Ahh, it’s time for the return of the dreaded Maine black flies. Yup, it’s Mother’s Day, and true to the adage, they’ve arrived (click here for a Canadian song about them). Not quite biting yet — for some reason, Maine black flies usually wait until right around Memorial Day to do that, but they’re definitely in full annoyance mode. Bzzzz. Grrrr. And Father’s Day, the traditional close of blackfly season seems oh-so-far away. What’s a Maineah to do? (updated May 2, 2026)

When I used to work in The Forks with rafting, most folks would swear by Avon Skin So Soft as a repellent against Maine black flies  I still chuckle when I remember those big, burly guys doused up and smelling so sweet. I wear a netted overtop (which covers my head, too) and overpants when working in the garden.  Ben’s and other bug dopes with Deet are very effective, but I worry about the chemicals.

One June, when I was researching a new edition of Moon Maine in the Baxter State Park area, the black flies were so thick that if you swatted at one, you’d hit 30 or so. Ugh. A park ranger suggested tucking Bounce dryer sheets both in my waistband and under a cap. He said it creates a “force field. They’ll swarm but won’t get close enough to bite.”

Of course, if you can’t beat ’em, enjoy ’em. The Maine Blackfly Breeders Association–slogan: We breed ’em you feed ’em–has a few suggestions of how to get the most out of the season. And a selection of merchandise from baseball caps to sweatshirts, stickers to mugs. And it all benefits a good cause.

As the breeders say: May the swarm be with you.