Horse flies are notorious for their painful bites, and they can be a serious nuisance to humans, livestock, and other animals. Understanding what attracts these pesky insects can help you avoid unwanted encounters and minimize their impact on your outdoor activities.
One key factor that draws horse flies to their targets is the detection of carbon dioxide (CO2) that animals and humans exhale. Besides CO2, horse flies are attracted to warmth, motion, and dark colors. By identifying these factors, you can take measures to reduce your chances of being bitten.
In general, horse flies are most active during daylight hours and prefer warm, sunny conditions. They are often found near bodies of water, such as ponds or marshes, as their larvae rely on moist environments to develop. So, being aware of your surroundings and the factors that attract horse flies can help you stay bite-free while enjoying the outdoors.
Understanding Horse Flies
Horse flies are a type of biting fly belonging to the Tabanidae family. They are known for their annoying and painful bites, which can be an issue for humans, livestock, and wildlife. To better understand their behavior and find ways to avoid them, let’s look at some of their features:
- Size: Horse flies are generally medium to large-sized flies, making them easy to spot. They can range from 0.6 to 1 inch in length.
- Color: Most horse flies are drab browns, grays, and blacks, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings.
- Eyes: Their large compound eyes are one of their most distinctive features, covering most of the head and providing a wide field of vision.
- Wings: Horse flies have one pair of wings, which enable them to fly swiftly and silently.
Horse flies are attracted to a variety of factors, such as movement, warmth, and color. The female horse flies rely on a blood meal for their reproduction, which is why they bite. In comparison, male horse flies feed on nectar and do not bite. To help keep them away, it’s essential to be mindful of the following:
- Movement: Since they detect moving objects, minimizing activity can help keep them at bay.
- Color: Horse flies are drawn to dark colors, so wearing light-colored clothing may make you less attractive to them.
Understanding these features and habits of horse flies can help you be better prepared when encountering them. By taking the right precautions, you can minimize the chances of being bitten and maintain a more comfortable outdoor experience.
The Biology of Horse Flies
Life Cycle
Horse flies have a four-stage life cycle consisting of egg, larva, pupa, and adult. They start by laying their eggs in damp soil or vegetation near water sources like creeks and streams. The larval stage, which lasts up to a year, involves the horse fly living in the soil, feeding on organic matter and small organisms. At the end of this stage, it turns into a pupa, which typically lasts for a few days or weeks before the horse fly emerges as an adult.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
Adult horse flies feed on nectar and plant juices. However, female horse flies require a blood meal for successful egg production. They use their sharp mouthparts to bite and feed on the blood of animals, especially livestock and humans. Their bite can be painful and irritating. On the other hand, male horse flies don’t bite and prefer to rely on nectar and plant juices for sustenance.
Reproduction
After acquiring enough blood meals, female horse flies are ready to reproduce. They lay their eggs in moist soil or vegetation near water sources, where larvae can thrive and find food. The number of eggs laid can vary, with some females laying over a thousand eggs in a single breeding season.
Differentiating Between Male and Female Horse Flies
- Male horse flies:
- Do not bite
- Have larger, widely separated eyes
- Female horse flies:
- Bite in order to obtain blood meals
- Have smaller eyes that are closer together
Habitat
Horse flies prefer habitats with water, moisture, and vegetation, such as creeks, streams, pastures, and damp areas. Their larvae thrive in soil and require moisture for survival, while adult horse flies need access to plant juices and sources of blood meals for sustenance.
Why are Horse Flies a Problem
Bites and Associated Problems
Horse flies are more than just a nuisance; their bites can cause some serious problems for both humans and animals. When a horse fly bites you, it can be quite painful due to their slicing mouthparts. In addition to the pain, horse fly bites can lead to:
- Skin reactions: Swelling, redness, and an itchy rash may develop around the bite.
- Infections: If not properly cleaned, horse fly bites may become infected.
Here are a few examples of how horse fly bites affect different people:
- Sensitive individuals: For those with allergies or sensitivities, horse fly bites can cause more severe reactions.
- Children: Due to their smaller size and developing immune systems, children may experience more intense reactions to horse fly bites.
Effect on Livestock and Pets
Horse flies don’t only bother humans, they also pose a significant problem for livestock and pets. For example:
- Livestock: Horse fly bites lead to stress, discomfort, and reduced productivity in animals such as cows, horses, and sheep.
- Pets: Dogs and other outdoor pets may also be affected by horse fly bites, adding discomfort and potential health risks.
