Bugs

[treadlightly]

While running along Meech Lake this weekend, my friends and I lost several large chunks of skin to giant deerflies. We couldn't outrun them - they had a well organized offence. How can I prevent a repeat attack? Bug spray? Full-coverage clothing? Body armour? Do they set up camp there all summer or only for a short period? I've often read about encounters with wildlife on the trails but most stories involve bears, not bugs.

[ultraslacker]

I hate the ones that circle around and around you as you run... and won't leave you alone!

gah.

(sorry, no advice! though lately I've been COVERED in tiny flies after each run.)

[Nicholas]

One thing that helps is to wear a Buff (even an RM Buff!) tied like a pirate's hat with a tail hanging down the back. The swishing does seem to keep them off your neck/head. I think Mace would be overkill...especially if you end up spraying your running partner with it.

[Darth Tater]

Maybe this guy can help:

[Darth Tater]

Or, perhaps you could run like this:

[Doonst]

I was recently told that the only product that worked was "Repel Fly" which google says is for horses! I also found this one you can make:

U.S. Forest Service Bug Spray Recipe

1 cup water

1 cup Avon Skin So Soft Bath Oil

2 cups vinegar

1 tbs. Eucalyptus oil (found in health food stores)

Optional: few tablespoons of citronella oil.

Shake spray bottle well before spraying on horse, human or dog!

[dgrant]

I've never seen the deer flies as bad as they are this summer. It's a siege.

[Jo-Jo]

I've never seen the deer flies as bad as they are this summer. It's a siege.

I think you might be right. One of my co-workers just got back from a week at a cottage...he said the deer flies were in "planned attack" mode

[UltraQueenga]

I'm back after 2 days in the forest. I am going crazy. I'm scratching so much, my biceps are ripped. And my legs are raw.

[Jo-Jo]

I'm back after 2 days in the forest. I am going crazy. I'm scratching so much, my biceps are ripped. And my legs are raw.

Ouch. I confess I avoid hiking during deer fly season. Some years ago (perhaps 5?) I went up to Frontenanc Park with C-Moss. I had her on leash hooked to my pant belt so I could hike hands free and swat away the flies. What I didn't realize was that C-Moss couldn't swat away the flies...and like a good dog...kept marching along on the hiking trail. When we ended the hike...she turned around...and her face was so swollen from being bitten that she didn't even look like my dog (yes...I felt terrible). I brought her home...phoned the vet...who told me to put her to bed in her crate and give her an antihistamine (sp?) and also try and get some ice on her face. I felt like I'd failed as a dog owner to protect her...

[UltraQueenga]

Ouch. Poor C-Moss. I hope in addition to antihistamines, there were also some dog treats involved in the recovery.

I hate putting on bug dope and usually prefer to run in a long sleeve shirt and try not to stop. They always win. Bugs 1 - UQ 0.

[Duffinrunnr]

Yea, they're the size of budgies this summer, aren't they!
I've heard from some people that hanging Bounce fabric softener sheets from the back of their hats works.

[Jo-Jo]

Yea, they're the size of budgies this summer, aren't they!
I've heard from some people that hanging Bounce fabric softener sheets from the back of their hats works.

I've heard the Bounce idea too.

[spaff]

Cutting off bounce sheets in strips and safety pinning them to the back of your hat, shirt and shorts will help somewhat (has to be original bounce brand). Instead of the bounce sheets though, I've found that Ben's Insect Repellent sheets cut into sheets and pinned works better.

[treadlightly]

Thanks for the tips!

[SteveF]

In Gatineau park a few weeks back I lubed up with repellent. The only place I missed was between my fingers. Guess where they bit me?

Steve

[garth]

when I used to timber cruise in North Ontario this is what we did for deer flies

t shirt, spray with raid
work shirt over top, spray with raid
Large pieces of cloth under hat that would cape down your shoulders, spray both with lots of raid

It never worked either.

As soon as you sweat through the clothing they would bite. They would actually get you through the 2 layers of shirts. The only way to get them away for a few minutes was to charge through a balsam or spruce thicket to wipe them away.

Deer and horse flies are a part of summer. They are one of the things that make me enjoy the other seasons more.

[horselady]

Yea, they're the size of budgies this summer, aren't they!
I've heard from some people that hanging Bounce fabric softener sheets from the back of their hats works.

I've heard the Bounce idea too.[/quote)

Yes Bounce does work somewhat, needs to be the original scented bounce not the unscented.
Lee Valley Tools also sells a double side tape you can stick to the back of your hat, would probably work on a buff too. The bugs are attracted to the pheremone in the tape, get stuck on there and voila. Course you have to be able to stand the death cries..but am IPOD works good for that. Have not tried this running but I have done this when gardening.
I must admitt living in the country and dealing with this problem all summer, I tend to stay out of the woods during the peak months ( July and early August) and when I go for my runs try and run on the more open areas of our road..although some days I do wimp out of that I head for the treadmill