How do you deal with Deer Flies?

[azfiddle]

um... live in Arizona where they aren't a problem?

Sorry, I know you wanted a serious answer and I can't help with that.

[zoom-zoom]

There are some sticker things that can be applied to the top of a hat or helmet--apparently they work pretty well. Notice they are even made right here in MI. A few years back we picked some up for the North Country Trail Relay, but they ended up not being a problem, so we never used them.

[OakLeaf]

They're awful where I live (and the season lasts all summer long), but not so aggressive - they don't even bite when I'm running, only if I stop. You must have extra hungry flies!

Bite Blocker seems to do a pretty good job when I'm in the garden. I'm sure you'd need to re-apply periodically (they claim 4-8 hours, but it's tested effective only for about 90 minutes, and that's pretty much my experience with it). It comes in a pretty small bottle that would fit in a bento box or jersey pocket. Or you could make your own wipes by soaking shop-rag grade paper towels and putting them in a ziploc bag.

they like blue.

Oh wonderful. Says she of the blue bike with blue tires, blue handlebar tape, blue water bottle cages and blue helmet. Thank goodness I only wear hi-viz yellow jerseys and black shorts ...

[Bike Writer]

They're awful where I live (and the season lasts all summer long), but not so aggressive - they don't even bite when I'm running, only if I stop. You must have extra hungry flies!

Bite Blocker seems to do a pretty good job when I'm in the garden. I'm sure you'd need to re-apply periodically (they claim 4-8 hours, but it's tested effective only for about 90 minutes, and that's pretty much my experience with it). It comes in a pretty small bottle that would fit in a bento box or jersey pocket. Or you could make your own wipes by soaking shop-rag grade paper towels and putting them in a ziploc bag.




Oh wonderful. Says she of the blue bike with blue tires, blue handlebar tape, blue water bottle cages and blue helmet. Thank goodness I only wear hi-viz yellow jerseys and black shorts ...

The day of the ride I happened to have on a blue shirt. However my helmet is red and they loved that too!

[marni]

When I was a jr.girl scout leader in MA we made all of the girls wear a fabric softener tie in their hair to prevent bugs and flies. Not sure if they were effective for deer flies, but they seemed to work for mosquitos and gnats.

might think about using a fabric softener bow on your helmet as a fashion statement. IIR it could be a used sheet, which was easier to manipulate, but experimentation is probably called for.

marni

[Bike Writer]

There are some sticker things that can be applied to the top of a hat or helmet--apparently they work pretty well. Notice they are even made right here in MI. A few years back we picked some up for the North Country Trail Relay, but they ended up not being a problem, so we never used them.

Ordered a 12 pack of those stickers. Love the dirt roads and need to try something. Thanks for the link.

[spokewench]

um... live in Arizona where they aren't a problem?

Sorry, I know you wanted a serious answer and I can't help with that.

+1 - don't live close to them! live in no. arizona!

I was giggling when I saw your post az fiddle cause it was exactly what I was thinking as I read the previous posts!

[Biciclista]

let us know if those disks work!

[Bike Writer]

I will, that should be some fashion statement. A sticky tape on my helmet (with flies stuck on it) and a bow made from a fabric softner sheet!

Better than getting bit by those blood suckers!

[Bike Writer]

Rain tonight and on the forecast for the next couple of days. As soon as I have the opportunity to ride I'll give them a test and report back.

signed,
lady with the stickum tape on her helmet capped off with a bow

[Biciclista]

Good luck with that!!

[Crankin]

Are those what we call horse flies?