Submitted by jessesparkell t3_121xxna in newhampshire
We’re visiting from England in May (first two weeks). I’ve done a lot of research about what we’re going to do and where we’re going to eat, but I’d really appreciate some information from local residents about how to prepare for/deal with black fly season? I’m really sensitive to insect bites and I just want to enjoy this trip of a lifetime ⭐️ I can only find generic information online so your advice is genuinely appreciated, thank you.
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
Deet. I’ve tried every non-chemical repellent but nothing is as effective.
Thank you, it definitely seems to be the advice of the overwhelming majority
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.
Yes DEET on your clothes, and especially if it’s the good 100% stuff, don’t put it directly on your skin.
Thank you ☺️
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.
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.
Nothing works with black flies. Besides a head net.
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.
Thanks very much, writing this all down 🙂 never had a tick bite! Will be keeping an eye out for sure
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
Thank you, on reflection think I’ll try to avoid the woods
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.
Thank you, it’s really helpful to get this advice from locals and we’ll definitely know what to do now to prepare
Yeah, don’t let this all scare you. Definitely need to try some hikes in the white mountains. Just do a tick check after
Thanks ☺️
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)!
Thank you for the guidance 🙂 Looking forward to exploring your state!
Ummm if you are that sensitive don't come here during that time
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
For an added bonus you can stick a blue solo cup with fly tape on your hat. Get a little extra height and keep the flies further away
Black flies are more annoying than anything else, I wouldn't worry overly about bites from them. Avoid wet places and water, wear light clothing and a hat, use bug spray. You can also keep moving to keep them off of you.
Deer flies are the nasty ones, they refuse to leave you alone and their bites can hurt.
Thank you, we will be visiting some wooded areas and some lakes so this is definitely useful information. Deer flies 😬 sound fun! Any recommendations for natural repellents? Thanks again
I have tried natural spray, with I think lemon? with mixed results. DEET isn't the best option for being natural, but it will work most effectively.
There’s definitely a consensus for DEET so I’ll be making a purchase for sure. Thank you
I have lived here my whole life and it is nearly impossible to avoid exposure to them if you go outside. It tends to be the worst in the later afternoon and evening in my opinion, so I guess maybe try to have the majority of your outdoor activities in in the middle of the day? Also wooded areas are usually worse for bugs than developed areas.
I have never had good luck with bug sprays for any kind of insects. They always still hunt me down, but you could do some research on them and maybe something will work for you.
Hope you enjoy your time here and have safe travels.
Thank you, really appreciate the information. I also seem to repel repellents 😂 but I will continue to read up. Also now looking into information on deer flies….
Repellents work for about 20 minutes. Then reapply. Also I always go camping with one of these (not necessarily this brand): https://www.rei.com/product/799982/sea-to-summit-mosquito-head-net-with-insect-shield?sku=7999820017&CAWELAID=120217890000792555&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=124667333037&CATCI=pla-1371361143094&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_7999820017%7C92700064944667620%7CTOF%7C71700000066692708&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2v-gBhC1ARIsAOQdKY0AtDNjPdHBwPPynUq7WBEAPVu53-uUOBMNXTczPHxXJz1kDSGx0eIaAib7EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Thanks for the tip re. Reapplying
I use a thermacell as well but it doesn’t work well for black files. It works a little bit. Cover all exposed skin. They love to bite me on the forehead where my hat meets my skin.
I have been experimenting with coconut oil for Black Fly, Deer Fly, and whatever that new little black triangle SOB is, and have had favorable results. They fly around but will not land. The downside is it is a little greasy and I feel it keeps your body a little warmer than I would like. The other thing is an overwhelming craving for a Pina Colada.
😆 laughed out loud at the pina colada, it’s my favourite cocktail. Coconut oil eh? Is there anything it can’t do? What a hero product. Thanks for the tip, anything’s worth a try 🙂
BTW; there is a local product sold around named "After Bite". It is a handy tube of ammonia solution and takes away the sting and reduces swelling. It is indispensable.
Thank you for reminding me, I’d forgotten about that, used it before and it’s quite effective
Hat with mosquito net
If really will friend on the weather and where your are planning to visit. The southern part of the state will usually have black fly hatch in early May, but it's more like early to mid June for the hatch in the White Mountains.
