My experience with them was much the same, though I discovered a strafing method (moving diagonally backwards and to one side) with a lighter and a fire suit that was incredibly effective.
I think you can possibly set a trap with a cone of flammables like this, lure it at you, jump over the items and light them, it may ram them and ignite itself? I will have to test this.
They may also be trappable in the DEEP HOLE in the lake.