Today was the first day that I was beaten back indoors by black flies. The sun was out, there was even a breeze, but there was no true escape from the little buggers unless you had a roof over your head. Brides and their “to-be’s” of choice are heading up to experience the Mount Washington Valley’s natural beauty as I write, unknowingly signing off on their pound of flesh for the bugs.
Here are the rumors on repelling those which can’t really be repelled.
- Waving a sappy pine branch over your head. Not too practical for brides, but it is said that the smellier the branch the better.
- DEET doesn’t work and it might actually attract black flies. I avoid this product because it melts plastic – not good for cameras equals not good for you or your family.
- Avoid areas that have lightly running streams…black flies hatch in running water. Mosquitoes prefer stagnant pools.
- Black flies prefer dark colors. Lucky brides, unlucky grooms. If you must wear dark, try a lighter top, darker bottoms with the cuffs tucked in (the 1980’s revisited). The dark color below will pull the flies away from your head, their favorite spot to bite.
- Black flies prefer nice, warm, sunny days with no wind. So do we.
- Some fragrances that been getting some attention for their ability to repel black flies are vanilla, garlic and catnip. Try a mist (and may I suggest using vanilla on your wedding day…unless you are tying the knot with a tabby cat).
- I have also heard through the wedding grapevine that tucking dryer sheets into your dress or tux can keep you sane. And it makes you smell freshly laundered, which is a plus.
- Black flies stop biting you and start looking for a window once they realize they have piggybacked their way indoors. Mosquitos…not so much. So run out, get married, run in. In that order.
- The old saying states that black flies are here from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day. Don’t believe it – come prepared all summer long so you won’t become a snack.
Let me know what works for you and maybe we can keep those happy couples smiling long enough to capture some great video.
Cheers,
Kelly Cicero
Kelly Cicero Films
Kelly Cicero Films 