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Dealing with Horse Flies: Expert Insight

For those of you who like the great outdoors, you’ve probably had a run-in with horseflies. Not only are they irritating, but they’re also notorious for their painful bites. They’re no picnic, but don’t worry; our team at Barrier Pest Control is here to give you the lowdown on horseflies and how to keep them at bay.

horsefly on table
it’s a horsefly, ouch!

What’s The Big Deal About Horse Fly Bites?

You see a bug, it bites, and you scratch—end of the story, right? Well, with horse flies, there’s a bit more to it. Let’s answer a question that’s probably been bugging you (pun intended): What does a horsefly bite look like on a human?

It’s a fair question since horsefly bites are pretty distinctive. They usually start as a red spot that quickly turns into a raised welt. The area around the bite may feel hot and can be pretty painful. And here’s a fun (not really) fact: horse flies have blade-like mouthparts that cut into skin rather than piercing it, causing more discomfort than your average bug bite.

Why Do Horse Fly Bites Itch?

Why does a horse fly bite itch so much? When a horsefly bites, it injects saliva into the skin. This saliva contains compounds that prevent blood clotting, allowing the fly to feed. Unfortunately, our bodies don’t take kindly to these compounds, causing a reaction that results in inflammation and itchiness. So, it’s not just your imagination—horsefly bites do itch more than other insect bites!

Color Theory for Horse Flies – What Do They Dislike?

Let’s switch gears and talk about repelling these winged nuisances. What colors repel horse flies? Well, get out your brightest T; horseflies are less attracted to light colors and dislike white and yellow. So, if you’re planning a picnic or hike, dressing in these colors might help keep horseflies from giving you unwanted attention.

Horse Flies’ Pet Peeves – Exploiting Their Dislikes

We’ve covered colors; now let’s answer another burning question: What do horseflies hate the most? Surprisingly, it’s not your swatting hand but certain scents and substances.

Horse flies are repelled by smoke and certain scents like eucalyptus and citronella. Burning a citronella candle can be effective when you’re out and about. However, it’s important to note that while these methods may offer some relief, they’re not 100% foolproof.

Unmatched Protection with Barrier Pest Control

Now, we have come to the most effective way to manage horse flies and other pesky insects—professional pest control. At Barrier, we offer comprehensive services. Our team of experts can provide long-lasting solutions, ensuring these bothersome bugs won’t ruin your outdoor plans.

Making your home and outdoor areas inhospitable to horseflies takes expertise, and that’s where we shine. We don’t just get rid of the problem; we identify and address the factors that make your space attractive to pests in the first place. After all, prevention is better than cure.

Barrier provides professional, reliable, and effective pest management. You don’t have to tackle horseflies on your own. We’re here to help! Call us today at (208) 463-4533. Let us show you the Barrier difference.

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Give Us A Shot!

Because of who we are, our history, our commitment to the future, our guarantee, and the specific standards that we hold ourselves to, we are confident that you will want to do business with us. Give us a call at (208) 463-4533 to request a quote! We are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.

Service Area (Southwest Idaho)

Our pest control services are also available in Boise, Garden City, Eagle, Emmett, Meridian, Kuna, Nampa, Melba, Middleton, Star, Marsing, Homedale, Caldwell and Mountain Home.