Yes, you can definitely trap horse flies using several effective methods. Trapping these pests is a great way to reduce their numbers around your property and stop horse flies biting you, your family, and your animals. This guide will show you simple, step-by-step ways to set up diy horse fly traps and discuss the best strategies for horse fly control.
Why Catching Horse Flies Works
Horse flies, also known as deer flies or gadflies, are more than just an annoyance. They bite hard, drawing blood, and can spread diseases to livestock. Because female horse flies need a blood meal to produce eggs, reducing the adult population is key to eliminating horse flies from your area. Catching horse flies in traps offers a non-chemical, ongoing solution for long-term relief.
Deciphering Horse Fly Behavior for Effective Trapping
To catch these pests, we must first know how they think and act. Horse flies are attracted to movement, heat, and dark colors. They don’t rely on scent as much as mosquitoes do when hunting for a meal. This key difference guides our horse fly trapping methods.
What Attracts Horse Flies?
Horse flies look for targets that mimic their preferred hosts, like cattle or horses.
- Heat: They sense the heat radiating from large bodies.
- Movement: Any swinging or moving object catches their eye.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): While less critical than heat for long-range attraction, it plays a small role when they get close.
- Visual Cues: Large, dark, round shapes look like animals.
Top DIY Horse Fly Traps You Can Build Today
You don’t need expensive gear to start horse fly control. Many effective homemade horse fly traps use simple household items. Here are the most popular and successful designs.
The Classic Water Moat Trap (The Horse Fly Trap Ball)
This trap uses the fly’s natural instinct to land on a dark object and then try to fly away when it gets wet.
Materials Needed:
- A dark, round object (e.g., a dark beach ball, a large rubber ball, or a painted can).
- A bucket or large container (at least 5 gallons).
- Water.
- Mild dish soap (optional, to break surface tension).
Steps for Assembly:
- Prepare the Attractor: Inflate or place your dark, round object in the center of the bucket. If using a ball, it should sit just above the water line.
- Fill the Bucket: Fill the container with water until the ball is mostly submerged, but the very top is exposed.
- Add Soap (Optional): Put just one or two drops of dish soap into the water. This helps break the surface tension, so when the fly lands on the water, it sinks immediately.
- Placement: Place the trap in direct sunlight where horse flies are most active, such as near pastures or barn entrances.
How It Works: The dark ball mimics the body of a host animal. The fly lands on the ball, sees its reflection in the water below, and tries to land on the reflection. When it hits the water, it drowns. This is one of the simplest diy horse fly traps.
The Hanging Fly Trap (The Sticky Solution)
This method relies on covering an object with a sticky substance.
Materials Needed:
- A piece of stiff cardboard or wood painted black.
- Strong, non-toxic fly tape or specialized glue (like Tanglefoot).
- String or wire for hanging.
Steps for Assembly:
- Create the Target: Paint the cardboard/wood black and let it dry completely.
- Apply the Glue: Smear the sticky material evenly across the black surface. Keep the glue layer thin enough to be sticky but thick enough to hold the fly.
- Hang It Up: Hang the board where flies congregate.
Note on Glue: Be careful when handling glue. This method can sometimes catch beneficial insects too. Wipe down the area around the trap to prevent pets or children from touching the sticky surface.
Advanced Horse Fly Trapping Methods
For serious infestations, you might need larger, more specialized setups. These target the flies using heat and CO2 attraction, much like commercial traps.
Building a CO2 and Heat Trap (The Soda Bottle Method)
This aims to mimic a warm-blooded animal more closely, making it a great option for horse fly bait ideas.
Materials Needed:
- Two large plastic soda bottles (2-liter size).
- A heat source (like a small, low-wattage incandescent bulb wrapped in cloth, or a container of warm water placed nearby).
- Sugar, yeast, and warm water (for the CO2 bait).
- Screen mesh or hardware cloth.
