Why Do I Have Horse Flies in My House?
It was a warm summer evening when I was relaxing in my living room, enjoying the cool breeze coming in through the open window. Suddenly, my peace was disturbed by a loud buzzing sound. I looked up and saw a large, black fly circling around the room. It was a horse fly, and it was not alone. Within minutes, there were dozens of horse flies flying around, making it impossible to relax.
I was baffled. Why were there so many horse flies in my house? I had never seen anything like it before. I had always thought of horse flies as being outdoor pests, but here they were, invading my home. I knew I had to find out why and how to get rid of them.
The Invaders
What are Horse Flies?
Horse flies are large, stout flies that belong to the family Tabanidae. They are known for their painful bites, which can cause swelling, itching, and even allergic reactions in some people. Horse flies can transmit diseases such as tularemia, anthrax, and anaplasmosis.
Why Are They in My House?
Horse flies are typically found outdoors in areas with standing water or other moist habitats. However, they can sometimes enter homes through open windows or doors. Once inside, they are attracted to light, moisture, and the presence of people or animals.
Understanding Horse Fly Behavior
To effectively control horse flies, it is important to understand their behavior. Horse flies are most active during the day, especially during warm, humid weather. They are attracted to movement and body heat, which is why they are often found around people and animals. Horse flies are also attracted to standing water, such as ponds, swamps, and birdbaths.
Horse fly bites are painful because they use their sharp mouthparts to cut the skin and then suck up the blood. The saliva of horse flies contains anticoagulants, which prevent the blood from clotting, allowing them to feed for longer periods of time. The bites can be especially painful for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Tips for Keeping Horse Flies Away
There are several things you can do to keep horse flies away from your home and property:
- Keep windows and doors closed during peak horse fly season (late spring to early fall).
- Install screens on windows and doors to keep horse flies from entering your home.
- Eliminate sources of standing water around your property, such as birdbaths, clogged gutters, and old tires.
- Keep your lawn mowed short to reduce the number of places where horse flies can breed.
- Use insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 when spending time outdoors.
FAQ on Horse Flies
Q: Are horse flies dangerous?
A: Horse flies can be a nuisance, but they are not typically dangerous. However, their bites can be painful and can transmit diseases in rare cases.
Q: What is the best way to treat a horse fly bite?
A: To treat a horse fly bite, wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
Q: How can I prevent horse flies from biting me?
A: To prevent horse fly bites, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, use insect repellent, and avoid areas where horse flies are known to be present.
Conclusion
Horse flies can be a nuisance, but by understanding their behavior and taking the right precautions, you can keep them away from your home and property. If you are concerned about horse flies, don’t hesitate to contact a pest control professional for assistance.
Are you interested in learning more about horse flies or other insect pests? Check out our related blog posts for more information.
