Black Flies in the northeast

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathi…

And while we're at it, anecdotal stories are fine but aren't evidence if we're exploring this seriously/scientifically:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anecd…

I step in front of moving vehicles every chance I get. Haven't died yet. Must be safe. [I connected the dots to my prior jaywalking analogy for yous]

Do you realize the average lifespan of most primitive cultures is dramatically shorter? Simple disease for them can be fatal and spread quickly through their communities? You effectively cited an example that supports taking baths!

losbill wrote: Kevin you are absolutely wrong on this point and Caesar is absolutely right on this point. Perhaps an apology, at least on that point would be inorder. My best to Val. Bill

No, really, I'm not. Here's some anecdotal stuff from me (since everyone else seems to spout their opinion as gospel). I take allegra every day, 180mg, and have for years. It has not prevented any bug bites from being less itchy, bumpy, etc. It's pseudo science - yes it helps " relieve " some of the symptoms, but in no way eliminates them even to a degree the makers of these medications use this as a major selling point.

Does anyone here even know how to look this shit up?

mountainhick wrote:Only on Mountain Project

Welcome to the forum. :D

Friday nights frost knocked the crap out of the buggs:)

A social construct with big benefits for everyone, namely basic hygiene/cleanliness to prevent spread of disease. The benefit of not smelling someone's wretched odor is just bonus. All of our best habits and medical practices are socially constructed. People got sick of being sick and/or dying from preventable illnesses. I guess no one should take medicine either, because society (banding of people together) created that too(?).

Specifically it says:

"One purpose of bathing is for personal hygiene. It is a means of achieving cleanliness by washing away dead skin cells, dirt and soil, and a preventative measure to reduce the incidence and spread of disease. It also reduces body odors."

Bathing doesn't require soap. A good 5 minute swim certainly counts are cleaning. Soap is just an added step to ensure you strip things away you may not want on the skin, and perhaps to add fragrance. Many animals (felines) have a soapy substance in their saliva for self cleaning/bathing, and many others either take baths in water or dirt (mammals, birds).

I can't believe anyone would argue against bathing. That's a pretty basic 'thing'.

Greg Petliski wrote: Specifically, it also says "By the mid-19th century, the English urbanised middle classes had formed an ideology of cleanliness that ranked alongside typical Victorian concepts, such as Christianity, respectability and social progress.[27] The cleanliness of the individual became associated with his or her moral and social standing within the community and domestic life became increasingly regulated by concerns regarding the presentation of domestic sobriety and cleanliness."

Plastic was invented by accident, what's your point?

That's no surprise as Chapel Pond gets treated. He only place I've found that's been remotely bad is the southern Dacks. Hague and Keene are worlds apart this year.

JSH wrote:If anyone is still looking for blackfly beta: I saw only one (1) this past Mem. Day weekend at Chapel Pond.

Thanks! After reading this thread never thought I'd get an actual recent report but this is nice to hear.

No flies whatsoever at Whitehorse on Saturday.

Fortunately we don't really get black flies in CT like our brothers and sisters to the north.

Morgan Patterson wrote:Fortunately we don't really get black flies in CT like our brothers and sisters to the north.

..but you make up for it with ticks

Ted E. wrote: Thanks! After reading this thread never thought I'd get an actual recent report but this is nice to hear.

I believe Kevin's first post was something like no amount of injuring or wishful thinking will change the fact that black flies are out this time of year. Just prepare for them.

Just stay in the city and leave us to our argument over bathing brah.

Chris NH wrote:No flies whatsoever at Whitehorse on Saturday.

Same at Rumney, but it was 60 and the wind was BLASTING.

It has been a dry spring, so the flies have been only moderate at worst, but when the wind is not blowing they will be biting you.

ward smith wrote: Same at Rumney, but it was 60 and the wind was BLASTING. It has been a dry spring, so the flies have been only moderate at worst, but when the wind is not blowing they will be biting you.

No wind last friday til sunset, black flies were on DEVOUR mode all day on rattlesnake. wind picked up and well, yeah. but all is known and expected, nothing new here.

The trifecta of black flies, mosquitos and no see ums. I usually just got the super small bug netting, and a nice cigar.

Scott McMahon wrote: a nice cigar.

There's an oxymoron.

haha ok a really SMOKEY cigar!

Bill Kirby wrote: I believe Kevin's first post was something like no amount of injuring or wishful thinking will change the fact that black flies are out this time of year. Just prepare for them. Just stay in the city and leave us to our argument over bathing brah.

My plan is test all of the theories in this thread over the course of a week in Conway.

I'd take black flies over bed bugs any day!

At least we don't have these

Ted E. wrote:I'd take black flies over bed bugs any day!

If given the choice, I would too.