Alternative Ways to Deter Deer Flies
- Use Deer Fly Patches. Hikers and runners can attach these sticky TredNot Deer Fly Strips (Deer Fly Patches) on hats or...
- Deer Fly Traps. If you’re struggling with deer flies in a specific area, say your property, you can buy traps to...
- Tea Tree Oil Instead of Insect Repellent. It’s commonly claimed that a blend of essential oils is...
How do you get rid of deer flies?
Apply DEET-based repellents sparingly, as human allergies can develop with excessive use. Permethrin-based repellents, on the other hands, are applied to clothing instead of the skin and last for longer periods. Consider affixing a deer fly patch to a piece of clothing around your head or neck, like onto the back of a hat.
Does DEET repel deer flies?
DEET products, which are most heavily marketed towards those who want to repel mosquitoes, is also effective against deer flies, due to its bitter taste, which deters bugs from puncturing the skin.
What are the best natural remedies for deer flies and mosquitoes?
Tea tree oil is recommended for deer flies, while citronella and lemon are said to be good for repelling mosquitoes. While experts typically vouch for the chemical-based sprays, a more natural approach is also possible.
What is the best fogger to kill deer flies?
Flex 10-10 is a emulsifiable concentrate made to kill deer flies and other insects as a fog application with ULV cold foggers, fog/mist generators, or a backpack sprayer. Made with 10% permethrin and 10% piperonyl butoxide and classified as a pyrethroid chemical this product will effect the deer flies nervous system leading to paralysis then death.
What can you do to keep deer flies away?
Here are a few things to try:Test out liquid repellents. The jury is still out on whether or not liquid insect repellent is effective against deer flies and horse flies. ... Stay still. ... Go the distance. ... Wear light colors. ... Avoid water. ... Always wear a hat. ... Make a sticky hat. ... Don a dryer sheet.More items...•
How do I protect my horse from deer flies?
Invest in fly masks and sheets. Some masks protect the eyes while others also protect ears and jowls. Fly sheets, cool, open-weave, light-weight, mesh blankets can be quite useful at keeping pestering flies off a horse's body. Fly boots are also available to protect a horse's legs.
How do you prevent deer flies when hiking?
Apply Permethrin to clothing and headgear. It provides protection against deer flies, ticks, mosquitoes, and a host of other biting insects. Wear a hat with a head net (or one with a brim all the way around) to keep flies away from the skin/scalp.
What home remedy keeps flies off horses?
You can use 2 cups of vinegar with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of Avon Skin So Soft bath oil mixed with 1 tbsp. of Eucalyptus oil. You can also add a tbsp. or two of citronella oil to this mixture. Shake it well and then spray on your horse.
Does apple cider vinegar keep flies off horses?
You can also make your own fly repellant by mixing together 2 cups ACV, 1 cup water, 1 cup bath oil and 2 teaspoons of citronella. Simply mix well and spray over the horse's coat for a natural fly repellent!
Does Thermacell repel deer flies?
Biting insects such as mosquitoes, deer flies and horse flies stayed out of the 15' x 15' safety zone of where the Thermacell could reach. This worked best when the wind was milder and the distance actually increased.
What is permethrin spray?
Permethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide that is similar to the natural insecticide, pyrethrum. Pyrethrum is found in chrysanthemums. Permethrin can kill a broad range of pests, such as fleas, ticks, cockroaches, flies, and mosquitoes. Products with permethrin commonly contain piperonyl butoxide (PBO).
Does bug spray work on deer flies?
Those of us who are plagued by deer flies have probably noticed that mosquito repellents don't seem to work against deer flies. The main reason for this failure is that tabanids do not use scent to find their hosts. They use their keen vision and key in on anything that moves.
What chemical is used to treat deer fly annoyance?
One study found that deer fly annoyance (activity) was reduced by 95% once permethrin was applied. Picaridin. This synthetic chemical is made to behave like the compound piperine, which is found in the group of plants that make black pepper.
What is the best deer fly repellent?
Among others, one of the best deer fly repellents is Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent, which is specifically marketed for biting flies, though it repels mosquitoes as well. It works well alongside Sawyer Products Permethrin Spray, which is for clothes and equipment only.
What is 3M repellent?
This repellent from 3M specifically mentions that it wards off deer flies, as well as other biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. It uses 34% DEET, which is slowly released from the concoction over time.
How long does mosquito repellent last?
The mosquito-repelling substance also to be effective in discouraging deer flies as well and can last a couple of hours if applied liberally to skin. Most insect repellents contain some percentage of DEET. Permethrin.
What do deer flies eat?
