What are the black flies in Maine?

Maine is notorious for its black flies. Black flies are generally small, black or gray, with short legs and very short antennae. They belong to a family of flies called the Simuliidae family, of which there are four genera containing species that feed on people.

How do you get rid of black flies in Maine?

Defensive Measures

  1. Cover up. Wear head nets and long sleeved-shirts and pants in light colors.
  2. Mind the forecast. Avoid the woods on cloudy days when blackflies are more active. Bright sun and breezes seem to keep them at bay.
  3. Use insect repellents. Those containing DEET work best.

Are black flies a problem in Maine?

Jokingly referred to as the “Maine State Bird,” black flies are one aspect of the Maine outdoors that most people would prefer didn’t exist. Dotting the air in early spring, these tiny bugs have an annoying habit of flying into people’s eyes and ears. And their bites can be especially itchy.

How long does black fly season last?


Does Vicks Vaporub keep black flies away?

**To begin with, keep gnats and black flies away with mentholated ointment. ** Just apply Tiger Balm or Vicks Vapo-Rub to exposed skin. The scent of eucalyptus confuses bugs, and keeps them from homing in on the human scent that attracts them.

Why have I suddenly got so many flies?


What is the best repellent for black flies?


Does vinegar repel black flies?


When is black fly season Maine?

Black fly season in Maine is those weeks in late spring and early summer when you are demoted to the bottom of the food chain.

What color are black flies?

Black files, also known as “buffalo gnats” or “turkey gnats” can be annoying to people and mammals. Although they are called Black Flies, they can be gray, brown, or yellow in color.

What are black flies?

Black fly . Written By: Black fly, (family Simuliidae), also called buffalo gnat, or turkey gnat, any member of a family of about 1,800 species of small, humpbacked flies in the order Diptera . Black flies are usually black or dark gray, with gauzy wings, stout antennae and legs, and rather short mouthparts that are adapted for sucking blood.

Share this post