Mosquitoes

[Mr. V]

Just wondering whether this high water level leads to the hatching of more mosquitoes?

How is the mosquito problem these days at the lake?

[thinkxingu]

They're horrible. I haven't spent much time sitting on my swing, and we've avoided having fires a few nights because of them.

We even had a zillion black flies or something the other day that felt like the worst of May.

Also, my wife's allergies are going nuts—mold?

Hopefully, we're in for a drier August!

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[FlyingScot]

Lots more in my neighborhood

[TheProfessor]

My neighbor just had a landscape truck show up.

The landscape guy had a hand held sprayer. Up and down driveway he went.
And all around property. Pointed somewhat up in air.

I have no idea what he was spraying and what the spray was for.

Guessing that some "harmless" chemical was used.

[Descant]

No bothersome bugs on Welch Is. this year, for me anyway.

[codeman671]

They are certainly "bugging" us on Bear.

Going to try the Tougher than Tom mosquito TNT traps when they arrive, and contemplating an all natural repellant through a sprayer such as Wondercide along the woodline.

[ApS]

No mosquitoes near the lake or near the roadway. In the middle is a soggy driveway and I'll swat a few there.

(Use an open hand--aiming with your flattened palm. Speed isn't necessary except for Florida mosquitoes. ).

If they're fierce, I'll use Maggies Farm repellent. ($8). Sprays all natural oils, and doesn't require mandatory washing-off of complex chemicals. 'Disappears quickly after an oily feeling when first applied. Effectiveness is about five hours before re-application.

Especially effective on no-see-ums.

[chachee52]

Nasty at LSP. On my weeks vacation right now. Usually out on the porch until 11pm but this week as soon as sun sets, I have to be inside. There is another bug that's flying around too. Have no idea what it is, doesn't seem to bite but man they are annoying!!!

[loonguy]

We converted our porch to a screen porch so now we can sit outside without any mosquito or other bug issues. You might want to investigate that option.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by loonguy

We converted our porch to a screen porch so now we can sit outside without any mosquito or other bug issues. You might want to investigate that option.

I also built a screen porch last fall, a must in the woods of NH.

[WinnisquamZ]

Do you each use storm windows during the winter?


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[tummyman]

What are these nasty flies that attack my hair each time we are out for a walk. Very pesty !!!

[loonguy]

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

Do you each use storm windows during the winter?


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I have thought about it, but have not yet taken that step.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by tummyman

What are these nasty flies that attack my hair each time we are out for a walk. Very pesty !!!

Dear flies, and they bite, wear a hat!

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Dear flies, and they bite, wear a hat!

Biggd is right ... they're deer flies and they bite like piranhas! Shaped like bug-sized F16 fighter jets, they are ruthless seekers of blood. Our German Shepherd Ruger is one of their primary "food sources" in our yard, viciously attacking her ears and belly each time we let her outside. And, they swarm around our heads and bite us relentlessly as well. Each time we bring Ruger inside the first thing we do is have her "roll over" so we can remove one, or often several, deer flies that have latched on to her belly.

The only effective thing I have found that repels them is mowing the lawn! They seem to dislike the lawn mower engine's exhaust so I can usually get the lawn mowed without getting bitten. We don't have a screen porch, so our only refuge is to either mow the lawn, or go inside!

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by DRH

Biggd is right ... they're deer flies and they bite like piranhas! Shaped like bug-sized F16 fighter jets, they are ruthless seekers of blood. Our German Shepherd Ruger is one of their primary "food sources" in our yard, viciously attacking her ears and belly each time we let her outside. And, they swarm around our heads and bite us relentlessly as well. Each time we bring Ruger inside the first thing we do is have her "roll over" so we can remove one, or often several, deer flies that have latched on to her belly.

The only effective thing I have found that repels them is mowing the lawn! They seem to dislike the lawn mower engine's exhaust so I can usually get the lawn mowed without getting bitten. We don't have a screen porch, so our only refuge is to either mow the lawn, or go inside!

They attack my poor dog also! Deer flies are territorial so when you're walking, they may be bad in some spots and not so bad in others.

[loonguy]

Originally Posted by DRH

Biggd is right ... they're deer flies and they bite like piranhas! Shaped like bug-sized F16 fighter jets, they are ruthless seekers of blood. Our German Shepherd Ruger is one of their primary "food sources" in our yard, viciously attacking her ears and belly each time we let her outside. And, they swarm around our heads and bite us relentlessly as well. Each time we bring Ruger inside the first thing we do is have her "roll over" so we can remove one, or often several, deer flies that have latched on to her belly.

The only effective thing I have found that repels them is mowing the lawn! They seem to dislike the lawn mower engine's exhaust so I can usually get the lawn mowed without getting bitten. We don't have a screen porch, so our only refuge is to either mow the lawn, or go inside!

When outside during bug season I wear Insect Shield (or alternative brands) hat, shirt, pants and socks, which are very effective and avoid the need to cover with insect repellant.

