What's Eating You? Shore Flies Are Especially Pesky This Time Of Year.

There's nothing better than a picnic at the beach—unless you're the sandwich! And this summer there seem to be an unusually high number of biting insects that are making a meal of beachgoers.

The main culprits are the shore fly (which looks like a house fly only smaller) and biting midges (or "no-see-ems") and both of them have painful bites. The biting midges tend to come out more in salt marsh areas, are visible in swarms, and are partial to hairy body areas. 

The shore flies are often concentrated around large clumps of seaweed, which is where they lay eggs and where the larvae live. Now is peak season for them and this year they seem to be particularly abundant.

Experts at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection theorize that last year's tropical storms may have washed more debris ashore to create a larger breeding ground, which may account for the seemingly higher than usual number of shore flies. 

The good news is that, aside from inflicting painful bites following by persistent itching, none of these insects are vectors for disease. The best way to keep them at bay is to wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, find a spot with steady breeze, and apply repellent.    

The most effective repellents contain DEET but it doesn't need to be in high concentrations—15 to 20 percent should do the trick. A mosquito expert at DEEP said that lemon oil or eucalyptus also seems to be effective. Pick a sunscreen with a repellent and you'll be doubly protected.