But it will depend on the weather. If it is warmer then normal, they may hatch earlier.
Typically, long sleeves and long pants will protect you, and I use bug repellent on my face and neck. If I'm doing something that will make me sweat I'll wear a bug head net mesh over my head.
Thanks very much for the advice, we’ll be coming up from Boston and staying in Manchester then Meredith, probably spending some time near the lakes. I appreciate the weather is a big factor and that’s also a tricky thing to prepare for because from what I’ve read it’s pretty unpredictable in New England 🙂 I’m assuming long sleeves and pants are fairly typical in May?
The temperature in May in NH can vary from about 50°F (12°C) to 75°F (23°C). Bring a variety of options and layers.
Thanks very much, sounds very much like English weather in May 🙂
in terms of black flies i would just try to not wear a lot perfume/smelly stuff because i think that may attract them… everyone else’s info is pretty on point but you can also get the insect repellent candles you can find in new hampshire stores and those work okay too if you’re not a bug spray kinda gal.
i hope you have a great trip otherwise!!
Thank you, I’m sure we will ☺️ thanks for the candle tip, nice idea for sitting outside for an hour or so perhaps
I used to live in Meredith - you should be fine there in the first 2 weeks of May from a black fly standpoint. It's not typically very warm that time of year - so long sleeves is fine, though the have been times when it's very warm - as you said - it's New England. As for Manchester - if you're in the central area, you'll have no issue with black flies - as the concrete isn't conducive to black flies. If you are staying anywhere with a lawn (garden) - you'll probably see some black flies in the first half of May.
Thank you, weather-wise it sounds like a home away from home 🙂 lovely to hear from people that have lived/live in some of the areas we’re visiting. I’m sure we will encounter some flies towards the end of the break so we will prepare accordingly! Thanks again
We're a couple months behind southern England in terms of seasons. If you're here in the beginning of May, most trees in the Meredith area won't be in full leaf yet.
Wow, that’s really interesting, thanks for the tip 🙂 to be honest it can sometimes be the same here, we get flowers and blossoms blooming around now but it can take ages for the trees to join the party. It seems like you just wake up one day and they’re all suddenly green again!
Last year, the warmest day in May was 95F and the coldest was 53F. The lowest low was 37F. It could be like it is at home, or it might be like summer in Florida, or it might ice over at night. But it's usually pretty mild in May.
I still have a half meter of snow at my house so we're quite a way from anything green!
We do get snow in March here too but it’s only that deep in the North/Scotland. I can’t even imagine 😳 do you get snowdrops or daffodils?
Eventually
What are you staying in Manchester for? It's not really a hub of anything touristy, it's just a small city. It's also not far from Meredith. If it's not too late to adjust your itenerary, I'd recommend Portsmouth NH or Portland Maine (Small cities that are better destinations), or maybe Conway NH (in the mountains) as alternatives.
It’s literally just an overnight stop to break up one of our longer journeys, we’ll be spending more of our time in some of the places you mention 🙂
Where are you going to be before Meredith? They are just an hour apart. I'd recommend just skipping it rather than going through the hassle of checking in to a hotel for a night to avoid an hour's drive. Manchester would be a good place to stop for a meal at but unless you're going to a show at the theater, I think you're adding more trouble than it's worth there.
Interesting, thank you, I’ll go back and check our schedule: I think there’s a museum or nature centre nearby that we were going to
Even if you're doing things in Manchester and going out to dinner, it's the difference between checking in at a hotel at 9PM at a location you're not going to have much to do around and checking in at 10PM right where you want to be for the next day.
Thank you, it’s definitely worth another look then, appreciate the advice 🙏
Don’t forget you can buy yourself souvenirs too! Lol so if you’re u find yourself chilly a NH sweatshirt might be in order.
For sure! There will be a shopping budget 😁
Depending on where in the state you’re going, the season may or may not be at its peak, but you’re likely to encounter them in May regardless. They breed in running water, not stagnant or still water, so that’s where they’ll be the most. I wear a mosquito net over a hat when I’m working in my garden. Bug sprays help, but they seem to find ears irresistible. Covering up is the best bet, and May isn’t so warm in NH that you’ll be uncomfortable in long pants and shirt sleeves. Edit: also, welcome and have fun!
