How do you cope with mosquitoes and blackflies?

[Lisa]

Hello fellow Millbrook gardeners:

I am looking forward to spring, especially that brief period when you can be in the garden without worrying about the sun/heat or bugs. I have found the last two years to be brutal for both mosquitoes and blackflies. I find it easy to protect myself from the sun, but the bugs have been a real torment. I get an allergic reaction to both kinds of bites and even going out on the deck for a few minutes is risky, let alone spending a few hours gardening.

I don't want to spray myself with deet each time I go out, but I have not found any other viable alternative.

I am hoping you could share what you do to beat the bugs and enjoy your garden. Any strategies, advice, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Lisa

[president]

Good luck, Lisa. I have no recommendations. Also distressingly the mosquito season seems to be getting longer and the number of mosquito species seems to be increasing. Yikes!