Why do flies bite, and what can you do about it? Flies bite to feed on blood, and understanding why certain flies bite and how to prevent it is crucial for enjoying outdoor activities and protecting yourself and your animals. Flyermedia.net provides comprehensive insights into the types of biting flies, their habitats, and effective control methods. This knowledge empowers you to minimize your exposure to these pests and safeguard against potential health risks.
1. What Makes Some Flies Bite?
The primary reason some flies bite is to obtain blood meals necessary for reproduction. Female flies often require the protein and nutrients in blood to develop their eggs. This biting behavior is a key part of their life cycle, ensuring the continuation of their species.
Many people wonder, are there blood-sucking flies? Yes, several fly species are blood-suckers. According to research from the University of Florida, biting flies use specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin and extract blood. These mouthparts can be adapted for cutting, piercing, or sawing through the skin, depending on the species. These flies are highly sensitive to carbon dioxide, moisture, dark colors, movement, warmth, and perspiration, allowing them to quickly locate a host.
2. What Types of Flies Bite Humans and Animals?
Several types of flies are known to bite humans and animals, each with distinct characteristics and behaviors. Identifying these flies can help you understand the risks and implement appropriate preventive measures.
2.1 Deer Flies and Horse Flies (Tabanidae)
Deer flies and horse flies, belonging to the Tabanidae family, are notorious for their painful bites. Deer flies are medium-sized, typically yellow-brown to black with dark bands on their wings. Horse flies are larger, sometimes exceeding an inch in length, and can be entirely black or light brown with iridescent green eyes.
These flies are prevalent near streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps, where their larvae develop in aquatic environments. Both deer flies and horse flies use scissor-like mouthparts to cut into the skin and lap up the blood. The crude nature of this feeding method often results in a painful bite. Deer flies are also capable of transmitting diseases like tularemia, also known as rabbit fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tularemia can be acquired from contact with objects or infected animals, and occasionally from the bites of deer flies.
2.2 Stable Flies (Stomoxys Calcitrans)
Stable flies closely resemble house flies but can be distinguished by their pointed proboscis beneath the head, which they use to suck blood. These flies are about ¼-inch long and gray, with four dark stripes on their thorax.
Stable flies are most abundant in late summer and fall, and they can fly several miles to find hosts, including livestock, pets, and humans. They typically bite in the early morning or late afternoon, often attacking the ankles and causing a sharp, stabbing pain. According to Iowa State University Entomology, stable flies lay their eggs in rotting vegetable matter, such as haystacks, grass clippings, manure, and vegetation along shorelines. Eliminating these breeding sites is crucial for controlling stable fly populations.
2.3 Black Flies (Simuliidae)
Black flies, also known as buffalo gnats, are small, no more than 1/8-inch long, with broad wings and a humpbacked appearance. These flies thrive in moist environments and are commonly found near creeks and rivers, where their larvae attach to submerged stones.
Black flies can fly up to 10 miles in search of blood. While they do not transmit diseases to humans in the United States, their bites can cause significant swelling, bleeding, and itching, and can be slow to heal. In severe cases, large numbers of black fly bites can be life-threatening to livestock and even humans due to allergic reactions or blood loss. Black flies typically target the head and areas where clothing fits tightly.
2.4 Biting Midges (Ceratopogonidae)
Biting midges, also known as punkies, no-see-ums, or simply gnats, are extremely small, often no more than 1/32 of an inch long. Their tiny size allows them to penetrate standard window and door screens.
These pests are prevalent along the shores of oceans, lakes, ponds, and rivers, and they bite during the day or at night. The larvae of biting midges live in moist sand or soil, rotting vegetation, tree holes, and other damp environments. According to the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, controlling biting midges can be challenging due to their small size and diverse breeding habitats.
2.5 Sand Flies (Psychodidae)
Sand flies are related to non-biting drain flies. The larvae are tiny and worm-like, living in moist decaying plant matter, moss, mud, or water. Adult sand flies are long-legged, no more than 1/8-inch long, hairy, and brown to gray, with wings that form a “V” shape when at rest.
