Black Flies

joann721 · 05-06-2009, 01:53 PM

Hi everyone,

We are coming to the lake this weekend to open camp...

. I havent seen any reference to the black flies this season. Are they out yet ?

Thanks

Resident 2B · 05-06-2009, 02:36 PM

I'm near the Weirs and yesterday I saw a few on the outside of the screens while looking out the windows. There are only a few, and they are not that hungry yet, but if it warms up this weekend, I think the numbers and appetites will both be up.

Enjoy your visit!

R2B

Woodsy · 05-06-2009, 02:56 PM

Its supposed to be kinda wet & warm friday & saturday... perfect for those little buggers to hatch!

Woodsy

jellybean · 05-06-2009, 07:42 PM

Oh, they are out in force in Alton, at least in the woods! They came early this year - they've been around here for about 2 full weeks.

chipj29 · 05-07-2009, 06:14 AM

They have been brutal in the Concord area for the past week or so. So yeah...they are heading your way!

Zee · 05-07-2009, 02:55 PM

They have been out in Tuftonboro for about ten days. We live about a quarter mile from the lake. Last week we went out in the boat and attempted to drift for lunch in Melvin Bay. Yikes! they came in swarms. We tried to find a place to lunch from there to Cow Island and were unsuccessful. The good thing is they should be gone in another couple of weeks.....then the state bird arrives.

CrawfordCentury · 05-08-2009, 12:05 PM

They seem to be worse this year. In number and ferocity. Normally 2-stroke exhaust from my chainsaw keeps them away. Not so this year. Guess I'll have to go with a heavier mix to thicken the exchaust.

I skimped on raking the lawn this year 'cause of them. Just a quick once over to mitigate any winterkill.

They're not bad if you keep moving at a walking pace. Bug spray keeps them down.

GTO · 05-11-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joann721

Hi everyone,

We are coming to the lake this weekend to open camp...

. I havent seen any reference to the black flies this season. Are they out yet ?

Thanks

No need to worry, you should all be safe. They were all in my yard this past Saturday while I did yard work. You guys owe me

Grant · 05-11-2009, 03:20 PM

Yeah, I got mauled on Saturday while working in the woods, and also while fishing near shore. Sunday was much better -- if only because the high winds kept the little buggers away. Once that sun comes out, they are abundant and voracious. The net-hat works wonders.

fatlazyless · 05-12-2009, 08:37 PM

...who'd a thunk that painting a canoe would result in the death of maybe one hundred black flies, today?

Have a forty year old aluminum canoe, so's decided to roll a fresh coat of grey oil paint over the 17' canoe....quickly noticed the wet paint seemed to attract numerous black flies...their tiny feet & bodies would become stuck in the fesh paint....stuck to death....tomorrow will probably have to scrape the dead flies away and roll a second coat ....no fool'n...couldn't make this up

It was a 16,99 quart of Ben Moore paint, reduced down to six dollars, so's maybe the black flies just have expensive tastes?

Meredith lady · 05-13-2009, 06:32 AM

were out yesterday-all those little no-see-'ems, too-made gardening twice the chore!!

wifi · 05-13-2009, 06:51 AM

and get an instant no slip surface!

searay220 · 05-19-2009, 04:58 PM

Looking for an update on how the black flies are more so around the Alton area. I can't tell you how much I'm looking foward to the long weekend and the forecast looks great.

Resident 2B · 05-19-2009, 05:04 PM

I was out doing some work in the yard and up on a ladder installing a new lamp.

They are out in force today here near the Weirs!

I'm hoping this Thursday's heat knocks them back a bit.

R2B

Merrymeeting · 05-19-2009, 08:56 PM

Report from Mrs. Merrymeeting, who is on that lake today, is that the black flies are not too bad, but the mosquitos could carry you away!

Meredith lady · 05-19-2009, 10:11 PM

I was gardening this morning and felt a "little" sting on the corner of my eye...that was at 9 a.m....tonight it looks like someone hit me with a baseball bat...they are out there...believe me.

riverat · 05-20-2009, 06:32 AM

Seems like a transistion from Black Flies to Mosquitos here in Alton the last couple days.

tis · 05-20-2009, 11:44 AM

I think the black flies are terrible this year. We usually don't have that many. I don't remember them being this bad. I have been wondering why.

