What do deer flies look like?
Adult deer flies grow to be about ¼-⅓ of an inch in length. They are light brown to gray in color with some species having yellow or black striping. Their clear wings may have darker colored banding or spots, and their antennae are a bit longer than their head.
A distinctive characteristic of this fly species are their large eyes which are brightly colored.
Are deer flies dangerous?
Yes, deer flies are considered to be a dangerous pest. Female deer flies feed on the blood of deer, horses, cows, and other vertebrate mammals including people.
The females of this species require the protein found in blood to create eggs. In addition to their bites being painful and leaving behind a large, red, uncomfortable welt (and possibly triggering an allergic reaction) deer flies transmit a variety of diseases and bacteria to people and animals including tularemia.
Why are deer flies on my property?
Deer flies live outside, preferring moist, sunny habitats like the areas found around streams, ponds, damp woodlands, and marshlands. They are also attracted to (and very problematic) on farms and other properties that house livestock, horses, and other animals.
Both males and females feed on plant pollen and nectar. This means that properties with an abundant amount of flowering vegetation could attract deer flies.
Deer flies are rarely found living inside homes. They may, however, enter accidentally through open windows or doors.
How do you get rid of deer flies?
The best way to control deer flies living and breeding on your property is to partner with a professional pest control company.
At Spencer Pest Services, we’ll work with you to create a pest control program that discourages deer flies and other pests. If you’re already infested with deer flies, we can help with treatment that is harmless to people and pests.
Contact us today to learn more about our pest control services in Greenville and throughout Upstate of South Carolina, northern Georgia, and North Carolina.
Deer fly prevention tips
Deer flies are a particularly difficult pest to prevent. They live and breed outside and have the potential to travel several miles in search of food and/or a blood meal. In addition to acquiring professional services, some things you can do to help avoid coming into contact with deer flies include:
- Wear an insect repellent when spending time outside.
- Avoid spending time outside when deer flies are most active, which is during the hottest part of the day.
- Remove overgrown vegetation from your property, and keep your grass cut short; deer flies hide in tall grasses and overgrown vegetation while waiting for a food source to happen by.
- To prevent deer flies from accidentally finding their way into your home, make sure all door and window screens are intact and do not leave doors open for long periods of time.
To see how Spencer Pest Services can control deer flies on your Greenville, Upstate of South Carolina, northern Georgia, or North Carolina property, call us today.