AAArgh! How to discourage thunder bugs?

[annew]

Bliss, I thought. Lots of clean pots, big pile of made-up compost, gazebo to work under, baby bulbs to pot up. Unfortunately I've spent all morning itching and rubbing my face etc (which must now be covered in compost - I wondered why the postman gave me a funny look) because the thunderbugs are out in force. Anybody got any ideas to prevent them getting at me? I've tried insect repellant, but they don't seem to notice.

[Paul T]

What's a Thunderbug?  A quick look at google seems to indicate a girl band, some sort of lightning bug, or a thrip variety?  I'm assuming none of these in your case Anne?

[Maggi Young]

I have no idea what a thunderbug is - but Tea Tree Oil scares off most biting stinging pests, as well as being soothing for when they got to you first.

[Pennine Wanderer]

I think a lot of people call them harvest flies, but I don't know how to get rid of them.

[annew]

They are thrips, tiny black insects that it seems are coming from the field behind. The white doors etc are covered in them, and so am I if I go out.
I've had to stay indoors all day.

[ronm]

Try to wear only dark coloured clothing Anne. Avoid wearing yellow at all costs, and as you say white is almost as bad.

[ChrisB]

They drive me crazy too.  I was out to do some work in the garden on a sunny afternoon and was driven indoors because of them.  I think its a hazard of country living.  When the farmers get those combined harvesters out, it happens every year.  They get everywhere.  I've not noticed they bite or anything, just crawl all over you.  I think if you wear dark clothing you don't see them, but they are still there.....

[annew]

A neighbour suggested wearing a face cream, like Nivea, as they stick to it. I don't have that kind of thing, so thought I'd try walnut oil. They like walnut oil! I had to scoot inside VERY quickly. On the plus side, my skin feels wonderfully soft....
I've got some citronella candles to try. This morning I managed to work until 11am, when they invaded. Yesterday's shower of rain was a godsend, I was able to pot all evening until it got too dark.

[Anthony Darby]

I have memories of swarms thunderbugs everywhere, especially in the pub near Tolleshunt Knights, Tiptree, Essex, after picking strawberries for Wilkin's jams in the late 70s. They are indeed thrips.

[Lina Hesseling]

Ann, maybe you could try to put a mosquitonet over a parasol.
Or do they even come trough this net?

Lina.

[mark smyth]

photos please. I had never heard of them until Anne told me

[Lina Hesseling]

I know these, but only shortly before a thunderstorm.

Lina.

[annew]

Lina, they are so small the get behind the glass in picture frames and even into computer screens!

[ChrisB]

Mark, look up thrips.  I've just discovered by reading about them that they bite too - and I've always blamed the dog.... I know its them now.  they are so tiny and can even get inside your computer screen.  some places they call them no-seeums.  Got bitten by them when I was on a beach in Jamaica once - it ruined my holiday.  I've got a load of these bites right now again, always this time of year.  And there's really nothing you can do about it other than stay indoors....as I said earlier, its a hazard of living in the countryside....

[Anthony Darby]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrips