Use repellents and/or fine mesh head nets to avoid bites
Black flies can be present in dense
swarms that attack people and livestock near flowing
streams and rivers. Even a small trickle of water can
support a black fly population in some circumstances.
It is impractical for individuals to control black fly larvae
in the fresh water streams where larvae live so the best approach is to use
insect repellents and mosquito/black fly (fine mesh)) head nets when your activity takes you
near black fly habitat. While repellents may not always be effective, especially
when the flies are numerous, they are worth trying (see Using Insect Repellents for more details) if a head net is not available. When using head nets be
sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat so as to keep the netting away from your
face and neck. Finally, the new "personal foggers" such as ThermaCELL (tm) can also be
effective against biting midges, mosquitoes and black flies.
Black flies are normally found near
flowing water, however some species are able to travel
on wind currents and thus may occur some distance from
a suitable breeding habitat.
Propane-powered mosquito traps
may be useful for black fly control if your
home is near a fresh water stream where black flies
breed.
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