Rumer has it that campfires repel / deter mosquitos, flies and other flying insects. Is there any truth in this theory?
@Phil - Yes, the smoke does help a little bit in keep flying insects away. But, it's also not too comfortable for those sitting around and breathing the smoke in. A hot fire that has little smoke, and that small amount going straight up, doesn't do much for insects.
A bug net or applied repellent is a much better solution.