Mosquitoes, heck no blackflies instead

**homesteadmamma** · 05-29-2005, 10:26 PM

Since we moved to the country everyone has been telling us about blackflies. They kept telling us they use to be here. We had them when we lived in northern Ont. We never had them in Winnipeg, only tons of mosquitoes.

We hadn't seen any here UNTIL this year. They are horrible. You can't go outside without having them in your face, ears, nose, mouth (if its opened) and hair. They don't bite all that much although they are such a nuisance. Its driving everyone into our homes and we only have a few months when we can enjoy the outdoors. They last anywhere from 2 - 6 weeks. UGH!!!

Except for the concern of West Nile virus, I'd put up with mosquitoes anyday. At least they are usually only around after dusk and early morning or in longer grass. Blackflies are 24/7!!!

This is one thing I don't like about our homestead even if this is the first year they've been around since we moved 3 years ago.

**Darlene** · 05-30-2005, 08:11 AM

I agree they are miserable and seem to be in record numbers this year. We took one of Marks prom pictures outside and he was getting bombarded so we had to take the photo shoot inside. The picture we did get shows the multitude of bugs just swarming him, theydidn't bother his gf as much.
All you can really do is wait till they go away and wear a net on your head when out. They haven't been bad last few years but this year, wowsers. Hope they leave soon CJ.

**daddys3chicks** · 05-30-2005, 08:12 AM

HUGS to you! So far the only thing we have is ants.....

**DaisyLady** · 05-30-2005, 10:17 AM

We don't get bothered much by blackflies here but the mosquitoes have been horrendous this year. Even in the middle of the day we get swarmed by them. I have decided I need to go buy a bug suit for myself.

**Mom23boys** · 05-30-2005, 01:47 PM

We are getting bombarded by fire ants!

I hate flies and mosquitos too!

**Michele Annette** · 06-02-2005, 01:18 PM

Ugh CJ I hate blackflies! We get them in June here in the mountains and that is my favorite time to hike!

So I heard that a Bounce fabric softener sheet tucked in your ponytail keeps them away. We shall find out this year as I'm planning an all day hike very soon!

**grace1902** · 06-04-2005, 09:05 AM

I guess I can just count us lucky in that respect here in the Northeast. No big bug problems yet.
The blackflies would be a disaster for me as I do most all my gardening in the early morning and evening as I can't take strong sun and the really humid heat we have in these parts. The heat has been up in the 80's and bad enough without adding a plague of mosquitoes!