Help, what can I use on my over winter for Black Flies? CNY

[EarlsMom]

This Spring's weather set up ideal conditions for a bad black fly season in NY and the continued rain is prolonging it.
Pre-release is not going well for my over-winter+ squirrel. I've tried putting her out for just daytimes in the past month (nights were still too cold) but black flies started biting her belly up! I kept her in for a week to heal up. I put her out yesterday, and overnight, since the night was warm enough (it was her first overnight). She looked fine this morning and at midday (one bite). I just checked her again (5pm) and she now has 12-18 new bites! Her tummy looks awful. What could I safely put on her that might offer some protection? Otherwise, I feel like I need to bring her back in for a while.

[SammysMom]

I am not sure if it would help, but I use Adam's flea spray on a paper towel and wipe them with it. I think it might help some anyway. My dad was just telling me that the black flies are brutal in Maine this year too.

[stepnstone]

I'm hearing the black fly is most predominant May to mid June.
Having something (fan) to keep the air moving can help to keep fly's & mosquitoes out of an area.
Wetting with a repellent and hanging a few rags around the cage area could also be beneficial.
Not sure if Citronella repels black fly's, it has been said something with Deet in it will.
Personally I prefer to use natural solutions that wouldn't necessarily be harmful if a wild would mess
with it. Lemon extract can be used in place of Citronella.
A natural home made repellent: 2 cups water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, 10 drops of spearmint, mint or peppermint essential oil.

[EarlsMom]

Thank you both for replying. I'm implementing both your suggestions. I'm going to use kitten powder on her back even though it's her belly bearing the assault. I don't want her licking it no matter how safe it presumed to be. And I'm using the insecticide sprayed rag idea, brilliant!

[EarlsMom]

This is off this threads topic, but since you are both seasoned squirrel rehabbers perhaps you won't mind me asking a silly question since I could not find a suitable 'general question' place to ask it in the forum topics.
Do squirrels PURR? I swear my squirrel was purring this morning. Last night was her first rainy night out in the release cage. When I came in to feed her this morning she jumped onto me coming in the door and- I kid you not- snuggled against me and purred while I rubbed her back! Not much soundwise but a steady vibrating (like trembling, but not).

[stepnstone]

Do squirrels PURR?

Yes, squirrels do purr...

[Mel1959]

Yes, I do think they purr when they’re happy.

[CritterMom]

Mine purrs so loudly I can hear him from across the room - I call him my motorboat!