Re: Black Fly Season?

Posted by Mac on May 4, 2004

Mike,

The whole month of May is pretty much black fly season.

They don't bite inside an enclosed space like a cabin or tent (they leave that to their friends the mosquitos). They usually won't follow you out onto the water (they leave that to their friends the sand/deer flys).

If you use DEET, most applications are alcohol-based so wash the palms of your hands before you glue yourself to your favorite paddle, and don't caress your beautiful yak.

As much as we don't like wind while paddling - you'll love it in May - keeps the bugs down.

One reason old fishermen wore big hats and smoked smelly cigars and pipes was to discourage stinging insects. We have since found that these blood sucking little horrors are, in fact, attracted by the carbon monoxide we emit while exhaling. So don't breath!

All that being said - enjoy our beautiful North East! Really!!

Best

In Response to: Black Fly Season? by Mike M. on May 3, 2004

Replies:

• Re: Black Fly Season? by Mac on May 4, 2004