Black Biting Flies in the Aegean

[Irish Rover]

Have you got any Marmite? That has a low dose of VB1 in it, not readily available in Turkey I give you.

I can't quite figure out whether I'd put that immediately above or below real ale on my list of foods and beverages to be avoided. I'd rather take my chances with the flies, thanks all the same.

 

[wombat88]

Smoking, the nastier the tobacco the better. Can't remember the name of the evil Greek or Turkish ones but Gitanes would do at a stretch.

 

[Porthandbuoy]

I've also been told Pernod or Ricard Anisette helps deter biting insects. I'm not sure if you're meant to drink it or rub it on though.

 

[Clancy Moped]

I can't quite figure out whether I'd put that immediately above or below real ale on my list of foods and beverages to be avoided. I'd rather take my chances with the flies, thanks all the same.

Anything is better than Efes! I did like the little bottles of lemon or cherry fizzy water.

 

[Slowtack]

Smoking, the nastier the tobacco the better. Can't remember the name of the evil Greek or Turkish ones but Gitanes would do at a stretch.

Pipe smoke, in the saliva rubbed on the skin is effective. Best to use ones own saliva in these times.....

 

[Slowboat35]

Pipe smoke, in the saliva rubbed on the skin is effective. Best to use ones own saliva in these times.....

And report to the oncologist immediately upon return home?

 

[wombat88]

I've also been told Pernod or Ricard Anisette helps deter biting insects. I'm not sure if you're meant to drink it or rub it on though.

I think you are supposed to drink enough to sweat it. Ouzo and Arak also perfectly acceptable.

So...forget the medical approach. Sit in the blinding sun, cover yourself with marmite, get heavily trolleyed on the local drink and smoke yourself till kippered. It will be just like being a teenager again (without the marmite).

PS...do we still have teenagers or are they now called youffs?

 

[FirstAway]

Two weeks ago we visited 4 anchorages between Çeşme and Kuşadası and we were eaten by these savages. I'm planning on heading back to the same area for 4/5 days next week and I'm dreading them - their bites are painful when they strike and occasionally get infected. So does anyone know of a repellent which is readily available and actually works.

I have no idea if it will work on your black flies but for Ionian mossies we find Smidge very effective and easy to use. We usually get it from Cotswolds as it is convenient but available elsewhere.

 

[Irish Rover]

I have no idea if it will work on your black flies but for Ionian mossies we find Smidge very effective and easy to use. We usually get it from Cotswolds as it is convenient but available elsewhere.

Don't know Smidge and I doubt I'll be able to get in in Turkey. The local one here is also effective against mosquitoes both Turkish and Greek. It's called OFF to which I normally add my own prefix. Unfortunately it seems the black flies are not impressed by the name or the smell and may even enjoy the taste of it.

 

[Slowtack]

And report to the oncologist immediately upon return home?

Maintaining tongue in cheek deals with any risk...

 

[Mister E]

In Northern Sweden I found diesel worked against the bitting things they have there and they have a lot.
Diesel as in the road fuel not the perfume.

Yes it is desperate up there in summer.

 

[Irish Rover]

Deleted Dupe

 

[Irish Rover]

How many litres per day should I drink? Maybe if I mixed it in with the real ale it might make the ale more palatable. Would I be safe drinking it while chain smoking cigarettes or a pipe? Would there be any danger of me catching diesel bug?

 

[Mister E]

How many litres per day should I drink? Maybe if I mixed it in with the real ale it might make the ale more palatable. Would I be safe drinking it while chain smoking cigarettes or a pipe? Would there be any danger of me catching diesel bug?

Sorry I should have said it was used like a perfume.
However if drunk it may on its own be taste better than mixed with real ale.

 

[Irish Rover]

Back home tonight. The flies weren't as bad as a few weeks ago and I was a bit more clever about it this time. First off I had mosquito nets on all portholes and windows and I had doors closed when approaching land. Secondly I anchored as far from shore as was feasible. They still got a few good nips out of me but not as bad as I feared. The good news is that the flies disappear after dark and it seems mosquitos and black flies don't coexist so there was no mossies at night. Bloody bees are another story. Not a sign of one until you lay out the lunch or take out the bbq but then they attack in combat formation.

 

[Bouba]

Back home tonight. The flies weren't as bad as a few weeks ago and I was a bit more clever about it this time. First off I had mosquito nets on all portholes and windows and I had doors closed when approaching land. Secondly I anchored as far from shore as was feasible. They still got a few good nips out of me but not as bad as I feared. The good news is that the flies disappear after dark and it seems mosquitos and black flies don't coexist so there was no mossies at night. Bloody bees are another story. Not a sign of one until you lay out the lunch or take out the bbq but then they attack in combat formation.

Are you near any of the bushfires ?

 

[Irish Rover]

Are you near any of the bushfires ?

No, thank God. I believe the destruction around Bodrum and Marmaris is frightening. I was looking at my photos from last summer and comparing with what I see on TV and social media - the north shore of Gokova Bay is a disaster area especially around Çökertme which is/was a beautiful and excellent anchorage and also around Ören.