Biting Flies
From Bugwoodwiki
Hazards of the Outdoors
Written by Terry Price, Georgia Forestry Commission
Adapted for the web by the Bugwood Network
Deer, stable, and horse flies are bloodsuckers that can cause grief and misery to humans, pets and livestock when they bite. They usually buzz incessantly around the head. Reports from foresters working in coastal areas have described deer fly swarms so thick that they actually ingested flies when trying to breath. One woods crew had to wrap handkerchiefs over their mouths to keep from ingesting the obnoxious, persistent blood- suckers. Most species inhabit moist areas rich in organic matter. Most human reactions resulting from fly bites are initial pain, local irritation and swelling. Large local and systemic reactions do occur in hypersensitive people.
 Photo by Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, , Bugwood.org Figure 41 |
Deer flies, yellow flies, and horse flies are collectively called Tabanids (Figure 41). Many of the Tabanids have large, brilliantly colored eyes. Over 3000 species occur worldwide. Deer flies prefer wet breeding sites and horse flies prefer wet soil near water. Tabanids depend on vision and odors to detect hosts. Carbon dioxide emissions from humans and animals are probably the single most attracting element to many Tabanids. Feeding varies with species. Some Tabinids attack the upper parts of walking man and others prefer the lower limbs, however, most are day biters.
Stable flies resemble house flies. They are day-biting flies and are numerous during summer and autumn around domestic animals. Stable flies are vicious biters often flying from host to host until their appetites are whetted. This habit of flying to many hosts makes them potential vectors of organisms causing diseases in humans. They will take blood from many animals including rats, cattle, horses, rabbits and man. They often bite man around the ankles causing many wheals.
Black flies are minute, stout bodied and humpbacked. Preferred habitats are wooded coves along fast flowing streams. The larvae are aquatic and feed on microscopic organic material in streams. Black flies swarm mainly in the early morning and evenings oftentimes completely surrounding people who are unfortunate enough to be in close proximity. Long distance host finding begins with flies detecting odors upwind. As they near the host, they orient to carbon dioxide emissions and within six feet they use vision. Black flies can discriminate between colors often preferring black, blue and green. These flies are more common in hilly and mountainous areas where shallow, fast flowing streams occur. The bites from black flies can be very irritating. Many bites are the rule and not the exception. A small, bloody spot develops at each bite site and itching is intense. Headaches, nausea and swelling of lymph nodes are common reactions. Severe systemic reactions may occur.
Biting midges also known as “no-see-ums” or “punkies,” are tiny gnats that bite fiercely. A common species resembles a pepper speck on the skin, thus the name “no-see-ums”. The larvae develop in water logged soils high in organic matter.
Prevention and Treatment of Bites
Wear loose fitting clothing to prevent midge bites. Always wear long pants and long sleeved shirts when outdoors in fly infested areas. Swelling is a common symptom associated with numerous black fly and midge bites. Rings and other snug fitting jewelry should be removed. Repellents containing DEET are very effective in repelling most biting flies. Always read the label before applying repellents. Bites should be cleansed with soap and water. Topical antihistamine lotions and antibiotic ointments are helpful in reducing discomforts from fly bites.