Some measures to help control these pests and protect your animals include:
- Using fly repellent products, like citronella spray
- Adding fly sheets and masks to horses
- Turning animals out at night, when horse flies are less active
- Providing shelter or canopy trees for shade and protection
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Fly repellent products | Easy application; non-toxic | May need frequent reapplication |
Fly sheets and masks | Physical protection from flies | Can be uncomfortable in hot weather |
Night time turn-out | Reduced horse fly exposure | May disrupt normal routine |
Shelter or canopy | Shaded areas deter horse flies | Takes up space in pasture |
By taking measures to control horse flies, you can minimize the impact these pests have on your animals and yourself, ensuring a more comfortable and healthy environment.
Preventing Horse Fly Bites
Protecting Livestock and Pets
To protect your livestock and pets from horse fly bites, turn them out at night instead of the day, as horse flies are daytime biters. Additionally, provide shelters or canopy trees far from wooded edges of pastures or marshy areas to help minimize bite incidents.
For horses specifically, consider using physical exclusion methods such as fly sheets, masks, and boots to keep fly pests from accessing their face, legs, or body. Installing fans in the stable area can also interrupt the flight and prevent some flies from landing.
Protecting Humans
To protect yourself from horse fly bites, here are some recommendations:
- Wear protective clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves, pants, and hats.
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin.
- Avoid wearing dark clothing or flowery patterns, as these may attract horse flies.
To help control horse fly populations, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Keep your area clean and free of standing water to prevent breeding grounds.
- Use traps specifically designed for horse flies, such as those using visual or chemical attractants.
- Maintain proper yard maintenance by keeping grass trimmed and clearing away brush and debris.
Remember, prevention is key in protecting both your livestock, pets, and yourself from horse fly bites. With these tips in mind, you can minimize the chances of getting bitten and ensure a more enjoyable outdoor experience for all.
Controlling and Getting Rid of Horse Flies
DIY Home Remedies
You can try some simple home remedies to control and get rid of horse flies. One option is using vinegar as a trap. Fill a container with equal parts water and vinegar, and add a few drops of dish soap. Place this trap near the area where you’ve noticed horse flies.
Another effective method involves using essential oils like peppermint, citronella, and eucalyptus. Create a fly repellent spray by mixing a few drops of these oils with water in a spray bottle. Apply this to your horse, stable, or yourself to deter flies.
Commercial Insecticides and Repellents
There are various insecticides and repellents available on the market for controlling horse flies. Some common options include:
- Citronella oil based products, which can be found in sprays, leg bands, or leggings for your horse
- Eucalyptus oil based products, such as sprays, that you can apply on your horse or stable
- Fly sheets, masks, and boots for physically preventing flies from accessing your horse
Make sure to follow the product instructions for proper use and application.
Professional Pest Control
If you’re unable to effectively control horse flies with DIY remedies or commercial products, it may be time to consider professional pest control. Professionals can assess your property and provide tailored solutions to effectively control and eliminate horse flies. Hiring a professional may especially be necessary if your horse fly problem is severe or persistent.
Remember to always choose a reputable pest control company and inquire about their methods for dealing with horse flies, as well as any safety measures they take to protect your animals.
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
Identifying Other Types of Flies
Deer Flies
Deer flies are small and agile, making them difficult to swat away. They can be identified by their distinct features:
- Yellow or brown colored bodies
- Dark bands on wings
- A preference for warm, sunny areas
House Flies
House flies are a common nuisance in homes and stables. To identify them, look for these characteristics:
- Dark gray body color
- Red eyes
- V-shaped patterns on their abdomen
Comparison Table: Deer Flies vs House Flies
Deer Flies | House Flies | |
---|---|---|
Color | Yellow/Brown | Dark Gray |
Wings | Dark bands | Transparent |
Eyes | Green or gold | Red |
Habitat | Warm, sunny areas | Homes & animal stables |
To deal with these nuisance flies, it’s important to identify them correctly and use appropriate control methods. A combination of good farm management, proper waste disposal, and targeted treatments can help reduce their impact on your horses and stable environment.
5 Comments. Leave new
I lived in Death Valley for a couple years. The locals call them Bombers due to the loud sound of them in flight. I did some looking around online back then, and as far as I could tell they’re very localized to the area. They bite right thru fabric (as you know), it hurts, and they’re pretty aggressive. They can survey a solid hit from a fly swatter, so the locals will literally carry tennis/badminton rackets in self defense. If you have work to do outside anywhere from May to September, those things are the bane of your existence.
How do I get rid of them? They say they have a really painful bite.
We do not provide extermination advice.
A bit narrow on reply.
How do I get rid of them could and should include things they avoid.
An organic mixture of ? When sprayed on my cow will keep them away. Not sure what to use, peppermint, garlic, cedar….
A bit narrow on reply.
How do I get rid of them could and should include things they avoid.
An organic mixture of ? When sprayed on my cow will keep them away. Not sure what to use, peppermint, garlic, cedar….