Biting Flies

[Kate]

Any tips on dealing with biting flies while on a boat? Getting ready to use a .38.

[Krob1114]

I'm waiting for that answer too. So far this season, we haven't had any at Greers Ferry.

[Snowman8]

Any tips on dealing with biting flies while on a boat? Getting ready to use a .38.

Let me know how that .38 works for you! A little piece of advice, don’t aim at the floor!

[Kate]

"don’t aim at the floor!"

Now you tell me.

Here are what I've discovered as "solutions:"

Wear head-to-toes clothing. (On a boat?!)

Apparently, they're attracted by movement and carbon dioxide. So stay very still and don't exhale. (Any takers for that one?)

Spray something-or-other urban solution all over your body, which may or may not work.

Eat lots of garlic.

Stay away from shorelines. (Not really practical.)

Anchor upwind, so they cannot sniff you out via your carbon dioxide. (So if their home base is here, and the wind is . . . Never mind.)

Use a shop fan. (No comment.)

Burn citronella candles. (The .38 is safer.)

In other words: Biting flies 1. Humans 0.

[sailor55330]

I still have some 100% deet I bourbon Africa years ago. One spray and they literally fall from the sky when they fly by. Probably not recommended for frequent use

[Kate]

Had not heard of 100%. Thanks for the tip. Apparently, it is safe. Though probably not for mixing with "bourbon."

[Krob1114]

We only had the biting flies for a few weeks. I put a small fly swatter right beside the captain's helm and fought back. I left it on the boat for next season. It's now standard equipment.