Yes, depending on where you are, they can be BAD. Everyone empty any buckets, tubs anything that can let water pool up. This is a great time to stop them from getting bad right at the start of the season.
There could be some black flies as there were last year but do not expect sketters just yet. Those usually hatch around May 20 here. Black flies usually hatch at the end of April or May 1 usually but a warm spring last year had them out early. Just ask DexterDay Warning to all. Don't wear stinky stuff like cologne or after shave and stuff like that and they usually aren't bad. ThermaCell units can work wonders too.
I made the mistake when we came down the day before! I like to smell good no matter where I go . I didn't shower until after the day of cutting was over. After the black flies had their way with me!! They were really bad (for me)!! Thanks again for opening up your shower to a few of us!! It was much appreciated!!
I was daydreaming the other night about how I used to go back in the woods to spend the night laying on the ground looking up at the stars through the trees. I never got bit, but maybe once in a while. This was before those infernal asian tiger mosquitoes, I guess. I actually got bitten this winter, what with these warm spells.
I like a man who smells like the woods--but the above...not so much. And the skeeters like B.O., too.