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Black Flies – North East – Where is there NOT a blackfly problem in May?


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Home Forums General Forums General Lightweight Backpacking Discussion Black Flies – North East – Where is there NOT a blackfly problem in May?

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Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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  • #1272113
    Barry Pollock
    Member

    @barry1492

    Locale: Media

    So it looks like I've been talked out of my Adirondak trip due to black flies. So, where can I go? I live in Philly and plan on doing 3 days in May with dogs.

    I'm thinking George Washington National Forest in VA. Are there other possibilities? Monongahela in WV? Will Pennsylvania have a black fly problem?

    #1723661
    James Marco
    BPL Member

    @jamesdmarco

    Locale: Finger Lakes

    Likely, but I have only been there in summer and in fall. Hard to say. I would guess they would show up a bit earlier in water areas…hmmm….yes, they also run the largest suppresion program in the US.
    (Refering to PA.)

    #1723668
    b s
    BPL Member

    @smyth

    Catskills? I've been up there in May and don't recall a black fly problem. In my experience, I've never had black fly issues in the Mid-Atlantic – at least nothing that ruined a trip. I'd be more concerned with ticks that time of year than anything else.

    #1723683
    Evan McCarthy
    BPL Member

    @evanrussia-2

    Locale: Mid-Atlantic

    You shouldn't have black fly problems in VA, WV, or PA in May — though I would caution that ticks begin coming out in great numbers.

    #1723704
    Ryan Linn
    Member

    @ryan-c-linn

    Locale: Maine!

    Maybe I'm crazy, but I've never had the blackflies be so bad in May that they've ruined a trip for me. They're annoying, but nothing that can't be combated relatively easily. I've always found June to be the worst in the northeast, but still… they've never stopped me from going outside entirely.

    I wouldn't let the naysayers talk you out of a trip you really want to do, just because some bugs will eat you. That said, I'll probably go for a walk next month and be eaten alive.

    #1723776
    Ike Jutkowitz
    BPL Member

    @ike

    Locale: Central Michigan

    I agree with Ryan. Don't let the little suckers keep you out of the woods. A good headnet, shell jacket, shell pants and you are good to go. Dogs on the other hand are harder to protect. You might want to let them sit this one out.

    black fliy bites

    Black fly bites on a dog

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