Steps for Assembly:
- Prepare the Funnel: Cut the top third off one soda bottle. Invert this top piece and fit it snugly into the bottom piece, creating a funnel shape leading downward. Secure it with tape. This is your insect entry point.
- Create the CO2 Source (Bait): In a separate container, mix 1 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast. This mixture will slowly release CO2 as the yeast ferments. Place this container below the funnel in the bottom section of the trap.
- Add Heat: Position your low-heat source near the CO2 mixture. The combination of heat and CO2 is highly attractive.
- Capture: Flies will enter through the wide opening, follow the heat and CO2 down, and get stuck in the bottom chamber, often drowning in a small amount of water placed there, or simply being unable to find the narrow exit.
This type of trap is often cited as highly effective for eliminating horse flies because it targets their primary senses.
Using Commercial Traps
While this guide focuses on DIY, sometimes buying a commercial trap is the fastest route to horse fly control. Look for traps that use heat elements, like:
- The Hygeia Trap: Mimics a cow using a large, dark synthetic hide.
- Sticky Banners: Long, dark, sticky strips hung in high-traffic areas.
Natural Horse Fly Traps and Repellents
If you prefer a gentler approach, natural horse fly traps can complement your efforts, especially when combined with the best horse fly repellent solutions.
Essential Oil Sprays as Deterrents (Not Traps)
While oils don’t typically trap flies, they can drive them away from specific areas, which is essential if you are trying to stop horse flies biting you while you work outdoors.
Effective Oils:
- Citronella
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Geraniol
How to Use: Mix 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil with 2 cups of water and a small squirt of rubbing alcohol (to help the oil mix). Spray this mixture lightly on clothing, tack, or resting areas.
Utilizing Companion Planting
Certain plants naturally repel biting insects. Planting these around gathering spots or near stalls can help naturally reduce fly populations.
| Plant Name | Primary Benefit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Strong scent repels many flies | Plant in pots near doors. |
| Lavender | Pleasant smell to humans, disliked by flies | Good for hanging dried bunches. |
| Mint | Powerful aroma | Can be invasive; plant in containers. |
| Catnip | Contains nepetalactone (a strong repellent) | Highly effective for many pests. |
Placement Strategy: Where to Put Your Traps
The success of horse fly trapping methods depends heavily on location. Flies are often present in specific zones around your property.
Key Zones for Trap Placement:
- Near Water Sources: Horse flies often breed near muddy areas or standing water. Place traps downwind from these sites.
- Sunniest Spots: Flies seek warmth. Place traps in areas that receive direct, hot sunlight for most of the day.
- High Traffic Areas for Hosts: Near gates, feed troughs, or resting areas for horses and cattle.
- Boundaries: Place traps at the perimeter of the property to catch flies entering the area.
Important Rule: Place traps away from where people or animals spend time. You want the flies to travel to the trap, not to you. A good distance is 50 to 100 feet away from your patio or main resting areas.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Traps Effective
A trap left unattended quickly loses its effectiveness. Regular maintenance is crucial for successful horse fly control.
Cleaning and Refreshing DIY Traps
- Water Traps: Empty the water every 2-3 days, especially in hot weather. Dead flies break down and can repel new flies. Wash the bucket thoroughly and refill with fresh water and a couple of drops of soap.
- Bait Traps (CO2): Replace the yeast/sugar mixture every 4-7 days, depending on the temperature. The fermentation slows down when it gets cold.
- Sticky Traps: Replace sticky boards or refresh the glue layer once they are covered in insects or the glue dries out.
Integrating Trapping with Other Control Methods
Trapping alone may not solve a severe infestation. For comprehensive horse fly control, combine trapping with other techniques.
Chemical and Physical Barriers
While we favor homemade horse fly traps, sometimes stronger measures are needed, especially for livestock.
- Fly Sheets and Masks: Physical barriers are the best way to stop horse flies biting animals directly. Use light-colored fly sheets that cover the animal’s body.
