Everyone has this problem.. right??

[Blackbird]

It doesn't matter if I've just washed, smell like goat, smell like nothing, clean, dirty, dry.. etc. But those !@#$% FLIES!
You know.. the ones that bite something fierce. They aren't horseflies but not houseflies, though they're similar in size except kind of glossy brown/gold colored.

They NEVER leave me alone.

I swear all I do when I'm outside is stand around slapping myself! Makes me feel like cattle.

I guess they like the color of my hair? I don't know WHERE they come from, I can be out in the garden, busy around home, in the woods, in town, anywhere and they show up.

They are SO annoying!!

I deliberately hide under low hanging branches.

I run around contorted in zig-zag motions with my head as low to the ground as possible to try and avoid them.

I swing my head around in circles, let my hair loose and start headbanging and doing windmills

The only time that I can seem to actually slap and KILL any is when two get together and decide that the top of my head is the perfect breeding ground. I mean REALLY? MY HEAD?

If you see someone slapping themselves and dancing around like they're listening to 'I Whip My Hair Back and Forth', it might be me.

 

[ChooksinChoppers]

ummm no...I don't have that problem. Even mosquitos will go for my DD before me! I must have sour blood or something. Maybe they like the smell of your shampoo? even if you are sweaty shampoo smells can stay in your hair.

 

[Heathero617]

we call them "wedgies" and they HURT!!!!!!!! Nothing keeps them away that I have found.

 

[teach1rusl]

Here we have deer flies (not sure if that's their actual name???). They're shaped like arrow heads. Not sure if that's what you have or not. But they HURT when they bite, and they DO mostly fly around your head. I assumed that maybe heads let off a lot of heat, and that's what they were attracted to??? Even my dane will jump around (similarly to your dance) to avoid them...

 

[enjoyin' my chickens]

We have "yellow flies".When they bite it feels more like a sting and the fly around any part of the body that might be a little sweaty.

 

[ChooksinChoppers]

Ahhh yes....thats what it is....carbon dioxide? whatever that thing is you breath out...mosquitos go for that..maybe these flies do the same thing.......... sorry just had a light bulb moment......as opposed to a grey moment

SO if you go outside..try not breathing!

 

[Chicky Monkey]

You might try essential oils that deter insects. Citronella essential oil and also cedarwood, lavender, eucalyptus and geranium are a few that bugs hate. You can get them online or at a health food store. Get a spray bottle and put about 30 drops of essential oil(s), more or less to your desire, into a 8-16 oz (spray bottle with purified or filtered water. Shake well and spray yourself, being careful not to get into eyes. Wash your hands so as not to get into eyes if you rub them. It's always a good idea to test for sensitivity by putting a little essential oil under your forearm and wait 24 hours to detect any allergic reaction before using. You can also add these essential oils to lotion or aloe vera gel and apply, being careful to always wash your hands afterward. I use essential oils in the chicken coop to help cleanse and refresh the air.

 

[33yardbirds]

We call them deer flies here also, green eyes yellow bodies. They seem to bite mostly on knuckles and elbows and itch can drive you nuts.

 

[dlee]

Try hanging those clothes dryer things called " Bounce" We hang them all over our place & no flys...don't know why but they work.

 

[fuzziebutt]

Skin so Soft will deter them. And fleas, and flies and mosquitoes, and hubbos and vampires.