Okay, I started a new topic because I wanted to get as much input as possible. Anyone reading the red marks on neck post knows that I have been wondering what on earth has been eating me and it's official...black flies. I now have over 30 bites on my neck and scalp and when I set foot outdoors today for a total of 30 seconds I quickly ran inside to escape the bugs and I had SEVENTEEN of them clinging to me!!!! This is unbearable!! Now, I've scoured the websites on them, but I want personal experience....how long do they typically hang around?? Any idea why I've been here 11 years and this is the first this has happened? They look familiar, it's not like I've never seen them before, and perhaps they've bitten other years, but I never noticed so it couldn't have been much! And I would have surely noticed the bright red blood marks on my daughters. So something is 'off' this year and it's BAD. Will they ever go away?? Will they ever stop biting?? Why do they ONLY bite head and neck?? Websites say Deet and Off don't necessarily work and they say light colors are less attractive to them (they LOVED my pale pink today) and that they prefer biting in the shade (I was in the sun) and they don't bite indoors (they do me!!) Please share your survival stories!!

By My2cuties on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 04:45 pm:

I was outside with the girls swimming and playing today and they didn't bother me but i looked over to my neighbor, who was out there with me, and she already had like 5 bites on her shoulders and one on her forehead. and they were from the black flies. She said "Are these flies biting?!" lol It is very unusual, I never even knew flies bit. Anyway, it made me start thinking, I wonder if they are attracted to something you eat? They would land on me but wouldn't bite, and they bit my neighbor like crazy. That's all I know or could share. I hope things get better for all of you.

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 - 05:03 pm:

In my area (CT) they're only out for a few weeks. They are attracted to perfume and fragrant shampoo, hairspray, etc.. Some people are much more sensitive to the bites than others. Also, some people's body chemistry seems to attract them more so than others. My guess is that for some reason the blackflies in your area are thriving this year. I hope they're gone soon! Darn bugs!!

By Tink on Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 05:09 pm:

Kate, do you have a nearby national park? Place a call to the rangers. Often, they will know the best ways to get rid of local pests. My aunt worked as a ranger for years and she was always telling me neat ways to stop misquito bites and ways to treat bee stings. I hope the black fly season ends soon for your sake!

By Fraggle on Friday, May 13, 2005 - 07:26 am:

Black fly season is long here in Maine-they won't be gone until July. I always get attacked by them. They are starting to get bad now. Wearing a hat helps me a little bit. My youngest DD gets bitten by them pretty bad, too. I try not to go outside when I have just taken a shower-they love fresh shampoo smell. I have used OFF in the past and it does help a little bit but you really need to spray it well in your hair and on your neck. Hopefully they won't stick around long by you. My stepmom has been doing a lot of work outside in her gardens so she broke down this year and bought one of those hats that look like a screen tent over your head.

By Livvy on Friday, May 13, 2005 - 08:00 am:

I have been doing a little informal survey since your first post. I am in my DD's school volunteering every day and between that, dance and little league, I see a lot of kids and a lot of parents. I have looked for bites on kids and asked parents their opinions of black flies. Almost all have said that they can't believe how bad the black flies are this year.

We have acutally asked parents to bring bug spray to ball games and practices!!! I have a black fly bite on the front of my shin that is out of hand!! Since when do they like to bite shins???? They are very bad here this year and almost parents agree!!

Just wanted to let you know that you are in good company!!!

By Kate on Friday, May 13, 2005 - 02:03 pm:

Thanks to all of your for your stories and support! What an awful plague! Hopefully this is a weird fluke and things will be normal other years!