Bug spray-- black flies

[Scoot]

I know that standard skeeter spray doesn't do much for black flies. However, I've used Sawyer Premium spray before and it's worked very well at keeping black flies away. What is the active ingredient in the Sawyer Premium that makes it work for black flies? I know it's not deet...

I see it has n-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide in it-- I think that's it, but I'm not sure.

The reason I ask this question is because the Sawyer products are tough to find in Fargo and I'd like to look for other brands that offer something with the similar active ingredient.

Thanks!

[FM_Mike]

The best thing I have found for black flies are long socks and heavy pants. Those things love ankles, especially mine . I have tried many repellents to no avail. Some will last maybe 10 Min's. The pants and socks work all day. They also work well on skeeters too.

Mike

[Scoot]

I used to say the same thing, until I found the Sawyer Premium spray. Still wondering what the active ingredient that makes flies stay away is though...

I found the answer- it's not the ingredient I listed above, it's called: di-n-propyl isocinchomeronate (kinda rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? ). I like the Sawyer product, but if I can't find any here in town, at least I know what to look for.

[itchmesir]

RID contains di-n-propyl isocinchomeronate(aka R-326)

[pureinsanity]

I am glad you brought this up. Ever been on a river or lake where their is a jug tied to a log or stick submerged in the water? I know the MN river has a bunch of them from Henderson to Savage. Leave these things alone! Don't cut them loose and don't tamper with them.

They are the MMCD aka the skeeter patrols. They use these jugs with a special tape to take samples of black fly larva. So do not mess with them, do not cut them free, ect ect ect...

I will ask my friend what works best for keeping these guys away from ya.

[Ed Carlson]

Scoot 3-M has a new spray on product for clothing that is made from the 3-M Ultrothon formulas. I tested it on a couple of my hats, and it appears to be doing the job...even on Gnats.

Not a bad price too..like $8....at GM, in the camping dept.

[Scoot]

Hi Ed, I've seen this stuff to treat clothing and I have to admit that I'm a bit skeptical. If I wear shorts and a t-shirt, will it do me any good on my arms and legs? Like was mentioned above, those dang black flies seem to love my ankles and I can't imagine treating my clothes will do me any good on areas of skin uncovered by clothing, will it? On days like today, I'd happily spray it on a long sleeve shirt and jeans and I'm sure it works great. But what about on days when it's 95 and sticky? I'm not putting on long sleeves and jeans on those days...

Just curious what your experience is with this stuff.

Do you guys carry any of the Sawyer products at Gander? I've sure been happy with thie Premium Broad Spectrum spray.

[titelines]

I know that standard skeeter spray doesn't do much for black flies. However, I've used Sawyer Premium spray before and it's worked very well at keeping black flies away. What is the active ingredient in the Sawyer Premium that makes it work for black flies? I know it's not deet...

I see it has n-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide in it-- I think that's it, but I'm not sure.

The reason I ask this question is because the Sawyer products are tough to find in Fargo and I'd like to look for other brands that offer something with the similar active ingredient.

Thanks!

The ingredient is "Permethrin". Google it and you'll find all kinds of stuff. They have the spray, as well as a concentrate that you can mix with water and soak your clothing.

It is not recommended to spray directly on exposed skin.

[Ed Carlson]

There also is that stuff in the round flat silver tin, like a save or a paiste, made especially for flies. I have not tested that personal. See it there with the rest of the bug stuff at GM in camping. Lots of it gets sold to guys headed to Canada and they come back and ask for it...must be something to it?

[Scoot]

I stopped in over lunch to ask you about this, Ed, but I missed ya. I'll try swing in next week one day and pester you about it.

[Steve Foss]

Standard spray-on Ultrathon (I'm not talking about the clothing treatment) works well against black flies and/or gnats. I've been using it for years up here. It's my preferred bug spray hands down. It lasts a long time, too.

[McGurk]

Standard spray-on Ultrathon ...

+1

That is my go to spray, too. It's oily as all get out, but it stays on and is effective. You just might need a shower before climbing into bed at night!

[Steve Foss]

You just might need a shower before climbing into bed at night!

If THAT ain't the frigging truth! I put some on about 10 a.m. and it's still delivering that wonderful DEET cologne fragrance and stickiness.

[Scoot]

Thanks guys. I've considered the Ultrathon the cat's meow for skeeters, but wasn't aware it was effective for black flies too.

[Ed Carlson]

The 3-M Ultrathon spray and the 3-M Ultrathon lotion has been my best defense for all around biting critters. It was the only stuff that helped to keep them lime green deer flies off and they would just laugh and crew right through anything else I tried.

The 3-M Ultrathon clothing spray on my hats is doing well. It is noticeable to me they leave my head alone when I wear the treated hats. No gnats crawling in my scalp so far. So I'm going to say it appears effective there too.