Those pesky flies

Mobilemejen · Jun 5, 2023

Heading out again to walk next week, I remembered the flies. It could be the various face sunscreens I used, but I seemed to attract flies/insects buzzing my face while I walked. In 2021--while still some COVID restrictions were in place and I had masks with me, I found a great Camino hack. I cut all but the last layer of a mask out (from the inside), it left some tufts around stitching but I could manage those. This allowed me to breathe freely, but the bugs were not flying in my nose/mouth...or even landing on my face. With my combination of sunglasses and the "screen mask", walking was so much more enjoyable .

Tincatinker · Jun 5, 2023

You do realize that you missed out on a valuable source of protein and, particularly, keratin which is really valuable for hair and nails?

Mobilemejen · Jun 5, 2023

Tincatinker said:
You do realize that you missed out on a valuable source of protein and, particularly, keratin which is really valuable for hair and nails?

Yes, and the fun pastime of picking bugs out of my teeth as I walk, and hitting myself in the eye with my poles as I was swatting them.

J Willhaus · Jun 5, 2023

We have some lightweight cheap head nets that fit over your hat.

wanderlustesq · Jun 6, 2023

Last June on the Primitivo a Polish gentleman showed me that if I apply insect repellent on my hat (he had a stick version as opposed to spray or lotion) the flies stayed away! This year I’m bringing my own and don’t have to apply it to my skin.

Dennis Pack · Jun 6, 2023

Guess you've never walked in Australia

Camino Chrissy · Jun 6, 2023

My goodness, seven various Caminos under my belt and not a single fly or mosquito bothered me. I think it's probably because I usually have walked in the spring months.

Roscoe · Jun 6, 2023

Mobilemejen said:
Heading out again to walk next week, I remembered the flies. It could be the various face sunscreens I used, but I seemed to attract flies/insects buzzing my face while I walked. In 2021--while still some COVID restrictions were in place and I had masks with me, I found a great Camino hack. I cut all but the last layer of a mask out (from the inside), it left some tufts around stitching but I could manage those. This allowed me to breathe freely, but the bugs were not flying in my nose/mouth...or even landing on my face. With my combination of sunglasses and the "screen mask", walking was so much more enjoyable .

I haven't found the flies to be a problem, but then, I work in the Australian Outback!

Sheesh · Jun 6, 2023

Camino Chrissy said:
My goodness, seven various Caminos under my belt and not a single fly or mosquito bothered me. I think it's probably because I usually have walked in the spring months.

The time of year could be a factor for sure. I have walked twice in spring and never noticed any (enough to be bothered at least). But last Sept/Oct, YIKES! - I would have given my eye teeth for a bug net.

Mobilemejen · Jun 6, 2023

wanderlustesq said:
Last June on the Primitivo a Polish gentleman showed me that if I apply insect repellent on my hat (he had a stick version as opposed to spray or lotion) the flies stayed away! This year I’m bringing my own and don’t have to apply it to my skin.

i tried that, and hung insect repellent strips from my UV umbrella. i was still a target . quite the sight i know. i think it has likely been my sunscreen---and i've always walked sept/oct. i promise i bathe daily

Liltravlr · Jun 9, 2023

J Willhaus said:
We have some lightweight cheap head nets that fit over your hat.

Where can I get one?

Liltravlr · Jun 9, 2023

Mobilemejen said:
Heading out again to walk next week, I remembered the flies. It could be the various face sunscreens I used, but I seemed to attract flies/insects buzzing my face while I walked. In 2021--while still some COVID restrictions were in place and I had masks with me, I found a great Camino hack. I cut all but the last layer of a mask out (from the inside), it left some tufts around stitching but I could manage those. This allowed me to breathe freely, but the bugs were not flying in my nose/mouth...or even landing on my face. With my combination of sunglasses and the "screen mask", walking was so much more enjoyable .

I am heading to Sarria to start June 18. I never even thought about bugs. Does repellent help?

J Willhaus · Jun 9, 2023

Liltravlr said:
Where can I get one?

In the US they are widely available in the camping section.

Camino Chrissy · Jun 9, 2023

I'm confident that any quality outdoor gear store would sell head nets, no matter what country you are from; including specialty stores focused on hiking, backpacking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, etc.

C clearly · Jun 10, 2023

Liltravlr said:
Does repellent help?

I have not encountered a significant problem with flying insects on any of my caminos. Obviously it depends a lot of local conditions. Yes, insect repellents help but usually are not needed. They are readily available in pharmacies

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Those pesky flies

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