Yes, you absolutely can get rid of horse flies. Getting rid of horse flies involves a mix of immediate removal tactics, using effective repellents, setting up traps, and making your environment less welcoming to them.
Horse flies, often called “greenheads” or “deer flies,” are more than just a nuisance. They bite hard, causing pain and sometimes spreading disease. They are fierce biters because the females need blood meals to produce eggs. If you are trying to enjoy time outside, or if you own horses, dealing with these pests is crucial. This guide gives you simple, proven ways to fight back.
Deciphering The Horse Fly Threat
Before you fight them, it helps to know what you are fighting. Horse flies belong to the Tabanidae family. They are strong, fast fliers. They love sunny, warm days. They look like large, chunky flies. Their eyes are often very large and colorful.
Why Horse Fly Bites Hurt So Much
Unlike mosquitoes that stab, horse flies slash. They have sharp, scissor-like mouthparts. They cut the skin open. Then, they lap up the blood that pools. This cutting action causes significant pain and bleeding. This is why effective horse fly control methods are so important, especially for livestock and outdoor workers.
Quick Fixes: Getting Rid of a Horse Fly Right Now
When a horse fly lands on you, you need fast action. Swatting often fails because they are so quick.
Simple Swatting Tactics
Use a quick, flat hand motion. Do not try to crush them against your skin; they move too fast. Aim slightly behind where the fly is sitting. This often works better than aiming directly at them.
Using Water Sprays
A blast of water can disrupt a landing horse fly. Keep a small spray bottle filled with plain water nearby. A sudden, strong spray often makes them fly away immediately. This is a safe tactic for humans and animals.
Employing Fly Swatters Strategically
Some specialized fly swatters have holes. These holes allow air to pass through. This reduces the air pressure wave that warns the fly, making your swing more effective.
Defense Strategies: Keeping Them Away From You
The best defense is a good offense. Using repellents is key to keeping these pests at bay when you are outdoors.
Effective Horse Fly Repellent for Humans
Finding a good horse fly repellent for humans is essential for enjoying summer. Many general insect sprays don’t work well against horse flies.
- DEET: High concentrations of DEET remain one of the most effective chemical barriers against biting flies.
- Picaridin: This offers good protection and often has less of a strong odor than DEET.
- Oil-Based Repellents: Some people find success with oil-based products containing citronella or lemon eucalyptus oil. However, these need frequent reapplication.
Table 1: Comparing Common Human Repellents
| Repellent Type | Duration of Effectiveness (Average) | Key Benefit | Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEET (High Concentration) | Up to 6 hours | Highly effective against biting flies | Strong odor, can damage plastics |
| Picaridin | 4-6 hours | Less oily feel, good protection | May require more frequent use |
| Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) | 2-4 hours | Natural alternative | Needs reapplication often |
Choosing the Best Horse Fly Sprays for Gear and Clothing
When you are working outside or hiking, treating your gear is smart. Spraying clothing provides a longer-lasting shield than skin application alone. Permethrin-based sprays are excellent for treating boots, hats, and pants. Remember, Permethrin is for fabric only, never apply it directly to skin.
Protecting Your Animals: How to Stop Horse Flies Biting Horses
For horse owners, stop horse flies biting horses is a top priority. Flies irritate horses, leading to anxiety, loss of condition, and potential injury from stamping or rubbing.
Fly Masks: Essential Eye Protection
The best fly mask for horses protects the sensitive areas around the eyes and face. Horse flies often target the eyes. Good fly masks should have fine mesh that still allows clear vision. Look for masks with UV protection, too.
Topical Treatments for Livestock
Many commercial sprays target livestock. Look for products specifically labeled for biting flies like horse flies and deer flies, not just mosquitoes. These often contain pyrethrins or pyrethroids which offer quick knockdown and residual protection. Always follow label instructions precisely for safe application on animals.
Physical Barriers for Horses
Stable screens and run-in sheds offer physical respite. When flies are worst during peak hours (mid-morning to late afternoon), keeping horses stabled or shaded can drastically reduce their exposure.
Trapping the Enemy: How to Kill Horse Flies Outside
Trapping is a major component of long-term horse fly control methods. Traps lure flies in and then prevent their escape.
Homemade Horse Fly Traps
You can create effective traps using simple items. The goal is to mimic what attracts them: dark shapes and CO2.
The Bucket Trap Method
This is a popular homemade horse fly trap.
- Get a Dark Object: Use a dark-colored, sticky ball. A large black rubber ball works well.
- Coat It: Cover the ball entirely with a sticky substance. Tree sap mixed with petroleum jelly works, or use commercially available Tanglefoot.
- Hang It: Hang the ball just above the ground (about 3-4 feet high) in the area where flies congregate.
- How it Works: Horse flies see the dark ball as a potential host (like a cow or horse). They dive at it, get stuck, and cannot fly away.
Water Traps
Some traps use water and soap. Flies are attracted to the dark surface floating on the water. When they land, they fall into the soapy water and drown.
Tip: Adding a little dish soap breaks the surface tension of the water, ensuring flies sink immediately.
Commercial Traps
Commercial options exist that use carbon dioxide (CO2) or specialized lures to attract flies into a containment area. These can be expensive but are highly effective over a large area, catching thousands of flies over a season.
Natural Approaches: Do Apple Cider Vinegar Repel Horse Flies?
