Black flies, often known as buffalo gnats or turkey gnats, are tiny yet tenacious insects notorious for their painful, itchy bites. These small flies, which typically measure around 1/8 inch when fully grown, are drawn to the carbon dioxide we exhale and may swarm around exposed skin. Their bites can be particularly irritating due to the anticoagulants in their saliva, which cause prolonged bleeding and itchiness, sometimes leading to swelling or infection if scratched too much.
In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where moist, wooded environments and lakeside areas abound, black flies are especially prominent. They tend to emerge from mid-May, reaching their peak activity during the early summer, typically from dawn until dusk, before gradually declining by mid-July and into late summer. Similar climates in northern states like Minnesota, Maine, and even parts of southern Canada offer the ideal conditions for black flies, meaning their presence isn’t unique to Michigan but is a common seasonal challenge in these regions. Though their biting nuisance can be intense during the initial weeks of summer, many find that as temperatures climb and the season progresses, the number of black flies noticeably decreases, providing a welcome respite later in the season.
To help dissuade their attention, consider a few natural strategies:
- Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants, and opt for light-colored attire, as dark hues tend to attract black flies.
- Natural Repellents: Use natural extracts like pine resin, vanilla, or lavender directly on your skin. Rubbing the inner bark of a pine branch, for example, can help mask your natural scent and deter the flies.
- Air Movement: When outdoors, a fan can be a simple, chemical-free way to keep black flies at bay. The breeze disrupts their flight and disperses the carbon dioxide plume that draws them in.
- Scent Awareness: Avoid sweet or fragrant perfumes and fabric softeners, which can inadvertently attract these pests.
In addition to protective clothing and avoiding sweet scents, there are several natural strategies you can try to further dissuade black flies and soothe their bites:
- Essential Oils as Repellents:
Many essential oils work to repel black flies due to their strong odors. Peppermint and eucalyptus oils are popular choices—not only do they emit a scent that flies find unattractive, but when diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil (about five drops per ounce), they can serve as a natural topical repellent. Lavender and vanilla extracts are also known to deter these pests; a quick rub with a young pine branch may even work, as the moisture and resin have been traditionally used as a natural shield. - Creating a Repellent Spray:
You can make a simple repellent spray at home by mixing alcohol-free Witch Hazel with a few drops each of essential oils (such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus) in a spray bottle. Shake well before use and lightly mist your skin—this can help muddle the scents that attract black flies while providing a cooling, soothing effect. - Natural Barriers in Your Environment:
Consider planting black fly–repelling herbs like basil, rosemary, or mint around your outdoor living areas. Their strong aromas may help confuse or deter bugs from converging on your space. Additionally, using natural fans outdoors can create air movement that disrupts the plumes of carbon dioxide you exhale—a sensory beacon for these insects. - Plant-Integrated Deterrents: Consider planting repellent herbs like basil, rosemary, or mint around outdoor seating areas. These fragrant herbs can work as a gentle, natural deterrent for many biting insects.
These natural methods allow you to maintain a chemical-free approach while enjoying the outdoors. Each strategy has been used by nature enthusiasts and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine, helping you keep black flies at bay and manage any bites in a gentle, effective way.
When you visit our Farm Market Stand, you’ll find our naturally fragrant, alcohol-free Tick and Black Fly Spray, crafted with a soothing witch hazel base and a thoughtfully blended mix of essential oils. This gentle yet effective formula is a daily staple for us—we rely on it every time we head into the garden or woods, and we’re proud to offer it to others who value natural protection.
If You Do Get Bitten
If you get bitten, cleaning the affected area with soap and warm water, applying a cool compress, or using soothing agents like aloe vera or witch hazel can help alleviate the discomfort until the itch subsides.
Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel: After a bite, soothe the irritation using pure aloe vera gel mixed with witch hazel. Both ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, which can reduce redness and itchiness while minimizing the chance of infection if you’re prone to scratching.
Baking Soda Paste: For quick relief, mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply it directly to the bite area. This can help neutralize the pH of the skin and reduce irritation. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
Herbal Teas as Cool Compresses: Brew a strong infusion of chamomile or peppermint tea, let it cool, and then use it as a compress on the affected area. The natural tannins and anti-inflammatory compounds in these teas can help soothe the irritated skin and reduce swelling.
After-Bite Soothers:
Soothe the discomfort with natural anti-inflammatories such as aloe vera gel, witch hazel, or a cool compress of ice wrapped in a cloth. A dab of diluted tea tree oil may also help with any potential irritation or minor infection due to its antimicrobial properties.
Thanks for walking through the thickets of black fly season with me—mud boots, bite salve, and all. Your time here means more than you know. If you’ve got a story, a trick, or a question fluttering about, drop it in the comments—we learn best when we learn together. Feel free to subscribe to stay in the loop with all things seasonal, soulful, and soil-deep.
Until the next harvest of thoughts— Kirsten & Don: The Seasonal Farmer
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