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jessesparkell OP t1_jdny4hf wrote

Reply to comment by Bobtom42 in Black fly in May? by jessesparkell

Thanks for your feedback, do you have any recommendations regarding repellants? I’ve read that lavender oil is effective? Also, would you say the flies are mostly an issue in wooded areas or maybe near water or are they just everywhere?! Thanks again

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Cashbail t1_jdoas3f wrote

Deet. I’ve tried every non-chemical repellent but nothing is as effective.

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jessesparkell OP t1_jdok50e wrote

Thank you, it definitely seems to be the advice of the overwhelming majority

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alkatori t1_jdp6wxn wrote

DEET on your clothes,Parmethrin on your shoes and pants, especially if you are out in the woods.

Ticks suck.

But generally aren't a problem as long as you check that you don't have one attached when you shower at night. If you do, and get Lyme it can be treated pretty easily when caught early with antibiotics.

I've also lived here my whole life, I've rarely been bothered by black flies and only had a few tick bites. Misquitos are the worst and they come out later.

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trailing-edge t1_jdpnvg7 wrote

Yes DEET on your clothes, and especially if it’s the good 100% stuff, don’t put it directly on your skin.

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mystinkyfingers t1_jdtdbz3 wrote

Mosquitoes are definitely bad, but when the black flies are out, you can't even breathe in without inhaling them. They're up your nose in your ears and eyes.

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AWSMDEWD t1_jdxri82 wrote

1000% agree, DEET is awesome, just keep it away from plastic. Mosquitos are generally the most annoying but black flies can suck too. Ticks aren't immediately annoying but are more dangerous because deer ticks can carry Lyme disease. Do a tick check every night, especially the underarms, groin, neck, and butt cheeks, they like to hang out where it's warm. When I was a Boy Scout, my tent-mate and I would check each other's backs bc it's hard to reach.

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Selfless- t1_jdo113v wrote

I like a hat or scarf treated with permethrin. DEET is good too. Protect your ankles as well as your neck when exploring because we also have ticks.

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jessesparkell OP t1_jdo59x6 wrote

Thanks very much, writing this all down 🙂 never had a tick bite! Will be keeping an eye out for sure

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Ferahgost t1_jdoaq99 wrote

Ticks latch on and can be nasty. If you do find one on you, after getting it off keep and eye out for a bullseye shaped mark, it can mean Lyme’s disease

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jessesparkell OP t1_jdok130 wrote

Thank you, on reflection think I’ll try to avoid the woods

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lellololes t1_jdot66r wrote

NH is about 80% forest. There's nothing to be afraid of at all, just wear pants and socks and bring some insect repellant. Black flies are just a nuisance, they aren't a big deal. Deer flies are a really fucking annoying nuisance but they aren't everywhere. If your head is being bombarded by them you'll know. If you dont' have anything you can just wrap something around your head.

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jessesparkell OP t1_jdoumw6 wrote

Thank you, it’s really helpful to get this advice from locals and we’ll definitely know what to do now to prepare

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poopdick72 t1_jdow3g3 wrote

Yeah, don’t let this all scare you. Definitely need to try some hikes in the white mountains. Just do a tick check after

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witchspoon t1_jds74p6 wrote

Don’t avoid the woods due to ticks they also like high grass areas(fields) it’s not as if they are vicious, but if you go out in nature check yourself all over for small black/brown bugs. Remove them if they are there, but usually they don’t latch on right away I stick them inside a piece of folded cello tape. If perchance you see a bullseye rash get checked for Lyme disease, but for the most part it’s fine. As for deer flies and such DEET is the go-to, or a head net. Mostly welcome to NH (in may)!

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jessesparkell OP t1_jdsa8yk wrote

Thank you for the guidance 🙂 Looking forward to exploring your state!

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dogownedhoomun t1_jdnyl2k wrote

Ummm if you are that sensitive don't come here during that time

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jessesparkell OP t1_jdo0tcj wrote

Thanks, I’m not allergic to the point that I’ll struggle to breath, I just sometimes get quite big swellings from bites that are itchy

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