spraying them (while I kill myself).

    When my bunny had to be put down at 10 years old, he had been acting real strange for a few days and then awakened on his last day paralyzed on one side. So I wrapped him up in a blanket and took him to the vet.

    They found flies had laid maggots on his stomach like they knew he was dying before I did. I couldn't even hug him goodbye once I saw that and I have hated flies ever since.
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    • Profile picture of the author waterotter
      Originally Posted by Patrician View Post

      Jody - you may want to do a little research on why these bugs are picking on you.

      What I mean by this is for example(s):

      I used to be attacked by fleas - they would bite me 20 times and leave everyone else alone. A doctor told me that this may be an indication of a B Vitamin deficiency.

      My diet is a lot better now and I rarely get bitten by anything.

      As well, everything turns into a welt with me. The doctor said I am allergic to their saliva (flies, mosquitoes, etc).

      When you wear perfume, or other fragranced lotions, bees/other insects 'think' you are a flower so they will buzz around you -

      (still wearing perfume and love bees who never sting me) (well once as a kid when I stepped on one).

      Flies are just evil. Especially when you realize they used to be maggots and were hatched on something dead - maybe even as horrible as a dead human.

      I used to be nice and coax them out of the house with a towel, fan, etc. but now I take pleasure in spraying them (while I kill myself).

      When my bunny had to be put down at 10 years old, he had been acting real strange for a few days and then awakened on his last day paralyzed on one side. So I wrapped him up in a blanket and took him to the vet.

      They found flies had laid maggots on his stomach like they knew he was dying before I did. I couldn't even hug him goodbye once I saw that and I have hated flies ever since.
      Patrician, I'm so sorry to hear about your bunny - that's so sad.

      I hear exactly what you are saying about the deficiency and appreciate you taking the time to post this. Unfortunately, it's just a way of life here. I have only ever met one person that the flies didn't bother - he is a retired firefighter. Nobody has been able to explain why the flies don't bother him! He figures it has something to do with his body being exposed to extreme temperatures.

      I know many people who start taking supplements in the spring hoping to ward off the bites. I have never met anyone who had success with the B, D nor garlic supplements.

      Here, people know to shower/bathe in the evening, not in the morning if they plan on spending any time outdoors. Even then, they still bite!

      It was worse for me today because of the heat and humidity. I was sweating badly and that attracts the flies to the point where they just swarm you.

      It's suggested we use baby shampoo and not use perfumes etc. Even doing the laundry, many do not use fabric softeners this time of year.

      That last one doesn't make any sense as some people actually rub themselves down with Bounce Sheets to deter the flies. I can't use them as I'm allergic to them - the strong perfume scent. I'm also allergic to most perfumes, so never wear perfume myself.

      Bottom line, we use whatever works for us and persevere!
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  • Profile picture of the author Roaddog
    Besides the flies Jody, it sounds like it might be pretty nice up there.

    Even in so called tropical paradises you have to put up with something.

    Usually bugs snakes etc...

    Woodsy I'm picturing?

    Maybe a nice lake?

    If you get some time maybe you could post a couple of pictures...or maybe you can't cause of your connection?

    I personally love Montana, and would be there in a heart beat, if I didn't have kids and a house here.

    When my wife and I split a few years ago, I went up there to work for a guy that called when I had a resume on the net. I had closed my business here cause of the bust in construction. They were still building there. This may have been 4/5 years ago.

    One call from my youngest, crying because he missed me, had me driving back within two weeks...lol (I was supposed to have him up there for a few months a year)

    I had been waiting forever for that opportunity...oh well...priorities.

    I've been a lot of places in the world, but that whole Northwest, whether Canada, B.C., Saskatchewan, or the US Northwest, is still my favorite.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    So Jody - when I go different places sometimes we get into some pretty nasty bugs. I wear camphor (sp) oil or eucalyptus as my first try. If that doesn't work I slap some salt water around on bare skin - a lot of bugs hate salt. If nothing else works I toss a little water in a pile of dirt and spread the mud on bare skin - and that works no matter where I've been and what kind of bugs. And there's a great side effect there - all those minerals on your skin - and the drying action will actually pull debris out of your pores and exfoliate. When you want to clean up you just rub the dirt off outside then jump in the tub and you'll be bite free and love the way your skin looks and feels.

    LOL. I shoulda put that on my blog instead of in here, huh?
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    • Profile picture of the author waterotter
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      So Jody - when I go different places sometimes we get into some pretty nasty bugs. I wear camphor (sp) oil or eucalyptus as my first try. If that doesn't work I slap some salt water around on bare skin - a lot of bugs hate salt. If nothing else works I toss a little water in a pile of dirt and spread the mud on bare skin - and that works no matter where I've been and what kind of bugs. And there's a great side effect there - all those minerals on your skin - and the drying action will actually pull debris out of your pores and exfoliate. When you want to clean up you just rub the dirt off outside then jump in the tub and you'll be bite free and love the way your skin looks and feels.

