If you live in any part of the country where Deer Flies and Horse Flies are found, then you’re probably familiar with these annoying insects. When the summer days heat up, these insects become more active. Although they differ in shape and looks, these large, fast-flying cousins are hard hitting blood suckers who prey on unprotected skin. Their bites are painful, and the bite site can itch for days afterwards. Read this informative article and learn about some homemade remedies to keep Deer Flies and Horse Flies from attacking you!
Deer Flies and Horse Flies can be found most anywhere, but they hang around swamps, ponds, streams and lakes because these places are prime breeding grounds. So, these flying insects can be found right in your yard. But you need to protect yourself from their attacks even moreso when you head to the water or woods to go fishing, swimming, hiking or hunting.
Cover Up
Just like blood-sucking mosquitoes, Deer Flies and Horse Flies attack human bare skin. So, your best line of defense is to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks.
For some reason, though, these fliers love to buzz around your head. So, a homemade remedy to keep them from feasting on your flesh is to wear a hat. Preferably, a hat with a wide brim and a bug net attached.
Also, Deer Flies and Horse Flies are supposedly attracted to the color blue. So you may want to stay clear of that color when you’re choosing your protective clothing.
Sticky Fly Strips
Another homemade remedy to keep Deer Flies and Horse Flies from attacking you is to attach a couple pieces of sticky fly strips side-by-side onto the back of a hat. For another unknown reason, these insects tend to land on their victims a couple times before they finally bite. But, when you wear your hat with the tape attached, these insects will actually land on, and get stuck to, the tape.
Visit your local dollar store and you can find fly strips for cheap. All you need to do is use a sharp pair of scissors to cut a couple strips about four or five inches long. Press the two strips beside each other onto a hat, and you’ll be protected from these blood-suckers.
Granted, this homemade remedy makes for a “sticky situation. But, when you consider the fact that you’re protecting yourself from being attacked by two flying insects that cause painful bites, isn’t it worth it? You see, these flies don’t just bite you, they actually make a tiny incision in your skin with their scissors-like mouth parts. Then, when your blood begins to flow from the cut, they suck it up.
Also keep in mind, that, just like mosquitoes, Deer Flies and Horse Flies can carry and spread diseases.
Aim High
According to Connecticut’s popular state song, “Yankee Doodle stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni.” Another homemade remedy to keep Deer Flies and Horse Flies from attacking you, is to stick a feather in your hat and call it protection from bites. Since these fliers tend to buzz around your head, placing a long item such as a feather, flower, or small branch in your hat can help keep these pests away from your head and off your skin.
Use These Scents
The same bug sprays that help keep mosquitoes and other flying insects away from you aren’t very effective on Deer Flies and Horse Flies. What is effective, however is Garlic Oil, Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil and Eucalyptus Oil. To use this homemade remedy, simply dab one of these oils on an old bandanna. Tie the cloth around your neck and you’ll be protected from being attacked.
You can dab one of these natural oils on your clothing, but keep in mind that they may stain.
You can find any of these natural oils at your local health food store. Or, use your favorite search engine and the Internet to find suppliers you can order from.
