Pesky bugs ....

[PurpleMoonlight]

Anyone else getting covered in tiny black bugs at the moment?

It's so bad where I am that I can't really go out because I can't breath properly without getting several of them in my mouth.

Will they stop soon?

[wades]

Yep. Treat it as a tasty mobile protein treat!

Nom, nom, nom.

[nammynake]

PurpleMoonlight said:

Anyone else getting covered in tiny black bugs at the moment?

It's so bad where I am that I can't really go out because I can't breath properly without getting several of them in my mouth.

Will they stop soon?

Are they those tiny corn flies that are attracted to bright clothing? Can't say I've noticed any yet this "summer"...although I do live in the frozen north.

[PurpleMoonlight]

Didn't know what a corn fly was but looking on the net I don't think so, they seen larger than what I am referring to.

The ones I have an issue with are about a long as a flea but only half as tall!

[Trevelyan]

I seem to be having more of an issue with collecting bees and wasps at the moment. One ended up inside my T-shirt last week (felt a slight sting but didn't think much of it until the bee fell out at home 15 miles later still alive!). A couple of time since I've collected them in the vents of my helmet. This normally ends up with gloves, glasses and helmet distributed along several hundred metres of track as I flail wildly about trying to get the helmet off...

[nammynake]

Trevelyan said:

I seem to be having more of an issue with collecting bees and wasps at the moment. One ended up inside my T-shirt last week (felt a slight sting but didn't think much of it until the bee fell out at home 15 miles later still alive!). A couple of time since I've collected them in the vents of my helmet. This normally ends up with gloves, glasses and helmet distributed along several hundred metres of track as I flail wildly about trying to get the helmet off...

I can relate to this. Got something wedged between my cheek and helmet strap at the weekend whilst pootling along a converted railway, which then proceeded to sting me. Bloody hurt too and has been itching for days now. Still don't know what critter it was as I immediately starting clawing at my own face to dislodge the little bugger!

[Ilikebeaver]

Are they thunder flies? We have had loads on them recently. They come out in droves when it is humid, which or has been a lot recently

[madbadger]

I've been getting these too. Maybe 2mm long and thin. Seem to land on you then crawl around.

However I did 80 miles over the Dales on Sunday with a reasonable wind and didn't see one.

[Gooby]

Breathe like a diver - if you are breathing through your mouth put your tongue on the roof of your mouth. This stops bugs hitting the back of your pallet and making you throw up. Gives you the choice to spit or chew n swallow!

Because there is plenty of cattle 'round here the bugs usually have a distinct taste of cow poo...

[PurpleMoonlight]

Ilikebeaver said:

Are they thunder flies? We have had loads on them recently. They come out in droves when it is humid, which or has been a lot recently

Looks like these are what they are. Little buggers.

[Mr Obertshaw]

Went for a short ride yesterday and came back absolutely covered in the little buggers. Went out today and there weren't any, although it was a lot cooler and windier today.