Thank you, this is great advice that will also help me pack suitable clothes. Can’t wait to visit 🤍
This trip sounds so exciting! I love planning fun trips, enjoy your stay 💕 safe travels!
Thank you ☺️ I have a bullet journal almost full of planning for this trip 😁 the planning is at least half the fun for sure
May might be a bit too early, but check yourself for ticks after an outing in the woods. Almost all deer ticks in NH have Lyme disease. A bite does not mean you will catch it, bur the longer it stays on you, the higher the chances.
Thank you, my research is now moving on to deer flies and ticks!
Don’t overthink it. Many of us live here and most of us survive. 😂😂😂
😆 very true
I’ve lived here my whole life and I feel like the deer flies are more of a June thing? Black flies are definitely May though. If you get a breezier day while here, that’s the day to explore the woods. Those little annoying things can’t fly in a breeze.
Perfect, thanks for the advice ☺️
Where are you traveling? I find them to be more of a problem in the woods, not my neighborhood.
Thank you, Manchester first and then over by the lakes
Not so much in Manchester but very likely by the lakes. Some Off! Or Cutter bug spray will be plenty. In May you might still need long sleeves and pants so you might need very little spray. Dusk and dawn they'll be worst and they're also bad in the shade and moist areas.
Meredith is one of my favorite parts of the state. Great restaurants and views. If you have the time, a day trip up through the White Mountains is well worth the drive.
Thank you for the tip, I’ll definitely try to fit it in 🤍 unlikely we’ll be up at dawn 😁 but for sure we’ll be mindful of clothing now that we know
Thin layers and plan on taking things on and off all day!
No wonder it’s called New England 😁
In all honesty, black flies were only ever a real problem for me on one hike I went on in my whole life. Also, one weekend my daughter had an issue with them but I had bought her a special children's all natural bug spray which I think was more of an attraction than a deterrent! Turns out it did not contain deet. I've been in NH my whole life and they've never been a real problem.
Also black flies like to go for the eyes. This is important if you have little kids.
Wow, these flies seem to really like humans 😳 we must smell tasty
They're terrible in May and June, especially on hiking trails, and near lakes and when you're trying to enjoy a meal outdoors! Personally, I find they leave me alone unless I'm deep in nature but they eat my husband alive no matter where we are. If you're super sensitive to bites, your best bet is to use an insect repellent with DEET in it on any exposed or bare skin (do not spray directly on your face - spray on your hands, then wipe on the parts of your face that you want it on). Wash it off at the end of the day. I know we all want to use the safest/most natural thing possible but in my experience, natural repellents are only marginally effective. That might be fine for someone who doesn't react poorly to bites but for someone who has an allergy or will be miserable for a week after, the risk of using DEET briefly might be worth the benefits! Otherwise, wear long sleeves, long pants etc- they act as a deterrent - may and june can be mild here but rarely so warm that you have to opt for short sleeves and shorts.
If you hike or will be spending a lot of time in wooded or high grass areas where there is a great risk of encountering ticks, consider treating an outfit of clothes/shoes with "permethrin". It's something you spray or soak on fabric, let it dry and it will kill ticks, fleas and mosquitoes on contact. One treatment will last 6 weeks or 6 washes, whichever comes first. My husband and I hike regularly most summers and I usually drench a hiking outfit, couple pairs of sox, our hiking boots and hats with permethrin twice a summer (I spray everything outside, hang it up to dry overnight in my garage or somewhere outdoors) and we always come home tick free (it won't do anything to protect your exposed skin but it helps so much and you can wear long pants, long socks etc for added protection). If you have a cat, don't let it near the permethrin soaked clothes while they are wet (it's safe for them when it's dry though). Some of the ticks we have are incredibly small (like the head of a pin!) and while you should always do a tick check after spending time outdoors in NH, using permethrin will give you some confidence / peace of mind when you do!
Enjoy your trip!
Wow, thank you for the detailed guidance, and yes we do have cats so this is very helpful. Starting to wonder if we should just avoid too much exploring of the natural areas, which seems a shame but I didn’t realise there was so many insects to consider. Naïve tourist alert 🙁
Dealing with ticks is not as much of an issue as visitors think they are. Tuck pants into socks, and when you come inside strip down and do a thorough check for ticks (including in your hair). They will crawl on you for a surprisingly long amount of time before they bite.
