On Tue, 30 May 2006 18:20:51 -0400, jeff wrote:



deer flies do die an agonizing and proper death before september, don't
they?

Only if you can swat them quickly enough. Like mosquitos, it's only
the females that bite for meat and blood. The males sip on flower
nectars.

Deer flies and black flies are very much alike. Kill 'em on sight or
when they bite. One is more early summer and one more late summer.

They live from 2 months in the biting stage up to 2 years. In the UP,
I'd bet it's only about 2 months, which is why they're so hungry and
eager to grab lunch so they can breed before winter comes along.

If you have any realistic looking dragon fly flies in your boxes, I'd
advise putting one on your hat or your epaulettes. I've noticed that
whenever I've had a dragon fly riding in my canoe (I rescue them when
I see them swimming on the surface), the flies stay hidden and
mosquitos stay away. Can't do any harm and might do some good...
--

r.bc: vixen
Speaker to squirrels, willow watcher, etc..
Often taunted by trout. Almost entirely harmless. Really.

Don't ask me what time it is lest I'm of
a mood to tell you how to make a clock.

http://www.visi.com/~cyli