- Residual Sprays: Apply approved insecticides to surfaces where flies rest (like barn walls). Use these sparingly and according to label directions.
- Vacuuming: Some people use powerful shop vacuums to physically suck flies out of the air or off resting spots when they are still. This is a direct way of catching horse flies.
Lawn and Pasture Management
Horse flies breed in damp, overgrown areas. Managing the landscape reduces their habitat.
- Drainage: Fix any areas where water pools after rain.
- Mowing: Keep tall grass and weeds mowed short, especially around fence lines and water troughs.
Common Mistakes in Horse Fly Trapping
Many people give up on trapping because they make a few common errors. Avoiding these will improve your results when eliminating horse flies.
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Placing traps near people/pets. | Flies are attracted to the trap instead of the host. | Move traps 50+ feet away from activity centers. |
| Using clear or light-colored objects. | Flies ignore them; they look for dark shapes. | Always use black or very dark colors for decoys. |
| Forgetting to maintain the water. | Dirty water stops attracting new flies. | Change water and clean traps every few days. |
| Trapping in the shade. | Flies hunt in sunny, warm spots. | Place traps in the hottest, sunniest part of the yard. |
Horse Fly Bait Ideas Beyond Yeast and Sugar
What else can serve as an effective horse fly bait ideas mixture, especially for more advanced diy horse fly traps?
Since flies are looking for blood or warm breath, anything that releases mild heat or a scent similar to fermentation or decay can sometimes work, though CO2 remains the gold standard.
- Rotten Meat Lures (Use Caution): Small amounts of fermented meat scraps placed safely in a sealed container with small holes can release attractive odors. This is messy and draws other scavengers, so it’s rarely recommended for backyard use.
- Fermenting Fruit: Allowing fruit to rot slightly near a water trap can provide a weak attraction scent, especially if combined with heat.
Remember, the goal of most successful homemade horse fly traps is visual attraction (dark ball) paired with drowning, not complex scent baiting like you would use for ants or mosquitoes.
Final Thoughts on Consistent Horse Fly Control
Trapping horse flies is a continuous battle, not a one-time fix. Horse flies have long life cycles. Even if you catch hundreds this week, new adults will emerge next week if you do not manage the breeding grounds.
By implementing a system of diy horse fly traps, maintaining them diligently, and using supplementary methods like good repellent sprays (the best horse fly repellent options often include DEET or Picaridin for direct use on skin, or permethrin for clothing), you can significantly lower the biting pressure on your property. Consistent horse fly control means fewer bites and happier animals. Catching horse flies today means less trouble tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Horse Fly Trapping
How fast do horse fly traps start working?
Once you set up a trap, you might see activity within a few hours on a very hot, sunny day. However, significant results leading to noticeable horse fly control usually take 3 to 5 days of continuous operation.
Are homemade horse fly traps safe for pets and children?
The water moat traps are generally very safe, as they only contain water and maybe a drop of soap. If you use sticky glues or strong chemical repellents, keep those products far away from pets and children. Always supervise when building or maintaining traps.
Can I use heat alone to catch horse flies?
Heat is a major attractant, but usually not enough on its own. Horse flies primarily use heat to locate a target once they are close. Combining heat with a visual cue (like a dark ball) or a chemical cue (like CO2) makes the trap much more effective for eliminating horse flies.
How many traps do I need for an acre?
For general relief, start with one to two well-placed water moat traps per acre. If you have a very large herd of animals, or a known breeding ground nearby, you may need four or more traps to see substantial success in horse fly trapping methods.
Do these traps catch mosquitoes?
No. Horse fly traps rely on attracting large, heat-sensing insects. They are generally not effective at horse fly bait ideas for mosquitoes, which hunt primarily by scent and low-level CO2 plumes from ground level. For mosquitoes, you need different products, like specialized light traps or larvicides in standing water.