Hey guys/gals, I am beggin for someone to give me any input on how to repel those damn black knats that are swarming us here in IL. I have two weeks left to hunt, and if something doesn't change I am gonna have to hang it up.
I tested a new bug suit this morning, and still have a face, head and neck swollen up from the ones that got in my suit.

Any suggestions? I heard dryer sheets, skin so soft worked, but I tried them yesterday with no effect whatsoever.

Please help if you have any suggestions!...PLEASE!

Thanks,
CS

If you're talking about black flies, use a Thermacell. That's the best insect repellent out there for those littlebuggers.

I use a bug tamer suit. Using the gloves too reduces their ability to get to you. I also use a two face mask system. If I need to lift the veil I have the second one on underneath.

Bug spray around the eyes ears exposed areas (cutters worked great this weekend for me) should eliminate the other spots.

Thermacell works on gnats also. You have got to get one now. You will be very pleased. It will make your hunt a whole lot more pleasant.

Thermacell for sure.

With the thermacell, what if you have to move quickly? I was under the impression you had to let it cool down?

Thanks for the input !

later,

CS

i know your pain and agony...on warm spring hunts setting up near any water or moist ground is a NO NO...but sometimes unavoidable...dang misquitos will eat you alive...

i hear the thermacell works great...but you brought up a good point...i dont know the answer and dont use one...moy only bug problem is in spring turkey...and usually not all toooo bad..theres a few days i wish i didnt sit where i did though

It's really not that hot. They also make a holdster for it. I think it costs about 7 or 8 dollars. Whenever I move I just put it in my game bag of my turkey vest. You may want to try the holdster though. By the way, it cools down pretty quick. You need to get one, especially if you turkey hunt or bow hunt in the early season. If the mosquitoes are bad I don't walk in the woods without it.

Guys thanks again for all the replies. I just ran to the store and purchased a thermacell. I was proudly showing it off to a fellow hunter in the office who hunted this weekend in the same county as me.

He reported the thermacell had no effect whatsoever on the gnats. His forehead is covered in welts to prove it.

My hope is that he didn't have the thing turned on or something.

Crossing my fingers.

later,

CS