Lakesrider · 05-20-2009, 07:06 PM

They were bad this week up in Moultonborough. But tonight I noticed, not so many as last. Put on the Cutters and I planted some shasta daiseys around the rock garden, until the mosquitos started their concentrated attack.

Meredith lady · 05-20-2009, 10:52 PM

Today my daughter took one look at me and said "OH MY GOD..WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR EYE?, followed by my son who said 'WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?" My eye is swollen (both top and bottom lids), has a blue/red/brown color and is really quite attractive. I swatted whatever the heck bit me and killed it on my face and it was so tiny you couldn't imagine something that small could cause so much damage. It doesn't itch, but hurts like a toothache. I did call my doctor and he said to pack it with a baking soda compress and have a nice day. THEY ARE OUT THERE. I bought some Cutters and that is my new perfume.

trfour · 05-21-2009, 03:06 AM

I feel for you, My Dad was allergic to them pesky critters and had to ware a net-hat when out of doors, not to be confused with modern times, my Mom and the rest of us, 11 children, well I guess they, (black flies), couldn't get along with the rest of us so as they stayed away.
Go figure.

Sunbeam lodge · 05-21-2009, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

I think the black flies are terrible this year. We usually don't have that many. I don't remember them being this bad. I have been wondering why.

The mosquitoes ate them.

Shore Driver · 05-21-2009, 12:43 PM

We can blame White Nose Syndrome.

Weekend Pundit · 05-23-2009, 08:52 AM

The black flies were really pesky the past few days (with the exception of Thursday - it was too windy for them!).

My son and I had been taking care of the finishing touches on our boat before we launched it (we launched it early yesterday evening and it's now at its slip) and the black flies made it an unpleasant experience. At least the high winds on Thursday let us work unmolested, but Wednesday and yesterday afternoon weren't much fun.

GrandmaBig6 · 05-10-2010, 12:01 PM

My mom is leaving in a few days for NH next weekend and was wondering about those awful black flies. Are they out biting in full force?

M

SIKSUKR · 05-10-2010, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandmaBig6

My mom is leaving in a few days for NH next weekend and was wondering about those awful black flies. Are they out biting in full force?
M

Have not been biting at all for the last week as they can't hover around you in very windy conditions.The wind does have its advantages.Recleaning my yard from all the new downed branches is not one of them.

LadyJane · 05-15-2010, 05:55 PM

I'm looking at the web cam now at Weirs and there is a huge black fly or other insect on the lens. Looks like a MONSTAH !!!

lol.....maybe I'll wait a couple weeks before I come up.

PapaDon · 05-15-2010, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandmaBig6

My mom is leaving in a few days for NH next weekend and was wondering about those awful black flies. Are they out biting in full force?

M

Here at our farm in Gilford, the black files haven't been too awful bad, due to the windy days, I'd say. Even so, I got my worst black fly bite ever last week, but the swelling has gone down now. Now it's supposed to be warming and settling down, so I expect we'll have our quota.

Here's one of them now...

DickR · 05-16-2010, 09:41 AM

Down on Long Island it was black fly season I think Saturday two weeks ago. But I killed both of 'em.

NHKathy · 05-20-2010, 08:04 PM

how have the black flies been???
whats the report from the Moultonborough people?

donnamatrix · 05-25-2010, 12:56 PM

On Sunday I made the mistake of mowing the lawn around 4:30 (when lawn is in the shade) ... did not wear long pants. Didn't really notice getting chewed up, but am covered with black fly bites. Using Benydryl clear cream, the white Benydryl in a tube, but in middle of night, before scratching my foot completely off, I got up and made my grandmother's recipe: baking soda and water into a paste. Slathered it on my feet/legs and it really does help. Only problem is the paste dries and breaks off in little bits all over everything!!

NHKathy · 05-25-2010, 08:17 PM

THANKS for the update!

Pepper · 05-26-2010, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donnamatrix

... my grandmother's recipe: baking soda and water into a paste. Slathered it on my feet/legs and it really does help. Only problem is the paste dries and breaks off in little bits all over everything!!

