How To Deal With Black Flies In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Black flies swarm Michigan's Upper Peninsula from mid-May to June. Here's how locals protect themselves, and when to plan your trip to avoid bites.

Black Flies

If you have ever been to Michigan's Upper Peninsula or Canada in mid-May through June, you know about black flies and their bites. The flies are so bad during this time that you need to wear a bug suit so no skin is exposed, or black flies will make a meal out of you.

I learned a lesson the hard way while black bear hunting in Canada during the spring. I was wearing a bug suit while swarms of mosquitoes and black flies tried biting me. I had a small part of my wrist exposed, and the black flies got hold of me and feasted on that tiny space. My skin welted and itched for weeks, and it was not fun.

Read More: Where Does “Up North” Begin in Michigan?

Survive Black Fly Season in the U.P. With These Simple Tips

Yoopers recently offered tips on dealing with black flies mid-May through June on the Upper Peninsula Reddit page. Below is a highlight reel of comments.

Bug spray will work on mosquitoes but not black flies.

A couple of good tips right there.

It also helps to have long-sleeved shirts with thumb holes, so your shirt will fit into gloves and keep your wrists from becoming a buffet.

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Sounds like a visit in July may be better.

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