Horse flies can ruin any outdoor activity. They bite hard and draw blood, unlike many other flies. The key to stopping these pests is using a mix of methods. This includes using sprays, changing your habits, and making your yard less inviting to them.
What Repels Horse Flies?
Many things repel horse flies. Strong smells work well. Certain chemicals in repellents stop them from landing. Covering your skin also keeps them away. Knowing what works best is your first step to enjoying the outdoors again.
What Attracts Horse Flies to Humans?
Horse flies look for three main things when seeking a blood meal. They track carbon dioxide (CO2) we breathe out. They also sense body heat. Finally, they detect certain body odors, like lactic acid. If you sweat a lot, you might attract more flies.
Choosing the Right Repellent Strategy
Repelling horse flies requires a layered approach. You need protection for your skin, your clothing, and your immediate area. No single product works perfectly all the time. Combining methods gives you the best defense.
Examining Commercial Horse Fly Deterrents for Skin
The market offers many sprays designed specifically for biting insects. Some are highly effective against horse flies, while others work better for mosquitoes. Always check the label to ensure the product targets biting flies.
Key Active Ingredients to Look For
The most reliable commercial products use active ingredients proven in fighting off tough insects.
- DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide): This is the gold standard for insect repellents. Higher concentrations offer longer protection. However, some people prefer alternatives due to skin feel or strength.
- Picaridin (KBR 3023): Often seen as a better alternative to DEET, Picaridin is odorless and less greasy. It offers good protection against many biting flies, including horse flies.
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) / PMD: This plant-based chemical is FDA-approved and very effective. It provides protection close to low-concentration DEET products.
When choosing a spray, think about how long you will be outside. For a short walk, a moderate strength spray is fine. For a long day fishing, you need something that offers long-lasting horse fly protection for skin.
Exploring Natural Horse Fly Repellent for Humans
Many people prefer avoiding synthetic chemicals. Fortunately, several options exist for a natural horse fly repellent for humans. These often rely on strong essential oils.
Potent Essential Oils to Repel Biting Flies on Humans
Essential oils smell great to us but are often offensive to biting insects. Testing small amounts on your skin first is always wise.
| Essential Oil | Notes on Effectiveness | Application Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Geranium Oil | Highly recommended for general biting flies. | Mix well with a carrier oil like coconut oil. |
| Peppermint Oil | Strong scent; flies dislike it intensely. | Use sparingly as it can irritate sensitive skin. |
| Lemongrass Oil | Contains compounds similar to citronella. | Good for spraying on clothes as well as skin. |
| Thyme Oil | Shown to be very effective in several studies. | Must be heavily diluted before skin application. |
It is vital to know the effectiveness of citronella against horse flies. While citronella is famous for warding off mosquitoes, its efficacy against larger, more aggressive horse flies is generally lower. You might need a higher concentration or combine it with another oil for better results against them.
DIY Horse Fly Repellent Recipes for Skin
If you want to make your own solution, mixing carrier oils with powerful essential oils is the way to go. These DIY horse fly repellent recipes for skin allow for custom scents and concentrations.
Simple Essential Oil Spray Recipe:
- Take 4 ounces of distilled water.
- Add 2 ounces of witch hazel (this helps mix the oil and water).
- Mix in 30–40 total drops of your chosen essential oils (e.g., 15 drops Geranium, 15 drops Peppermint).
- Shake well before every use.
Carrier Oil Rub:
For targeted application, mix 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil (like sweet almond or jojoba oil) with 5 drops of essential oil. Rub this onto exposed pulse points or areas where flies gather most. This method can sometimes offer protection for longer periods than a simple water-based spray.
Physical Barriers: How to Keep Horse Flies Off Me Outdoors
Repellents aren’t the only answer. Physical barriers stop flies from ever reaching your skin. This is often the most reliable method, especially in high-infestation areas.
Clothing Choices Matter Significantly
The type and color of your clothing make a difference in how attractive you appear to horse flies.
- Color: Horse flies are strongly attracted to dark colors, especially black and dark blue. They can see contrast well. Light colors, like white, tan, or light grey, are much less appealing to them.
- Coverage: Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible is your best defense. Think long sleeves and long pants, even on a hot day if flies are bad.
- Fabric Weight: Flies can sometimes bite through very thin leggings or T-shirts. Choose slightly heavier or double-layered fabrics when possible.