Deer flies are bloodsucking insects that feed on both humans and mammals, and often livestock (deer flies love cows). They are closely related to the horse fly, which is slightly larger, but just as pesky. At less than an inch long, deer flies have dark bands on their wings and black or green eyes.
How to apply Permethrin?
Since permethrin is for equipment and clothes, not skin, you should be careful when first applying. Make sure to spray outside, in a low-wind but well-ventilated area. Spray in slow, even sweeps over clothes or equipment and make sure to keep the spray out of your face and eyes.
Where do deer flys lay their eggs?
Deer flies will lay eggs to reproduce in swampy, muddy areas, typically near a still pond or lake. They are most active during the day, and most prevalent in the spring and summertime.
What happens if you get attacked by deer flies?
If you have been attacked by deer flies, you know they need no introduction. They are horrible pests. These flies show no compassion on the unsuspecting person who crosses their path. A few flies can quickly become hundreds the longer you stay in the area.
How far away do deer flies go?
Deer flies love to bite around the head, arms, hands and upper body. To get away from them, all it usually takes is to move away from that 100 to 200 ft range they originated from and they will break off the attack. This is important to know.
Where do flies live?
She then fills up on a blood meal. They are very aggressive. The flies breed and live in swamp and marsh locations. They also live in forests close to grassy clearing or open areas. They can be found in most states.
Can you control flies in Louisiana?
It is largely believed there is no effective means of controlling these flies. However, one researcher has said to have found a simple way to keep them at bay. It is something the kayak fisherman can try and on my next trip to the Louisiana swamps I plan on employing this technique.
Can you reduce deer fly population?
Since there is only a finite number of deer flies in one location , you can temporarily reduce the deer fly population to the point they are no longer a problem. There have been several deer fly tests by people from around the country using this method and they all say it works great.
What to wear to keep deer from flies?
Dress accordingly. Nylon head nets are available that keep insects away from the face and neck, which just so happen to be the parts of the body that attract deer flies the most. Mesh Bug-Off jackets, meanwhile, can be worn over regular clothing for added protection.
Where do deer flys go?
Deer flies prefer warm, sunny days with little or no wind, especially around beaches, streams and the edges of wooded areas. And when on the attack, deer flies prefer to go for the face and neck.
What size are deer fly patches?
Deer fly patches are generally several square inches in size, are odorless and adhesive and capture and immobilize biting deer flies instead of merely repelling them. These patches work best when you are hiking, walking or while otherwise on the move. Dress accordingly.
Do deer flies bite humans?
Deer flies aren't a simple annoyance like their house fly cousins. Deer flies are painful biters that attack humans four or five at a time: their bites knife through the skin, and when done feeding, they can leave a bleeding wound as a calling card.
How to protect yourself from biting flies?
Sufficiently covering up your body with clothing before heading outdoors is one of the most effective methods of protecting yourself against biting flies . While long sleeves on your shirts and pants could go a long way toward dissuading biting flies from bothering you, particularly effective against horse flies and deer flies is wearing a hat on your head.
How far away should you be from biting flies?
Simply by creating some distance between yourself and that area, say 10 or 15 feet, you could avoid being bothered by them altogether.
Where do biting flies live?
Biting flies begin their lives as larvae in wetland spaces and the muddy edges of ponds and banks of streams. As such, you can expect to find biting flies in abundance anywhere you find water. To avoid entering a prolific biting-fly habitat, keep away from:
Can deer flies ruin your outdoor fun?
As annoying as Deer and Horse Flies can be, they should never ruin our outdoor fun! Instead, here are five easy ways you can help repel those pests from your environment and enjoy the great outdoors bite-free.
Do biting flies alert you?
Biting flies are attracted to motion, so any movements you make in their presence will only alert them to your presence and make you seem all the more interesting as either a food source or a mortal threat.
How to reduce deer fly population?
While the above method should decrease your deer-fly population, there are a few other things you can do to lessen their numbers. Construct Shaded Areas. Increase the shaded areas in your garden by planting fast-growing trees or constructing garden umbrellas or canopies , as these pests don’t like shade.
How to catch deer flies?
Deer flies prefer to fly out and attack their prey rather than wait to be attacked. Drive around your yard several times, slowly. The traps will capture large numbers of deer flies. Do this during the day, especially in the mornings, for the best results.
What do deer flies bite?
Large stones or weights. Vehicle or lawnmower. Deer flies bite both humans and animals, and they draw blood by piercing and sucking it from its victim for several minutes. The various species of deer flies tend to be active from early spring to late fall. Oftentimes, these flies are found in large swarms near bodies of water.