Seeing the outdoors is well worth a few bugs.
Thanks for the reassurance 🙂 all of this feedback has really helped
If it makes you feel better, I lived in NH for the first 41 years of my life and I’ve never had a tick on me! My husband on the other hand seems to pick them up every time he does yard work. 😆 You can explore here safely with a few precautions (the permethrin isn’t necessary just peace of mind if you were planning lots of woods time) and one thing to know is that if ticks do get on you, they don’t bite right away and once they do they need to be attached for 24 hours to transmit most disease (so you have plenty of time to flick them off). Enjoy yourselves!
Thank you very much for the extra information, bugs tend to find me delicious but it’s reassuring to read your specific comments re. ticks 🙂
Head net. They will eat you alive.
Thanks, on the shopping list 😁
https://bens30.com/deet/100-deet.html
Buy this stuff, and apply it to your clothing and skin. It's made in NH.
Wonderful, thanks v much for this 🙏
If only there were just one black fly lol
😆 sorry, should have said black flies I guess
If there only one black fly, I could see there being a statewide contest in which whoever kills it would win something like $10k 😆
They may not be too bad when you're visiting since it will be early May. Long sleeves and a head net are pretty standard. they go for the back of your neck/behind your ears, eyes, ankles, etc unguarded soft spots so be sure everything is tucked in well. You may even want gloves. They're mostly just annoying when you're outdoors but the pain and inflammation is the worst once you're home and trying to get to sleep. Depending how you react to their bites you might need antihistamine to keep the swelling and itching down. A menthol/camphor rub is real soothing if you swell up bad.
Thank you, very interesting to read as some people have said the black flies don’t really tend to bite. Always better safe than sorry
Net shirts (covers your head and arms). Long pants. They suck and their bite is worse than a mosquito. Good Luck! Oh - and watch out and always check yourself for ticks as well.
Thank you, what lovely creatures they seem to be! Curious to know if they have any environmental benefits to redeem themselves 🙂
Black Flies SUCK! -pun intended-
Deet
No worries. You'll hardly notice them.
Black flies can be anything from a minor annoyance to parasitic swarms that make you question life itself. It all depends where you are.
Most places you will be fine with regular bug spray. In really bad areas, the only thing that works is a hat with a head net.
Thanks, yes I think we’ll need to see how the weather is end of April and research our locations a little bit more.
Stay out of the woods proper and if you hike wear a net and long sleeves. Youll really want to look for ticks more than anything though. Trust me.
Thank you, yes I’m going to make sure I prepare for ticks too 😬
We camp every year the last weekend in May. They are the worst just around breakfast time and just around dinner time. How bad they are is entirely dependent on the weather. If we have a late Spring, they're entirely tolerable. If we have an early Spring, they can make your life miserable but there's usually a few hours during the day when they are bearable. Also after dark they're not as bad if you stay close to a camp fire.
It has been a relatively mild Winter this year, but I'm betting Winter will linger with us longer than usual from my perspective in the Upper Valley in Vermont (near the border of NH). You never know what you're going to get though. Particularly in New England.
Thank you, we’re not camping but we do like to eat outdoors so this will be useful to remember
i’ve seen a lot of people recommending deet for repellent, and that is definitely the most effective, but try not to get it on your skin much, especially if it is a high percentage
Thanks 🙂
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Um, their other name is Mayfly.
Ahhh I see, thank you, I just kept reading about Black Fly season
If you're that worried about black flies, then go someplace else. That's nothing more than a first world problem. The last thing we want to hear is someone complaining about a couple bugs annoying you.
Why are people so fing stupid
You seem like you’re a real treat to be around. Do better.
Someone’s projecting
Bobtom42 t1_jdnwiyl wrote
Yea, black flies and deer flies can be pretty awful in May.
Deer flies are attracted to the tallest thing, so stick a piece of duck tape with the sticky side out on top and towards the back of a baseball hat.
Head nets work too.
Other than that, I'd probably bring some extra strength hydrocortisone.