Harry gave good advice. Be sure to put your head net in your daypack so it's easy to get to when you need it. Some areas especially around falls and rapids can be really bad while other areas are relatively bug free. They also seem to like the sun better than the shade.

If you smoke, they won't bother you from the first puff until a few minutes after your done. (I guess they know smoking is harmful.) If you and your canoe partner are both smokers. The evil trick here is to light up when your partner is almost done.

At camp, when their swarming around your head, stand by someone (preferably a heavy breather) for a moment, then hold your breath and walk downwind. The blackflies will stay where the CO2 is greater. The more you exhale, the more blackflies will find you.

My newest theory is they will notice you less if your horizontal. Lying on the ground works well, especially in the shade.

Their gone at dusk, when the skeeters are at their worst. If you hang out for a while they eventually go away too.

Posted by db on April 12, 2001 at 01:56