Forum Index » General Lightweight Backpacking Discussion » Black Flies - North East - Where is there NOT a blackfly problem in May?


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Barry Pollock
(Barry1492) - F

Locale: Media
Black Flies - North East - Where is there NOT a blackfly problem in May? on 04/12/2011 11:51:25 MDT Print View

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?
James Marco
(jamesdmarco) - MLife

Locale: Finger Lakes
 		Re: Black Flies - North East - Where is there NOT a blackfly problem in May? on 04/12/2011 13:37:00 MDT Print View

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.)

Edited by jamesdmarco on 04/12/2011 13:38:26 MDT.
b s
(smyth) - F
Re: Black Flies - North East - Where is there NOT a blackfly problem in May? on 04/12/2011 14:01:41 MDT Print View

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.
Evan McCarthy
(evanrussia) - MLife

Locale: Northern Europe
RE: Black Flies - North East - Where is there NOT a blackfly problem in May? on 04/12/2011 14:53:03 MDT Print View

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.
Ryan Linn
(ryan.c.linn)

Locale: Maine!
Re: Black Flies - North East - Where is there NOT a blackfly problem in May? on 04/12/2011 15:38:05 MDT Print View

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.
Ike Jutkowitz
(Ike) - M

Locale: Central Michigan
Black flies on 04/12/2011 18:44:50 MDT Print View

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