[upthesaukee]

To protect against deer flies, I have a hat that is made of mosquito netting, covering the head and neck area.

The Bug Baffler is a mosquito netting sweatshirt and hat protective item. It is fantastic for all flying insects. We've had ours for many years, best protection against black flies, and also deer flies. Don't remember where we got them, it's been years.

Dave

[Outdoorsman]

Originally Posted by DRH

Biggd is right ... they're deer flies and they bite like piranhas! Shaped like bug-sized F16 fighter jets, they are ruthless seekers of blood. Our German Shepherd Ruger is one of their primary "food sources" in our yard, viciously attacking her ears and belly each time we let her outside. And, they swarm around our heads and bite us relentlessly as well. Each time we bring Ruger inside the first thing we do is have her "roll over" so we can remove one, or often several, deer flies that have latched on to her belly.

The only effective thing I have found that repels them is mowing the lawn! They seem to dislike the lawn mower engine's exhaust so I can usually get the lawn mowed without getting bitten. We don't have a screen porch, so our only refuge is to either mow the lawn, or go inside!

In addition to mowing the lawn, try spraying Repel bug spay on your hands and wiping her ears before she goes outside. I have found this to be effective. Not 100% deer fly free, but certainly helpful enough to continue doing it.

[retired]

We use a Thermacell to keep the mosquitos away. Very effective.

[gravy boat]

The product does seem to work, yes.

[Mr. V]

In scouting they taught me to "Be prepared."

Having viewed the responses in this thread (thanks, BTW) I just purchased from Amazon the following:

"Anvin Mosquito Head Mesh Nets Gnat Face Netting for No See Ums Insects Bugs Gnats Biting Midges from Any Outdoor Activities, Works Over Most Hats Comes with Free Stock Pouches (3pcs, Black)"

[imyourhuckleberry]

We usually pick up a bunch of Lawnbright yard patrol. It's an organic cedar oil spray and it's cheaper than wondercide. Works great!

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by retired

We use a Thermacell to keep the mosquitos away. Very effective.

I've always been cynical of mosquito repellent products because, well, they just don't usually work.

My buddy had two Thermacell units this past week while we were at Scout camp together, and I was very impressed with them—I've got two in the mail already for us!

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[The Real BigGuy]

My company was doing work in the scrub brush at the former Naval Air Station in Maine during black fly season. We purchased Thermacells for all our guys and afterwards they told me that they had no issues with bugs during the project. I bought one to use at the lake and it works great. My brother, a licensed exterminator, pointed out that I needed to remember that while using it I was breathing the same chemicals that are keeping the bugs away. I had never really thought about that.


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[Winilyme]

Our CT home overlooks a CT River tributary. Between our house and the open water is marshland...perfect breeding ground for deer flies as we learned when we built in the 90s. The plus side is that they're only around, in CT, from about the last week in June till August 1. On the negative side, they are the most evil, unrelenting, GD, SOB insects I've ever come across. Fortunately, we largely avoid them now as we spend our summer days on the lake.

A few things to know. Distinguish these medium sized flies from others by the patterned dark markings on their wings. They are especially attracted to bright blue colors, moving targets and they are always aiming for your head. So, to start, stay away from dancing in your yard while wearing bright blue clothing/hats (which I used to do often but no longer do). They are extremely fast and in peak season will literally swarm your head. They are generally way too fast to swat and will be more active away from your house and in more shaded areas. Repellent of any sort is not effective, and I can't think of anything worse than wearing a net over my head in 90-degree heat.

The solution we discovered was to purchase these deer fly patches which simply adhere to the back of a baseball cap. They entirely change the outdoor experience at this time of year and make it completely tolerable to be outside. They are cheap, extremely effective and last a long time. Instructions say to adhere a single patch to the back of your hat. I usually do that and add one on the top of my hat. It isn't unusual during peak season to come in after working outside for a few hours with 20 or 30 flies on these little patches...and zero bites. The satisfaction is immeasurable. Yes, occasionally one will get through the defense, but the new outdoor experience is night and day.

You may feel a little silly at first with a cap of stuck and buzzing deer flies on your head but at my age, I'm not trying to be sexy. Any chuckles from your family or friends will quickly dissipate once the deer flies make a meal out of them versus you. Then, you'll be laughing at them.

https://www.amazon.com/12-Deerfly-Pa...21477118&psc=1

[loonguy]

Insect Shield has an end of season online sale for all its clothing items starting last weekend.

[bwalsh]

Wear some bug spray ya divas. No need to spray the woods and your land. I learned in 1st grade that bugs are good for the environment, and that you can find porn mags behind the marina

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by bwalsh

Wear some bug spray ya divas. No need to spray the woods and your land. I learned in 1st grade that bugs are good for the environment, and that you can find porn mags behind the marina

Couldn't agree more.......have no bees and even hornets this year and wondering if it's due to spraying.