Easy Ways to Naturally Repel Black Flies During An Oklahoma Summer

When they weather's right, everyone in Oklahoma enjoys an outdoor BBQ during the summer. Or a campfire by the lake complete with hot dogs and s'mores. But there's several pesky insects that can make these outdoor moments annoying, especially black flies. Luckily, there are some super easy and natural ways to repel black flies.

There's plants and other tactics to keep away mosquitos and June bugs. And if you're trying to also repel black flies, then you can easily do so with a few adjustments to your outdoor gatherings or your clothing choices. The Farmers' Almanac put together a list of seven ways to naturally repel black flies, and all of them can be easily done!

Seven Ways to Naturally Repel Black Flies

1. Wear Sleeves and Pants

Oklahoma is hot in the summer. So long sleeves and pants are not often residents' outfit of choice. But these can be the best garments to wear to keep black flies from biting you! Also, black flies are attracted to dark colors, so weather your brightest summer colors.

2. Wear a Hat

Black flies like to swarm your face, and that can be particularly annoying, especially if you're trying to eat. One way to keep black flies from swarming your face is to wear a hat, particularly one with netting.

3. Use Natural Repellents

Black flies don't like all smells! You can keep black flies away with certain extracts, like vanilla, lavender and pine.

4. Limit Sweet Smells

Black flies love sweet smells, especially candy and soda. But sweet smells can also come from perfume and fabric softeners.

5. Turn On the Fan

An easy way to keep away black flies is to use a fan! Fans are great for keeping away black flies and other flying insects because the moving air makes it harder for them to fly and blows away cardon dioxide.

6. Take Apple Cider Vinegar

If you can stomach it, take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar three to four times a day a few days before your planned outing. It could help your skin ward off bites from mosquitoes, black flies and ticks.

7. Eat a Clove of Garlic

Again, your stomach might not like you, but eating a clove of garlic a day could ward off black flies and mosquitoes.

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