Black flies are upon us

I love hiking with Marilyn in black fly season. Those pesky insects recognize instantly what I've long known, namely that she is much sweeter than I am. They all flock to her and leave me alone.

She doesn't appreciate this.

No one likes bug repellent. But there are times when you just have to have it. When I need it, I use an insect repellent with DEET (N,N-diethyl-m toluamide).

Research and 40-plus years of experience leads me to believe that DEET is safe, but make your own judgment. You can find more information at and at www.deetonline.org, and www.deet.com.

Use the lowest concentration you can get away with and put it on with the backs of your hands — black flies rarely attack palms.

For the past couple of years, I've been using an insect repellent called Ultrathon (www.3M.com/Ultrathon). It comes in both a cream version and spray-on liquid.

Both contain a timed-release form of DEET.

The cream version, particularly, lasts much longer than any other product I've

tried. I'll often apply the cream before starting out for a day afield, then use the pump-spray for touch-ups as needed.

In my experience, all the non-DEET formula insect repellents have one thing in common. They don't work.

The one possible exception is Avon's Skin So Soft, which smells awful but seems to work on black flies. It doesn't have any effect at all on mosquitoes.

And, if things get really bad you can always use a polyester mesh bug suit to deter black flies, mosquitoes, ticks, sand fleas, no-see-ums, and anything else inclined to keep you company as you are outdoors this spring.

For more good information on black flies than you will ever need, check out www.mainenature.org/blackfly/blackflyinfo.html.

— Tim Jones