GiGi will be in the heart of black fly season when she flip flops at Harper’s Ferry at the end of May/early June. What’s the best stuff to buy to keep the black flies at bay?
pooh
Best black fly repellant
system
#2
Bugs, don’t let them get you down. It is best to hike when they die but many are unable to do this. So, while DEET is effective but caustic(especially if you can’t wash every day,) look for other ways to create the protective vapor barrier DEET provides. Mosquitoes are attracted to you chemorecptively and DEET works by providing a vapor barrier between your skin and the mosquitoes. Newer prod on the market are a lemon/eucalytus balm that may be as effective but w/o the potential long range effects. Bug barrier clothing may work as well. I have been in high bug season and used nothing,keeped moving, and camped away from breeding grounds. I got bitten many times but used benadryl to help keep the toxins down. Skin sosoft has worked for some folks. West Nile is in the Eastern US and something to remotely keep in mind-be aware of the symptoms. All in all, I would protect myself with light bug resistance clothing-research has help create some brands, though more expensive than others, that deter insects by integrating design and safe chemoprotection . Enjoy your hike and time in nature. Camphor may also be effective as it is quite vaporous-though don’t know its toxicity. It would fun to explore natural insecticides using essential oil extracts-peppermint oil or a combination of mints may work but would have to be combine with another carrier to reduce skin irritation due to high alcohol/solvent content. Enjoy your time in nature and active part of the black fly reproductive cycle. Happy Hiking Trails,2 Spirits
2 Spirits
system
#3
I’ve always layered on deodorant to keep the bugs down. I mean everywhere. You smell good too.
ted holdridge