My Fiance and I just returned from a long weekend and got tore up by yellow flies. They are tenacious here in Georgia. The DEET we were using was pretty much useless against them. Does anyone have any clue on how to deter these blood thirsty pests? We are tired of Aveeno baths! LOL
DEET is great for skeeters but will not faze those biting flies. Especially I found those northern black flies ... they will tear you up ... DEET and all!
However, I found a DEET product that's spiked with and additional chemical to handle the biting flies and gnats. That would be Swayers 20% DEET timed release formula. In fact, it's the best user friendly DEET product I've come across.
Fly
Sometimes head nets, long sleeves and pants are the only way to beat them. I don't know as there's a true solution without disadvantages.
I've been having good results with the Thermocell repeller. And, before that, just plugged in a fan and the bugs weren't interested in us.
I have allergies, so can't use the wipes, sprays, creams, etc., on my skin. The citronella candles tend to choak me also, but I've been very impressed by the Thermocell - about 4 hours use on a pad, with a 10 foot radius or thereabouts.
i usually bring wife in shorts and sandals. this method effectively deters the flies from me.
...just kidding!
I'm one of those the bugs always go for and the only thing that works for me is the Sportsman's Off that comes in the 1 oz spray...it's the maximum strength deepwoods sportsmans off (little blue container) and is 98% deet. It's crazy strong and I hate using something that strong, however, I've tried everything from massive doses of B vitamins, all the different candles, lanterns, and every spray and cream that I've ever seen and this is all that works on me. I sprayed the regular Deep Woods off on me the other night and went out to the camper from the back door and back into the house and in 15 minutes had 12 bites! I've also tried the Thermocell lanterns and they don't seem to work as well for me as the Off lanterns.....still have to spray though............. I'm the best repellent for anyone around me....... Sounds like if Gary's wife and I camped together no one else would have to worry about Deet! ;>
My brother, who has done numerous expeditions all over the world, and lives by the boundary waters in MN swears by Ultra put out by REI. We were eaten alive here in AZ in June by no seeums and chiggers. When I asked him to recommend a product this is the one he suggested. We are taking it on our Grand Canyon trip.
http://www.rei.com/product/752626
Hope this helps.
Mary Romeo
I seem to recall that someone once told me about some stuff sold to keep flies off horses works well for the biting flies on humans as well. I don't have a product name but an animal feed store might have something like this that works. Just be sure the product says it is safe for humans as well.
Please check this out. Have taken it to 1week camping and to other outings and it really works.
http://whup-a-bug.com.concentric.com/
All natural and does not contain DEET.
homer
Quote from: NiagraRisingMy Fiance and I just returned from a long weekend and got tore up by yellow flies. They are tenacious here in Georgia. The DEET we were using was pretty much useless against them. Does anyone have any clue on how to deter these blood thirsty pests? We are tired of Aveeno baths! LOL
Try an all natural soap. I've been using them for about two years. I have a co-worker who sells this (
http://www.buddiesproducts.com/ ) and it really works. My son just returned from a scout camping trip and on 2 of those days he just showered with the soap and didn't use the DEET bug repellent. He said he only had a few bites :) compared to other scouts who were used regular soap (regular soap is made with animal fat) and bug repellent who were eaten alive in the ares they didn't spray :yikes: On other camping trips with the family my wife likes to laugh at my odd squarish shaped soap, but she's the one wearing repellent not me and still getting eaten alive with bugs. It really works, I encourage all to try it on their next camping outing.
Has anyone esle tried all natural soap?, and if so has it worked for them?