My mother often did something similar when one of us had been stung. She made the paste with orange juice for the anti-inflammatory benefits, and once the paste was slathered on, she'd wrap saran-wrap around it to keep it moist. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it worked like a charm!

donnamatrix · 05-26-2010, 07:52 AM

Hey Pepper: I never heard that orange juice had any curative influence... unless it was mixed with vodka or champagne!! However, I like the plastic wrap idea. Last night, once again, I was sitting at home with my arm and ankle/foot slathered with baking soda paste... it really does help, but the mess it creates is vexing. Thanks for the tip!!

Pepper · 05-26-2010, 08:32 AM

Donnamatrix, perhaps it would be best to combine the methods. First make your paste and then wrap it in the saran. THEN, Mix the orange juice with some vodka or champagne. This way, you've attacked the scourge both externally and internally. Surely you'll get the maximum curative benefits of the juice and the baking soda that way.

Natt · 05-26-2010, 08:47 AM

I am actually heading out to the graden right now to fed the black flies

4 for Boating · 05-27-2010, 07:12 PM

Heading back up this weekend. (Meredith Area)
How bad are they? Are they getting better or worse?

tis · 05-28-2010, 06:44 AM

I guess we are really lucky, we don't have many around our house. I hardly see any. But we went somewhere else yesterday and they were pretty bad.

SIKSUKR · 05-28-2010, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pepper

She made the paste with orange juice for the anti-inflammatory benefits, and once the paste was slathered on, she'd wrap saran-wrap around it to keep it moist.

For immediate relief from a bee sting, make the paste out of aspirin and rub on the bite. Works great.

05-06-2009, 01:53 PM	#1
joann721 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Salem, MA & Meredith, NH Posts: 116 Thanks: 3 Thanked 24 Times in 7 Posts	Black Flies Hi everyone, We are coming to the lake this weekend to open camp... . I havent seen any reference to the black flies this season. Are they out yet ? Thanks __________________ JoAnn Frustration is trying to find my glasses without my glasses.

05-06-2009, 02:36 PM	#2
Resident 2B Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Shore, MA Posts: 1,357 Thanks: 994 Thanked 313 Times in 163 Posts	A few are around I'm near the Weirs and yesterday I saw a few on the outside of the screens while looking out the windows. There are only a few, and they are not that hungry yet, but if it warms up this weekend, I think the numbers and appetites will both be up. Enjoy your visit! R2B

05-06-2009, 02:56 PM	#3
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,966 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	Its supposed to be kinda wet & warm friday & saturday... perfect for those little buggers to hatch! Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

05-07-2009, 06:14 AM	#5
chipj29 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bow Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 521 Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts	They have been brutal in the Concord area for the past week or so. So yeah...they are heading your way! __________________ Getting ready for winter!

05-11-2009, 03:20 PM	#9
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,500 Thanks: 375 Thanked 230 Times in 124 Posts	Yeah, I got mauled on Saturday while working in the woods, and also while fishing near shore. Sunday was much better -- if only because the high winds kept the little buggers away. Once that sun comes out, they are abundant and voracious. The net-hat works wonders. __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."

05-06-2009, 07:42 PM	#4
jellybean Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Alton Bay, NH Posts: 32 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Oh, they are out in force in Alton, at least in the woods! They came early this year - they've been around here for about 2 full weeks.

05-07-2009, 02:55 PM	#6
Zee Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Union Wharf, Tuftonboro Posts: 173 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 1 Post	They have been out in Tuftonboro for about ten days. We live about a quarter mile from the lake. Last week we went out in the boat and attempted to drift for lunch in Melvin Bay. Yikes! they came in swarms. We tried to find a place to lunch from there to Cow Island and were unsuccessful. The good thing is they should be gone in another couple of weeks.....then the state bird arrives.

05-08-2009, 12:05 PM	#7
CrawfordCentury Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somewhere betwixt Gonic and Chocorua Posts: 191 Thanks: 13 Thanked 30 Times in 21 Posts	They seem to be worse this year. In number and ferocity. Normally 2-stroke exhaust from my chainsaw keeps them away. Not so this year. Guess I'll have to go with a heavier mix to thicken the exchaust. I skimped on raking the lawn this year 'cause of them. Just a quick once over to mitigate any winterkill. They're not bad if you keep moving at a walking pace. Bug spray keeps them down.

