Deer & Horse Flies
Horse and deer flies, both members of the Tabanidae family, are notorious for their painful bites and ability to cause major disruptions to both livestock and humans. If you’re dealing with these persistent pests, you need effective strategies to minimize their impact. Follow these tips to reduce horse and deer fly populations:
Quick Tips for Deer and Horse Fly Control
Both deer and horse flies are semi-aquatic and breed in moist soil or shallow water near ponds, streams, ditches, and cattail areas.
Invest in effective horse/deer fly traps like the H-Trap™ to reduce fly populations around your property.
Spray insect repellents like Bye Bye Insects on animals, avoiding areas where Fly Predators and other beneficial insects are active.
Avoid areas where flies are most active, if possible.
Unfortunately, Fly Predators and other common fly control methods like house fly traps and baits have no significant effect on deer and horse flies.
Understanding Deer and Horse Flies
Deer Flies (Genus Chrysops)
- Size & Appearance: Deer flies are smaller, around 1/2 inch long, and have smoky brown or dark-patterned wings. Their thorax is greenish-yellow with dark stripes. The eyes of males touch at the top of the head, while females have widely spaced eyes.
- Behavior: These strong fliers are known for their speed and agility. They often travel long distances and are considered serious pests of both livestock and humans. Male deer flies feed on nectar, while the females require blood to reproduce. Their bites are quick and painful.
- Habitat: Deer fly larvae thrive in moist soil or shallow waters, such as ponds, streams, and ditches.
Horse Flies (Genus Tabanus)
- Size & Appearance: Horse flies are larger and heavier-bodied than deer flies, typically ranging from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch long. They have clear wings, and their thorax is typically brownish-gray with stripes. Their abdomen may feature orange-and-black patterns or match the thorax’s color.
- Behavior: Similar to deer flies, horse flies are aggressive blood feeders. While they tend to be slower and more lumbering before biting, their bites are just as painful. Horse flies also have strong flying capabilities and are difficult to control. Like deer flies, the larvae are found in moist environments like shallow ponds or streams.
- Biting Behavior: Horse flies often bite after hovering around you for a while, whereas deer flies quickly zoom in, circle around, and bite in rapid succession.
Controlling Deer and Horse Flies
Challenges:
Deer and horse flies are tough to manage, as typical fly control methods such as house fly traps and Fly Predators don’t have any impact on them. While insecticides and repellents may reduce feeding somewhat, they will not eliminate these pests entirely.
Effective Solutions:
H-Trap™ Horse Fly Trap: The H-Trap is specifically designed to capture deer and horse flies. These large biting flies are visually attracted to the black ball of the trap. When they realize it’s not a source of blood, they fly upward, eventually getting trapped in the collection cup at the top. The H-Trap™ can effectively reduce fly populations and is proven to work on greenheads and other Tabanidae family members as well. For more details, visit Spalding Labs.
Insect Repellents: While not fully effective in preventing bites, applying insect repellents like Bye Bye Insects to animals, particularly those away from areas with beneficial insects, can offer some protection.
Avoidance: If possible, avoid areas where deer and horse flies are most active, such as near water bodies or moist areas where they breed.
Dealing with deer and horse flies can be frustrating, but with the right strategies, you can minimize their impact. While fly predators and traditional traps are ineffective, investing in specialized fly traps like the H-Trap™, using insect repellents, and avoiding high-risk areas can significantly reduce the presence of these biting flies around your property. By taking proactive measures and controlling their breeding sites, you can protect your livestock, pets, and family from the painful bites of these persistent pests.
If you’re facing a serious infestation, consider reaching out to a pest control expert who specializes in fly management to tailor a solution specific to your needs.
Why Choose Spalding Labs for Fly Control?
Spalding Labs offers proven, science-backed solutions like Fly Predators to control house flies naturally and effectively. With over 45 years of experience, we’re trusted by horse and livestock owners across the country to keep fly populations in check.
Ready to stop house flies before they start?
Contact Our Team
Reach out with questions or for a free consultation: 1-888-880-1579
