Spring in Maine is so beautiful, and anticipated that it seems it must come with a price…..Black Flies. They’re just horrible. They swarm around your head and actually bang into you. Apparently they like the CO2 your breathing out, but they’re extremely annoying.
Not only that though, the females bite you. I know the poor gals need to eat and all, but they give really really nasty bites. They often bleed at first, then, they itch, and itch, and itch. And the bites stick with you too, becoming quite itchy at random times as they attempt to heal. Especially if the buggers get you really well.
Children are the most susceptible to them, which is a bummer. Often in the spring the kids really want to be outside, so they’ll go out, and then, a few min later, come in because the flies are just so bad. In that time they’ve gotten a few bites.
Mr. T. is going to pick up some netting for us so we can actually stand to be outside in the spring. It’s just essential. The garden needs tending, the boys need fresh air and a place to stretch their legs…and it’s freakin’ beautiful out….except for the black flies!
I try to remember that although they suck, and I can’t imagine why the Good Lord would create such a bothersome creature (They feed on both humans and animals and annoy us all!). But, they are pollinators. So, as such, they do demand some respect. Without pollinators there is no fruit, some veggies rely on pollinators too. In recent years pollinator species have been in decline too. So, again, I have to give a bit of love out to the black fly…only a little bit though!
But, black flies are simply a part of life here in Maine in the spring, and I wouldn’t give that up for anything! I’ve lived in places where there are no bothersome bugs like mosquitoes and black flies…but there’s not a ton of water in these places either. The landscape in spring is beautiful, but not the vibrant green awakening it is in Maine.
And, if there is a breeze, or you head to the coast, you can avoid them. So, we ride the bikes, swing, take VERY brisk walks and enjoy the beautiful land while outsmarting those evil demon flies! You can’t really use any repellent to successfully avoid them though. The brands with DEET sometimes work, but I’d rather put up with a fly bite or 2 then put that stuff on, especially for the kids.
We also keep watch for the first days of summer. The flies are mostly gone by then as most of the flies are now dormant. Many say they’re around from about Mother’s Day to Father’s Day. Not forever! That’s what I keep reminding myself when they swarm me while I”m trying to load the car, or hang the wash and drive me bonkers…they’re not here forever!
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