The Following User Says Thank You to Grant For This Useful Post:
Sassamon (06-05-2010)

05-12-2009, 08:37 PM	#10
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,752 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,010 Times in 736 Posts	...who'd a thunk that painting a canoe would result in the death of maybe one hundred black flies, today? Have a forty year old aluminum canoe, so's decided to roll a fresh coat of grey oil paint over the 17' canoe....quickly noticed the wet paint seemed to attract numerous black flies...their tiny feet & bodies would become stuck in the fesh paint....stuck to death....tomorrow will probably have to scrape the dead flies away and roll a second coat ....no fool'n...couldn't make this up It was a 16,99 quart of Ben Moore paint, reduced down to six dollars, so's maybe the black flies just have expensive tastes? __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! Last edited by fatlazyless; 05-13-2009 at 06:19 AM.

05-13-2009, 06:32 AM	#11
Meredith lady Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 217 Thanks: 290 Thanked 138 Times in 26 Posts	lots of them were out yesterday-all those little no-see-'ems, too-made gardening twice the chore!!

05-13-2009, 06:51 AM	#12
wifi Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 1,321 Thanks: 282 Thanked 287 Times in 169 Posts	Great time to paint your dock and get an instant no slip surface!

05-19-2009, 04:58 PM	#13
searay220 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Reading Ma/ Alton NH Posts: 81 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	Black fly update wanted Looking for an update on how the black flies are more so around the Alton area. I can't tell you how much I'm looking foward to the long weekend and the forecast looks great.

05-19-2009, 05:04 PM	#14
Resident 2B Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Shore, MA Posts: 1,357 Thanks: 994 Thanked 313 Times in 163 Posts	Black Flies near the Weirs I was out doing some work in the yard and up on a ladder installing a new lamp. They are out in force today here near the Weirs! I'm hoping this Thursday's heat knocks them back a bit. R2B

05-19-2009, 08:56 PM	#15
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,226 Thanks: 302 Thanked 800 Times in 368 Posts	Report from Mrs. Merrymeeting, who is on that lake today, is that the black flies are not too bad, but the mosquitos could carry you away!

05-19-2009, 10:11 PM	#16
Meredith lady Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 217 Thanks: 290 Thanked 138 Times in 26 Posts	Oh...my eye! I was gardening this morning and felt a "little" sting on the corner of my eye...that was at 9 a.m....tonight it looks like someone hit me with a baseball bat...they are out there...believe me.

05-20-2009, 06:32 AM	#17
riverat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alton, NH Posts: 722 Thanks: 337 Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts	Seems like a transistion from Black Flies to Mosquitos here in Alton the last couple days. __________________ Waking up in the morning is the greatest, everything after that is a bonus

05-20-2009, 11:44 AM	#18
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,726 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,457 Times in 1,014 Posts	I think the black flies are terrible this year. We usually don't have that many. I don't remember them being this bad. I have been wondering why.

05-20-2009, 07:06 PM	#19
Lakesrider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,129 Thanks: 380 Thanked 1,016 Times in 345 Posts	They were bad this week up in Moultonborough. But tonight I noticed, not so many as last. Put on the Cutters and I planted some shasta daiseys around the rock garden, until the mosquitos started their concentrated attack.

05-20-2009, 10:52 PM	#20
Meredith lady Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 217 Thanks: 290 Thanked 138 Times in 26 Posts	oh my..my eye.. Today my daughter took one look at me and said "OH MY GOD..WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR EYE?, followed by my son who said 'WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?" My eye is swollen (both top and bottom lids), has a blue/red/brown color and is really quite attractive. I swatted whatever the heck bit me and killed it on my face and it was so tiny you couldn't imagine something that small could cause so much damage. It doesn't itch, but hurts like a toothache. I did call my doctor and he said to pack it with a baking soda compress and have a nice day. THEY ARE OUT THERE. I bought some Cutters and that is my new perfume.

