member asked on Oct 19, 2004
My family is considering renting a house near Belfast Maine for the second week in June. We are traveling from locations around the country. One family member lives in Massachusettes and alerted us to the problem with Black flies during May and June. The rental agent seems to think that because the house is situated at a higher elevation, the black fies won't be much of a problem. Our Mass relatives have some experience with black flies at home and are reluctant to join us at our scheduled reunion. What's the scoop? I did read some stories about the flies and they do sound auful. Thanks.
I was there in late May last year. Supposedly it was a bad year for pests but we had no problems. Get some OFF 100% deep woods Deet pump spray and apply it to your cap. They are really only a problem when eating outdoors. If the house has a screened-porch area for dining you will have no problems. If using an outdoor drill, sprinkle plenty of garlic over the coals and this keeps them away for awhile. Also, if it is a very bad year for pests, take garlic pills twice daily and they will stay away from you. The problem is highly overstated if you ask me, but maybe your relatives have had some bad experiences. Sounds more like exaggeration to me, or maybe they just don't want to go!
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