      LOL. I shoulda put that on my blog instead of in here, huh?
      Thanks Sal. I did put the eucalyptus oil on the back of my neck, my ears and some around my temples. I didn't get a bite on my head after that.

      I need to find a spray bottle so I can make a mixture of water and oil, them I can spray the rest of me. I had shorts on and my legs got chewed up pretty good.

      I don't think mud would have stuck to me today lol . Sweating to bad with the humidity. An excellent remedy for anyone caught in the bushes without protection.
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  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    Nothing better than an insect repellent to get them away
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  • Profile picture of the author I.M.Retired
    Nothing better than an insect repellent to get them away.
    dagaul101 - you're obviously not from backwoods Canada. Nothing gets them away - period!

    The only thing that actually helps (notice I didn't say works) is a hat with a sticky patch on the back.

    Seriously. Deerfly Patches: Stops Biting Deerflies
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    • Profile picture of the author sylviad
      Originally Posted by Val.S. View Post

      dagaul101 - you're obviously not from backwoods Canada. Nothing gets them away - period!

      The only thing that actually helps (notice I didn't say works) is a hat with a sticky patch on the back.

      Seriously. Deerfly Patches: Stops Biting Deerflies
      Val beat me to it. I came across Deerfly Patches at a family campground office once. I detest deer flies and they absolutely love me. It doesn't take much for them to drive me into an arm-waving idiot, so I bought some, but then didn't need them. I still have them in my hiking bag just in case. Since these flies always go for your head, it makes sense these sticky patches (like flypaper) will trap them the moment they land.

      Prior to this, it was common to see me stomping through the fields and forests with huge leaves draped over my noggin'. Yep. That works somewhat, except your arm gets tired.

      Sylvia
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      • Profile picture of the author waterotter
        Originally Posted by sylviad View Post

        Val beat me to it. I came across Deerfly Patches at a family campground office once. I detest deer flies and they absolutely love me. It doesn't take much for them to drive me into an arm-waving idiot, so I bought some, but then didn't need them. I still have them in my hiking bag just in case. Since these flies always go for your head, it makes sense these sticky patches (like flypaper) will trap them the moment they land.

        Prior to this, it was common to see me stomping through the fields and forests with huge leaves draped over my noggin'. Yep. That works somewhat, except your arm gets tired.

        Sylvia
        Sylvia, I finally got the wood piled but I must say, my legs are chewed to pieces....not to mention the private parts. Unfortunately, the farther north you go, the better the chances of them consuming you like mincemeat! The flies show no preference here and will attack your entire body, not just the head.

        Ticks me off that we just seem to get rid of the snow, only to have to deal with black flies, deer flies and horse flies all at once....we don't get a break at all....snow+bugs...heat+more more bugs! Don't forget, we still have the mosquitoes to contend with.

        I have never lived anywhere except Ontario. I'm about ready to change that. We have such a short summer season here now, it's not worth sticking around for.
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        • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
          Jody,

          Someone emailed me last week about a technique where you put a small handfull of pennies in plasitc ziplock bags with water and it affects the flies. You can read it see if it makes sense. It could be totally bogus, I have no idea. But it could work, who knows.

          Zip Lock Bag - Good Tip
          Spring & summer are just around the corner. This experiment is inexpensive
          and worth a try

          ZIP LOCK BAG - Good tip!
          We went with friends to Sweety Pies on Sunday for breakfast and sat in the
          patio section beside the house. We happened to notice zip lock baggies
          pinned to a post and a wall. The bags were half filled with water, each
          contained 4 pennies, and they were zipped shut.

          Naturally we were curious! Ms. Sweety told us that these baggies kept the flies away!
          So naturally we were even more curious! We actually watched some flies come in the
          open window, stand around on the window sill, and then fly out again.
          And there were no flies in the eating area! This morning I checked this out on Google.
          Below are comments on this fly control idea. I'm now a believer!

          Zip-lock water bags

          Ann Says:
          I tried the ziplock bag and pennies this weekend.. I have a horsetrailer.
          The flies were bad while I was camping. I put the baggie with pennies above
          the door of the LQ. NOT ONE FLY came in the trailer. The horse trailer part
          had many. Not sure why it works but it does!

          Danielle Martin Says:
          Fill a ziplock bag with water and 5 or 6 pennies and hang it in the problem
          area. In my case it was a particular window in my home. It had a slight
          passage way for insects. Every since I have done that, it has kept flies and
          wasps away. Some say that wasps and flies mistake the bag for some other
          insect nest and are threatened.

