New Jersey greenhead fly season is here: How to keep them away

What Can Really Ruin Your Beach Day?

Depending on which way the wind is blowing and where you are at the Jersey Shore, there's one thing that can instantly ruin a perfect beach day.

Yes, people blasting loud music, setting up way too close, or kicking sand all over your blanket are annoying, but in my opinion, nothing is worse than those dreaded greenhead flies!

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If you've ever been bitten by a greenhead fly (and if you're from New Jersey, there's a pretty good chance you have), you know just how painful they are.

And it's not just the bite itself, which really hurts. It's everything that comes after it too: the swelling, the itching, and that annoying welt that seems to stick around for days and days. Greenhead flies are the worst!

What Keeps Greenhead Flies Away At The Jersey Shore?

When there's a nice ocean breeze, it usually keeps the bugs away. But when the wind shifts and comes more from the west, or there's no wind at all, the greenhead flies come out from the marshes and wreak havoc on your beach day.

Is there anything you can use to keep them away? I've tried Avon Skin So Soft, but someone mentioned to me the other day on the air another spray that she says really works. It's called Captain Ron's. She said it smells like peppermint, which they don't like. You can pick it up at a bait and tackle shop.

I'm going to pick some up before I head to the beach this weekend. If there's anything you use that you find really works, let me know in the comments below!