Specialized Gear for Maximum Protection
When performing tasks like gardening or camping where flies are constant, specialized gear helps immensely.
- Head Nets: These fine-mesh nets drape over hats and protect your face and neck completely. They are essential if you are working near livestock or dense brush.
- Fly Sheets and Vests: While mainly for horses, some outdoor workers use very light, treated mesh vests or jackets that act as shields without trapping too much heat.
Targeting Problem Areas: Preventing Horse Fly Bites on Legs
The lower legs are a favorite target for horse flies, especially when walking through grass or near streams. Preventing horse fly bites on legs requires focused effort.
Treating Lower Body Areas
Since legs are large targets, you need robust protection there.
- Thick Application: Apply your chosen repellent liberally to the lower legs, going right down to the ankles.
- Socks and Boots: Wear tall, light-colored socks pulled up over the bottom of your pants, creating a seal. Spray the tops of your shoes or boots heavily.
- Leg Gaiters: For serious hiking or yard work, consider lightweight insect-repellent gaiters that wrap around your lower legs, sealing off the gap between shoes and pants.
Special Consideration for Sensitive Skin
If you have reactions to strong chemicals, you need the safest horse fly repellents for sensitive skin. Natural options often win here, but even natural ingredients can cause reactions.
- Patch Test First: Before slathering any new substance (commercial or DIY) over large areas, test a small patch of skin (like the inside of your elbow). Wait 24 hours to check for redness or itching.
- Avoidance of High Concentrations: If using essential oils, keep the total drop count lower (10-15 drops per 4 oz of spray).
- Use Barrier Creams: Sometimes, simply applying a thick, unscented lotion or petroleum jelly barrier before the repellent can help shield overly sensitive skin from direct contact with the active ingredients.
Understanding the Best Fly Spray for Biting Flies on People
Not all bug sprays are created equal when dealing with horse flies. Many standard mosquito sprays offer poor defense against these large, determined biters. You need the best fly spray for biting flies on people specifically.
Performance Comparison: DEET vs. Picaridin vs. Natural Blends
The performance difference often comes down to longevity and immediate knockdown power.
| Repellent Type | Initial Efficacy Against Horse Flies | Duration of Protection (Typical) | User Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| High % DEET | Excellent | 4–8 hours | Can feel oily; strong odor. |
| Picaridin (20%) | Very Good | 3–6 hours | Non-greasy; low odor. |
| OLE (PMD) | Good | 2–4 hours | Plant-derived; pleasant smell. |
| Essential Oil Mixes | Variable (Fair to Good) | 1–2 hours | Varies widely by oil blend. |
If you are spending a long afternoon near water where horse flies breed, DEET or Picaridin products are generally your most dependable choice for extended time outdoors. Reapplication is key if you sweat heavily or swim.
Environmental Control: Reducing Horse Flies Near You
Repelling them when they are near is one thing; preventing them from hanging around your outdoor space is better. This involves managing the environment immediately surrounding you.
Managing Water and Moisture
Horse flies breed in moist, marshy, or muddy areas. While you cannot dry up a stream, you can manage standing water near your home or patio.
- Drainage: Fix leaky hoses or broken gutters immediately.
- Ponds and Bird Baths: If you have ornamental water features, consider adding mosquito/fly dunks (which use bacteria to kill larvae) or ensuring the water circulates well. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for many pests.
Using Traps Effectively
While traps are often aimed at other pests, certain types can help reduce the local population of biting flies.
- CO2 Traps: Horse flies are attracted to the CO2 we exhale. Commercial CO2 traps mimic human or animal breath. They use propane to generate CO2, along with heat and often an attractant scent. These can significantly lower the fly count in a yard over several weeks.
- Sticky Traps (Limited Use): Large, dark-colored sticky balls (sometimes called “horse fly traps”) can catch some flies that land on them, but they are generally less effective than active CO2 trapping systems for widespread control.
The Role of Fans
This simple trick is often overlooked but highly effective when you are stationary, like sitting on a porch or deck. Horse flies are weak fliers compared to mosquitoes.
- Air Movement: Place an oscillating fan pointed toward your sitting area. The steady breeze makes it difficult for flies to land on exposed skin. This is a wonderful, chemical-free way to enjoy a patio dinner.
