how do i get rid of deer flys?

Answer 1

Man I was going to give you a really good and correct answer if that profesor up there hadn't stolen all my thunder,oh well, there goes another chance at ten points!

Answer 2

Get rid of the deers.

Answer 3

No satisfactory methods have been developed for control of horse and deer flies. It is impractical in most regions to eliminate the breeding areas. Draining marshes and wet meadows where flies develop is of the greatest value, but should be done in such a way as to preserve the desirable wildlife of such areas, if possible. Fortunately, the season for deer flies is rather short, usually four to five weeks in June or July, and three to four weeks in August for horse flies. If the problem lasts six to eight weeks, there may be several species present or that species lasts longer than most. Humans are better able to protect themselves than wild or domestic animals by swatting flies away and by using repellents.

Prevention
The greatest deer and horse fly activity occurs on warm, sunny days when there is little or no wind. A slight drop in temperature or a sudden breeze reduces biting attacks. Deer flies seem to be attracted to moving objects and dark shapes. They attack humans especially around the face and neck areas (four to five deer flies attack at one time).

A few years ago, several Ohio State University Extension agents field tested TRED-NOT DEER FLY PATCHES as a non-chemical control method. Some reported good results of these odorless, non-chemical, adhesive patches. The patches are three inches wide by six inches long, and are worn on the back of a cap to trap and hold biting deer flies. Patches worked best when moving. For more information, contact DETEX, 6910 W. Ten Mile Road, Leroy, Michigan 49655. Prices are 12 patches for $12.00, 40 patches for $25.00 and 80 patches for $40.00. Shipping is free and within 24 hours.

Persons hiking, picnicking, camping or involved in outdoor activity should protect themselves with repellents such as N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (Deet, Off) or permethrin. Deet-based repellents are effective for a few hours, but the user should not apply indiscriminately since human allergies can develop. Permethrin-based repellents applied only on clothing usually last longer. (Follow label directions.)

Horse flies are usually attracted to shiny surfaces, motion, carbon dioxide, and warmth. Some people report attacks while in swimming pools. Flies light on the skin and bite, causing much pain (one to two horse flies attack at one time). Others fly erratically near the head, often "banging" recklessly into windows and other objects in a crazy fashion. Some rest on back porches, etc., especially in mid to late August.

There are also nylon head nets that keep insects away from the neck and face yet are suitable for clear vision and reinforced for pipe or cigarette smoking. And, Bug-Off Jackets make it unnecessary to use aerosol cans or messy, oily bottles of rub-on repellents. A handy mesh jacket slips on easily over regular outdoor clothing and is very effective when a strong repellent is applied. Store the jacket in a sealed plastic bag.

Gloves are useful, as are tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Be sure that the shirt cuffs button tightly. Light colors, such as army suntans, seem less attractive than dark blue jeans.

Area repellents with citronella or naphthalene are a good way to repel deer flies and mosquitoes in or near a patio, yard, tent, or cabin. Providing daytime shelter for humans and animals is important as horse and deer flies do not appear to bite greatly at night.

Insecticides
Short-term protection can be demonstrated, but the frequency of treatment to provide protection becomes prohibitive in insecticide cost and labor. Sprays containing pyrethrins, resmethrin or permethrin may give repellency protection for one to three days. However, flies may reinfest from surrounding areas within two to four days. They are fast, strong fliers. Treat shrubbery and vegetation where flies might rest around stagnant pools, marshy areas, ponds, and shore lines in residential or recreational areas with permethrin, carbaryl (Sevin®) or malathion. Do not treat water directly, since it may be toxic to fish and wildlife. Repeat as necessary only according to label directions and safety precautions. Resmethrin has provided good control of deer flies when applied with a mist blower into the wooded areas around cultivated fields. Also, aerial ULV applications of malathion concentrate have reduced populations. Box, canopy, or sticky traps may reduce some adult populations. Control of immature stages of horse and deer flies is not practical.