Black Flies in Maine

Maine is well known for its many species of black flies. Generally the black flies emerge just after Mother's Day and tend to go away right after Father's Day; however some are still around until mid-July. Some bite and some don't but all are very annoying. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide in your breath which is why you always find them gathering around your head. They are tiny things and are sometimes called "no-see-ums". If you are outdoors - hiking, camping or whatever the best protection is a head net. Head nets are are lightweight and will easily fold into a pocket but if you need it will be invaluable. Repellents sometimes help. Read a recent article in the Boston Globe about Maine's black flies - "Black flies surge in Maine's clean rivers", The Boston Globe, June 23, 2008. So how do you fend of the bothersome Maine black flies? The Globe article offers the following suggestions:

"So how to protect yourself? Wear light-colored clothing. While it may not look fashionable, tuck pant legs into socks or boots and wear tight-fitting, long-sleeved shirts because the flies often crawl into snug regions of the body to feed. Insect repellents also work".

More information can be found on the website of the "Maine Blackfly Breeder's Association". This organization is located in Machias, Maine and provides "facts" about black flies. Another source of information is Maine Nature News that provides "Some questions and answers about black flies in Maine". Also, check out "What about those Black Flies and other flying pests I have heard about?, MaineOutdoors.com.