Reapplication and Maintenance for Uninterrupted Protection
Even the best repellent wears off. To maintain effective protection, you must be diligent about reapplication.
When to Reapply Repellents
Reapplication schedules depend on the product, activity level, and weather.
- Sweat and Water: If you are sweating heavily or get wet, reapply immediately, regardless of how long it has been since the first application.
- Scent Fading: If you notice flies starting to test your skin again, it’s a clear sign the repellent scent has faded.
- Natural vs. Chemical: Natural repellents, especially essential oil sprays, often need reapplication every 60–90 minutes for consistent protection. Chemical repellents (DEET/Picaridin) usually last longer.
Ensuring Proper Application
A common mistake is applying too lightly or missing spots.
- Apply to Skin First: Apply lotions or sprays directly to your skin before applying sunscreen. Wait 15 minutes after sunscreen before applying repellent to allow it to set.
- Cover All Exposed Skin: Do not forget common areas like the back of the neck, ears, and tops of the feet.
- Use Enough Product: If you feel like you are using a lot of product, you are likely applying the right amount for maximum effectiveness.
Fathoming Horse Fly Behavior to Improve Defense
Knowing why they behave a certain way helps you predict where they will attack and how to stop them.
Diurnal Patterns
Horse flies are generally active during the day. They prefer sunlight.
- Peak Activity: Their worst hours are usually mid-morning through late afternoon, especially on warm, sunny days. They often rest during the coolest parts of the evening and night.
- Weather Sensitivity: Very high winds or heavy rain will usually send them looking for shelter, offering you a temporary reprieve.
Attraction Factors Beyond Odor
While smell is critical, visual cues are also important.
- Movement: Flies are drawn to movement. If you are walking quickly, you might attract attention faster than if you are sitting still.
- Reflectivity: Highly reflective surfaces, like shiny jewelry or wet skin, can catch their eye.
Safety Note: Safest Horse Fly Repellents for Sensitive Skin
When selecting any product, safety comes first. For children or those with known skin sensitivities, stick to proven low-risk options.
- Concentration is Key: Even with DEET, look for lower concentrations (under 15%) for sensitive skin, even though the protection window will be shorter.
- Essential Oil Dilution: If making your own, err on the side of extreme dilution. A 1% essential oil solution is safer for sensitive skin than a 5% solution.
- Avoid Eyes and Mouth: Always spray repellent onto your hands first, then apply it to your face, carefully avoiding the delicate areas around the eyes and mouth.
By combining chemical defenses, natural remedies, physical barriers, and environmental management, you can significantly reduce—if not eliminate—the threat of painful horse fly bites this season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do horse flies bite through thin clothing?
A: Yes, they often can. Horse flies have strong, scissor-like mouthparts. While they struggle against sturdy denim or thick canvas, they can usually pierce lighter materials like thin cotton leggings or standard t-shirts, especially if the fabric is stretched tight against the skin.
Q: Can I use permethrin on my clothing to repel horse flies?
A: Yes, permethrin is highly effective. It is an insecticide, not a repellent, meaning it kills or paralyzes flies that land on the treated fabric. It binds well to textiles and lasts through several washes, making it excellent for treating pants, socks, and shirts for long-term long-lasting horse fly protection for skin contact areas.
Q: Are horse flies attracted to perfume or scented lotions?
A: Floral or sweet scents can sometimes attract various flies, though not always specifically horse flies. The odors they prioritize most are CO2, heat, and lactic acid. However, using heavily perfumed products might mask the scent of your skin, making your repellent less noticeable, or conversely, might attract nuisance insects. It’s often best to stick to unscented products when focusing on biting fly defense.
Q: How long does the effectiveness of citronella against horse flies last when used alone?
A: When used alone, the protection from citronella against aggressive horse flies is typically very short, often lasting less than an hour, especially in warm or windy conditions. It works better as a minor component in a blend rather than a standalone defense against horse flies.
Q: Are there any DIY horse fly repellent recipes for skin that don’t use essential oils?
A: While essential oils are the most common natural ingredient, you can try highly diluted white vinegar mixed with water (50/50 ratio) and a small amount of rubbing alcohol. The strong acetic acid smell is unpleasant to flies. However, vinegar can be drying and should be used with caution, and patch testing is essential.