From Apply Now,
Your Guide to Portland, ME.
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You've probably heard of Maine's pesky biting insects, particularly mosquitoes and blackflies, but is their reputation deserved or is it the exaggeration of visiting city folk not accustomed to the rigors of nature and the outdoors?

Let's set the record straight: Maine's mosquitoes and blackflies can be downright ferocious. In fact, blackflies are so annoying that they even drive moose from the woods in an effort to escape their biting, and Maine Humorist Tim Samples refers to mosquitoes as the unofficial State Bird.

Here's what you need to know to win the battle of Maine's biting insects:

BLACKFLIES

• Blackflies breed in moving water, like rivers and streams.
• Blackflies typically appear in mid-May and hang around until mid-June.
• Blackflies like woods. They dislike open areas or areas with breezes.

To minimize the ugly, swollen bites that can itch insanely for weeks, take these precautions:

• Cover as much exposed skin as possible.
• Wear light-colored clothing.
• Use one of the many insect repellents containing DEET, or for a non-toxic alternative, use a repellant containing picardin. One such product is Off! Skintastic Clean Feel.

MOSQUITOES

• Mosquitoes breed in standing water.
• Mosquitoes are most active after dusk and before dawn.
• Mosquitoes love tall grass.

To avoid or minimize bites from mosquitoes or no-see-ums:

• Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts or mosquito netting.
• Apply an insect repellent containing DEET to your skin or clothing (don't use DEET products on young children), or use a repellant containing picardin, an alternative to DEET. One such product is Off! Skintastic Clean Feel.
• Avoid wearing perfume or cologne when you're planning to be outdoors.
• Empty kid's pools, planters with standing water in them, and lawn or deck furniture covers that collect water.
• Keep your grass cut fairly short.
• If you have a birdbath, put a mosquito dunk (available at Bug Source. This floating ring is safe for birds but kills mosquito larvae.

The most effective mosquito control product available is a carbon dioxide emitter/trap such as those made by Mosquito Magnet, available at hardware stores. They're expensive, but can make the difference between being trapped inside your house all summer or being able to enjoy your deck, patio, or backyard. Traditional bug zappers that fry the bugs are ineffective. Citronella candles are somewhat helpful in the immediate vicinity if there's no breeze, but are ineffective in larger areas.