Blandford Fly alert

Wed 26 Apr 2023, 23:27

I can testify to Skin So Soft’s unintentional value against the Highland midgie.  It would be good to see how good it is against the Blandford pest.

Wed 26 Apr 2023, 20:29

Or you could buy the Skin so Soft from your local Avon Rep 😉

https://www.shopwithmyrep.co.uk/avon/tjones-shop

Wed 26 Apr 2023, 16:21 (last edited on Wed 26 Apr 2023, 16:21)

I was bitten by what might have been a Blandford Fly on Sunday whilst gardening . Forearm swelled up dramatically but fortunately no blister at very itchy bite site (as last year’s Blandford bites did). Antihistamines helped. So, after that warning bite, I’m not going to roll my sleeves up!

Wed 26 Apr 2023, 15:03

It's marketed as both names. I buy the Skin so Soft off Amazon and it works brilliantly!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mosquito-Insect-Repellent-Original-Spray/dp/B07S3LGVV6/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=avon+skin+so+soft&qid=1682517776&sr=8-5

Wed 26 Apr 2023, 14:25

The army used to recommend Avon's Skin so Soft against midges. But I think one now needs the original -- now marketed as Avon's dry oil spray against mosquitoes (also on amazon) which I liked less than the original original.

Wed 26 Apr 2023, 14:10

Someone once mentioned an Avon product for this but I can't find the post now?!

Wed 26 Apr 2023, 12:33

Timely warning, but a couple of weeks early yet I think, especially as it has been so cold. 

For those with ponds and standing water I recommend mosquito dunks, needed only during May and June, which contains the chemical (used by Dorset CC) that is harmful to the fly, but not to most other forms of wildlife. Amazon stocks them, plus other places as well. 

Wed 26 Apr 2023, 11:57

This is the season for those pesky flies. The little black flies are 2-3mm long and fly close to the ground, frequenting mainly but not exclusively, areas such ponds, streams etc. 

I knew nothing about them until last year, so failed to cover up, resulting in 12 bites which, despite careful dressing of the nasty blisters, eventually resulted cellulitis. 

If you're unfortunate enough to get bitten, here's a link to advice. https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/news/miu-update-patients-with-blandford-fly-bites/