          Maggie Says:
          I swear by the plastic bag of water trick. I have them on porch and
          basement. We saw these in Northeast MO at an Amish grocery store & have
          used them since. They say it works because a fly sees a reflection & won't
          come around.

          DJ Says:
          Regarding the science behind zip log bags of water? My research found that
          the millions of molecules of water presents its own prism effect and given
          that flies have a lot of eyes, to them it's like a zillion disco balls, reflecting
          light, colors and movement in a dizzying manner.

          When you figure that flies are prey for many other bugs, animals, birds, etc.,
          they simply won't take the risk of being around that much perceived action.

          I moved to a rural area and thought these "hillbillies" were just yanking my
          city boy chain butI tried it and it worked immediately! We went from hundreds
          of flies to seeing the occasional one, but he didn't hang around long.
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          • Profile picture of the author waterotter
            Bill, thanks for that. Unfortunately, that didn't work for me here. I tried it, but had no luck with it. We are royally screwed here.

            I'm sure this would work in other areas, but ............we're screwed when it comes to fighting off these little 'pricks'..I hate them with a passion and am really considering moving out of this area altogether.
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            • Profile picture of the author Roaddog
              Originally Posted by waterotter View Post

              Bill, thanks for that. Unfortunately, that didn't work for me here. I tried it, but had no luck with it. We are royally screwed here.

              I'm sure this would work in other areas, but ............we're screwed when it comes to fighting off these little 'pricks'..I hate them with a passion and am really considering moving out of this area altogether.
              Jody,


              Maybe just move the privy a little further away....lol.

              No matter how good it looks...j/k

              Liked those pics of the lake...
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        • Profile picture of the author sylviad
          Originally Posted by waterotter View Post

          Sylvia, I finally got the wood piled but I must say, my legs are chewed to pieces....not to mention the private parts. Unfortunately, the farther north you go, the better the chances of them consuming you like mincemeat! The flies show no preference here and will attack your entire body, not just the head.

          Ticks me off that we just seem to get rid of the snow, only to have to deal with black flies, deer flies and horse flies all at once....we don't get a break at all....snow+bugs...heat+more more bugs! Don't forget, we still have the mosquitoes to contend with.

          I have never lived anywhere except Ontario. I'm about ready to change that. We have such a short summer season here now, it's not worth sticking around for.
          dYou know, it's funny that they seem to take to some people more than to others. While hiking with 2 friends, I soon realized that the deer flies preferred me over my mates. If we could get to the root of what attracts them, maybe we can find a solution. Maybe eating certain foods would do it, like garlic. It might drive away your friends, too, though.

          I also find that they are worse in certain areas, although I haven't yet figured out what those areas are. They "seem" to be worse near the edge of forests, in openings in the forest and along river banks beside forests. If you do decide to move, you might want to look for something in an open field.

          Sylvia
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          • Profile picture of the author sylviad
            I've done a bit of research. Here are some informative links:

            All blood feeding insects find their prey by body temperature, activated by lactic acid produced by muscle movement and the carbon dioxide emitted when you exhale. They absolutely love warm sweaty skin on a cool day. Warm days, however, seem to confuse them. All species also dislike pouring rain, cold days when temperatures reach below 30 F (10 C), and blowing winds; the blackfly in particular is not a strong flyer and can only reach a top speed of half-a-mile (one kilometer) per hour. Dark colors attract much more than shiny bright colors. Wearing blue jeans is just asking for it; lime green neither attracts them nor keeps them at bay; and hot pink works great...
            Go to What's Bugging You? | How To Articles – GuideLines: Paddling.net to read the rest. This article is especially interesting because it tells you what NOT to wear, namely blue jeans which apparently attracts them like nothing else. A lot of good info in this article. The site is for paddlers, so they should know.

            Controlling the Horse & Deer Fly offers some repellent suggestions. Pay no notice to the fact it's a horse-related site (these insects love horses which is why they have this article) on controlling deer and horse flies - with some recipes and good information.

            The greatest horse and deer fly activity occurs on warm, sunny days when there is little or no wind. A slight drop in temperature or a sudden breeze reduces biting attacks. Horse and deer flies are visual insects, locating hosts by movement. Dark, moving objects and shapes are most attractive to the flies. They are also attracted to carbon dioxide that is released from their hosts. To reduce exposure to bites, it is best to wear light-colored clothing, including a light baseball cap, especially on warm, sunny days when flies are most active.
            Go to Deer & Horse Flies to read the rest of the article.

            I ran a search in Google for "what attracts deer flies", in case you want to give it a go yourself.

            Sylvia
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