05-21-2009, 03:06 AM	#21
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	Dear Meredith Lady.... I feel for you, My Dad was allergic to them pesky critters and had to ware a net-hat when out of doors, not to be confused with modern times, my Mom and the rest of us, 11 children, well I guess they, (black flies), couldn't get along with the rest of us so as they stayed away. Go figure. __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

05-21-2009, 12:43 PM	#23
Shore Driver Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tolland CT Posts: 194 Thanks: 20 Thanked 31 Times in 25 Posts	We can blame White Nose Syndrome.

05-23-2009, 08:52 AM	#24
Weekend Pundit Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Gilford Posts: 347 Thanks: 26 Thanked 69 Times in 42 Posts	Out In Force In Gilford The black flies were really pesky the past few days (with the exception of Thursday - it was too windy for them!). My son and I had been taking care of the finishing touches on our boat before we launched it (we launched it early yesterday evening and it's now at its slip) and the black flies made it an unpleasant experience. At least the high winds on Thursday let us work unmolested, but Wednesday and yesterday afternoon weren't much fun.

05-10-2010, 12:01 PM	#25
GrandmaBig6 Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 103 Thanks: 10 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Black flies situation My mom is leaving in a few days for NH next weekend and was wondering about those awful black flies. Are they out biting in full force? M

05-15-2010, 05:55 PM	#27
LadyJane Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: northern Ct. Posts: 335 Thanks: 129 Thanked 50 Times in 33 Posts	On the web cam I'm looking at the web cam now at Weirs and there is a huge black fly or other insect on the lens. Looks like a MONSTAH !!! lol.....maybe I'll wait a couple weeks before I come up.

05-16-2010, 09:41 AM	#29
DickR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 751 Thanks: 4 Thanked 259 Times in 171 Posts	Down on Long Island it was black fly season I think Saturday two weeks ago. But I killed both of 'em.

05-20-2010, 08:04 PM	#30
NHKathy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Moultonborough when I can / RI Posts: 699 Thanks: 180 Thanked 38 Times in 22 Posts	sooo....... how have the black flies been??? whats the report from the Moultonborough people?

05-25-2010, 12:56 PM	#31
donnamatrix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 833 Thanks: 24 Thanked 258 Times in 120 Posts	Black Flies in Moultonboro (5/25/10) On Sunday I made the mistake of mowing the lawn around 4:30 (when lawn is in the shade) ... did not wear long pants. Didn't really notice getting chewed up, but am covered with black fly bites. Using Benydryl clear cream, the white Benydryl in a tube, but in middle of night, before scratching my foot completely off, I got up and made my grandmother's recipe: baking soda and water into a paste. Slathered it on my feet/legs and it really does help. Only problem is the paste dries and breaks off in little bits all over everything!!

The Following User Says Thank You to donnamatrix For This Useful Post:
Pepper (05-26-2010)

05-25-2010, 08:17 PM	#32
NHKathy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Moultonborough when I can / RI Posts: 699 Thanks: 180 Thanked 38 Times in 22 Posts	THANKS for the update!

05-26-2010, 07:52 AM	#34
donnamatrix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 833 Thanks: 24 Thanked 258 Times in 120 Posts	Orange Juice cure? Hey Pepper: I never heard that orange juice had any curative influence... unless it was mixed with vodka or champagne!! However, I like the plastic wrap idea. Last night, once again, I was sitting at home with my arm and ankle/foot slathered with baking soda paste... it really does help, but the mess it creates is vexing. Thanks for the tip!!

05-26-2010, 08:32 AM	#35
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	Mix it up! Donnamatrix, perhaps it would be best to combine the methods. First make your paste and then wrap it in the saran. THEN, Mix the orange juice with some vodka or champagne. This way, you've attacked the scourge both externally and internally. Surely you'll get the maximum curative benefits of the juice and the baking soda that way. __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is!

05-26-2010, 08:47 AM	#36
Natt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 120 Thanks: 125 Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts	feeding time I am actually heading out to the graden right now to fed the black flies

05-27-2010, 07:12 PM	#37
4 for Boating Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 224 Thanks: 1 Thanked 38 Times in 26 Posts	Weekend Fly Status? Heading back up this weekend. (Meredith Area) How bad are they? Are they getting better or worse?

05-28-2010, 06:44 AM	#38
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,726 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,457 Times in 1,014 Posts	I guess we are really lucky, we don't have many around our house. I hardly see any. But we went somewhere else yesterday and they were pretty bad.