Many people seek gentler, non-chemical options, especially for pets or sensitive areas. We must ask: do apple cider vinegar repel horse flies?
Apple Cider Vinegar Facts
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is often suggested as a natural repellent. While some anecdotal evidence suggests it may deter certain types of flies (like house flies or fruit flies), its effectiveness against aggressive horse flies is debatable and usually low.
- Using ACV: If you try it, mix ACV heavily with water (perhaps 1 part ACV to 3 parts water) and add a few drops of essential oil like peppermint. Spray lightly on skin or use in a nearby shallow dish.
- Scientific Backing: There is little strong scientific evidence confirming ACV as a reliable primary defense against horse flies. It’s better used as a mild deterrent or part of a broader strategy.
Essential Oils as Natural Remedies
Some essential oils have demonstrated repellent properties. These form the basis of many natural remedies for horse fly bites and prevention.
- Geraniol: This compound, found in geranium oil, is noted for repelling biting flies.
- Clove Oil: A very strong scent, clove oil can offer short-term protection when diluted properly.
- Citronella and Lemongrass: These are popular but usually require very frequent reapplication (every 30 minutes) against determined horse flies.
Important Safety Note: Always dilute essential oils heavily before applying them to skin or animals. Undiluted oils can cause severe skin irritation or burns.
Site Management: Preventing Horse Flies Outdoors
Controlling the environment limits where horse flies can breed and rest. Preventing horse flies outdoors involves managing moisture and debris.
Water Management
Horse flies lay their eggs near moist soil or water sources, such as ditches, ponds, or marshy areas.
- Drainage: Improve drainage in your yard or pasture. Standing water creates breeding grounds.
- Keep Grass Short: Adult flies rest in tall grass and brush during the hottest parts of the day. Keeping lawns and pasture edges mowed reduces their resting spots.
Waste and Debris Control
Horse flies are not usually breeding in dry manure, but reducing organic debris helps overall pest control. Remove piles of decaying vegetation promptly.
Utilizing Fans
Flies dislike moving air. If you are having a barbecue or sitting on a porch, setting up large, oscillating fans can be surprisingly effective. The constant breeze disrupts their flight patterns, making it hard for them to land.
Addressing Bites: Immediate Care and Natural Remedies for Horse Fly Bites
Despite your best efforts, sometimes a bite happens. Knowing how to react minimizes swelling and itching.
Immediate First Aid
- Clean the Area: Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and cool water. This prevents infection.
- Stop Bleeding: Since horse flies cut, minor bleeding may occur. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth.
- Cool it Down: Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel. This reduces immediate swelling and pain.
Natural Remedies for Horse Fly Bites Relief
Once the initial pain subsides, you can treat the itching and inflammation using natural remedies for horse fly bites.
- Aloe Vera: Fresh aloe vera gel cools the skin and reduces inflammation naturally.
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Apply it to the bite for 10 to 15 minutes. This can help neutralize some of the irritation.
- Witch Hazel: This natural astringent can help dry out the bite area and reduce swelling. Dab it on with a cotton ball.
When to Seek Medical Help
If a bite becomes hot, swollen, develops red streaks moving away from the site, or if you develop fever or generalized illness, see a doctor immediately. These can be signs of a secondary infection or a rare allergic reaction.
Advanced Tactics: Combining Methods for Success
No single method guarantees total elimination. The most successful approach combines several strategies. This layered defense is the core of robust horse fly control methods.
The Ecosystem Approach
Think about the fly’s lifecycle.
- Adult Control: Use traps and repellents to target flying adults.
- Breeding Site Control: Manage water sources to limit where larvae develop.
- Host Protection: Use masks and sprays on animals and humans during peak activity times.
Rotational Repellent Use
Horse flies can sometimes become accustomed to one repellent. Rotate between different active ingredients (like switching between DEET and Picaridin applications) to maintain maximum deterrence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Horse Flies
How long do horse flies live?
Adult female horse flies typically live for about 2 to 3 weeks, but they must feed on blood during that time to lay eggs. Males live a shorter time and feed only on nectar.
Are horse flies attracted to sweat?
Yes, horse flies are highly attracted to the CO2 we exhale, moisture, and lactic acid found in sweat. This is why they are worse when you are exercising or sweating heavily.
Can I use dog flea and tick spray on myself to repel horse flies?
No, you should never use veterinary products not specifically approved for human use. Dog treatments often contain permethrin or pyrethrins in concentrations unsafe for human skin application. Stick to labeled horse fly repellent for humans.
What time of day are horse flies the worst?
Horse flies are primarily active during the day, especially when it is sunny and warm. Their peak activity usually occurs between late morning (around 10 AM) and late afternoon (around 4 PM). They tend to rest during the hottest midday sun or in heavy shade.
Is it true that garbage bags can act as lures for horse fly traps?
Dark, shiny objects placed near water sources can mimic animal hides, attracting flies. Some commercial traps utilize dark blue or black inflatable balloons or plastic sheeting for this purpose, which is a related concept to the dark ball method used in homemade horse fly traps.
Do I need a special fly mask for summer months?
Yes. While UV protection is helpful year-round, a fly mask designed for summer should have very fine mesh that blocks biting insects, especially around the eyes and ears, offering protection while ensuring good visibility. This is why investing in the best fly mask for horses is critical for seasonal health.