While on a recent trip to old mining areas in the upper peninsula of Michigan, I was viciously attacked by biting black flies. The black flies were bothersome since they swarmed around my face, but I had no idea they were landing and biting let alone taking my blood. While rubbing my hand along the side of my face I picked away something that looked like dried blood, but I still had no idea that biting black flies were to blame. Upon looking into a mirror I discovered a bright red spot on my neck and three more around my eyes, one of which was just above my eyelashes. The spots caused by biting black flies made my right eye appear bruised – as if I had been injured by something far more threatening than biting black flies, and I had to find a way to get rid of them and prevent further attacks. The bright red marks left behind by biting black flies are far more noticeable than mosquito bites, and they look hideous to say the least.
Most of my prior visits to the upper peninsula of Michigan were later in the season, and I never before had to worry about how to get rid of biting black flies. I did not even know they existed, and I was not prepared to get rid of them – until finding out about these pesky insects from a lady that owns and runs an old copper mine. She said the biting black flies sometimes leave behind spots of blood that cover the bright red welts. She also said that unlike mosquito bites, the marks left behind by biting black flies do not begin itching for a couple of days. I still have bright red marks days after the attack, and I did not experience any itching, but in the future I will not visit the U.P. without using the following ways to get rid of and prevent biting black flies. When unprepared, these biting insects can and will ruin outdoor activities.
Wear Lighter Shades of Fabric
It is said that lighter shades of fabric deter biting black flies, and it is worth a try in an effort to get rid of these blood-sucking winged pests. The day I was viciously attacked by a swarm of biting black flies I was wearing dark clothing. Try wearing lighter shades of clothing to get rid of biting black flies along with the following methods that are sure to get rid of these biting blood-thirsty pests.
Head Netting
While visiting an old copper mine in the upper peninsula of Michigan, I noticed the property owner wearing a hat covered with netting. This was before the self-guided mine tour, and before I talked to his wife about the biting black flies and how to get rid of them. After seeing the bright red spots on my face I realized why the man was wearing a hat that looked like jungle gear. Biting black flies are vicious, and a netted hat would have prevented the ugly spots on my face and neck. The biting black flies went straight for my eyes, and netting would have worked to get rid of the flies and keep them away while exploring the grounds of the old copper mines. They literally drove me away from the sites.
Try a Natural Product Called Bugzilla
The mine owner also mentioned a natural product called Bugzilla. It is made from essential oils and food-grade ingredients that naturally deter and kill pests. Simply spraying it on a hat is said to get rid of biting black flies. I have not personally tried Bugzilla, but it can be purchased at the Bugzilla website, and I plan on taking her advice.
Next time I visit the upper peninsula of Michigan, or any other areas known for having biting black flies, I will be prepared. To get rid of and prevent biting black flies I will wear light-colored clothing, I will be armed with a bottle of Bugzilla, and I will wear a netted hat when necessary. Although I will feel incredibly self-conscious and silly wearing a netted hat that looks like it came from a jungle outpost, a netted hat would look far better than the bright red spots currently on my face and the bruised area on my eyelid that is slowly fading away.