Most sand fly species feed on the blood of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians at night. In many parts of the world, including southern Texas in the United States, certain sand fly species are suspected of transmitting cutaneous leishmaniasis, a disfiguring protozoan disease of humans.
3. What Attracts Biting Flies to Humans?
Biting flies are attracted to humans through a combination of factors. Understanding these attractants can help you reduce your risk of being bitten.
3.1 Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a primary attractant for many biting flies. Flies are highly sensitive to the carbon dioxide exhaled by humans and animals, using it to locate potential hosts from a distance.
3.2 Moisture and Perspiration
Moisture and perspiration also attract biting flies. The moisture on your skin, especially when combined with the salts and other compounds in sweat, creates an appealing environment for these pests.
3.3 Dark Colors and Movement
Dark colors and movement can make you more visible to biting flies. Dark clothing absorbs more heat and contrasts more sharply with the surrounding environment, making you an easier target. Similarly, movement attracts their attention.
3.4 Warmth
Warmth is another significant attractant. Biting flies are drawn to the body heat of humans and animals, which helps them locate a suitable blood source.
4. What Diseases Can Biting Flies Transmit?
Biting flies can transmit various diseases to humans and animals. While the risk of disease transmission varies depending on the fly species and geographic location, it’s essential to be aware of the potential health risks.
4.1 Tularemia
Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted by deer flies. The disease can cause fever, skin ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes. According to the CDC, tularemia can be treated with antibiotics, but early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications.
4.2 Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a protozoan disease transmitted by sand flies. The disease can cause skin sores (cutaneous leishmaniasis) or affect internal organs (visceral leishmaniasis). Leishmaniasis is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, but cases have been reported in the United States, particularly in southern Texas.
4.3 Bluetongue Virus
Bluetongue virus is a disease that primarily affects livestock, such as sheep and cattle, and is transmitted by biting midges. While bluetongue virus does not directly affect humans, it can cause significant economic losses for farmers.
4.4 Other Diseases
In addition to the diseases listed above, biting flies can transmit other pathogens, including viruses and parasites. While these diseases may be less common, it’s important to take precautions to avoid bites and protect your health.
5. Where Are Biting Flies Most Commonly Found?
Biting flies are commonly found in various environments, particularly those with moist conditions and abundant vegetation. Knowing where these flies are most prevalent can help you avoid them.
5.1 Near Bodies of Water
Many biting flies, such as deer flies, horse flies, biting midges, and black flies, breed near bodies of water, including streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps. The larvae of these flies often develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments, making these areas prime habitats for adult flies.
5.2 Areas with Decaying Vegetation
Stable flies and sand flies often breed in areas with decaying vegetation, such as piles of hay, straw, grass clippings, and manure. These materials provide a suitable environment for larval development.
5.3 Woodlands and Forests
Woodlands and forests can harbor various biting flies, particularly those that feed on wildlife. These areas provide shelter and breeding grounds for flies that may also bite humans.
5.4 Coastal Regions
Coastal regions are often home to biting midges and sand flies, which thrive in the moist, sandy environments along the shoreline. These flies can be particularly troublesome during the warmer months.
6. When Are Biting Flies Most Active?
Biting flies are most active during specific times of the day and year, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Understanding these activity patterns can help you minimize your exposure.
6.1 Peak Biting Times
Many biting flies, such as deer flies and stable flies, are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. These times of day often coincide with cooler temperatures and higher humidity, which are favorable for fly activity.
6.2 Seasonal Variations
The abundance of biting flies can vary significantly throughout the year. In general, biting flies are most prevalent during the warmer months, from spring to fall. During the winter, fly populations typically decline due to cold temperatures and reduced breeding activity.
6.3 Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can also influence biting fly activity. Hot, humid weather can increase fly activity, while windy conditions may reduce it. Additionally, some flies are more active on cloudy days, while others prefer sunny conditions.
7. How Can You Prevent Biting Fly Bites?
Preventing biting fly bites involves a combination of personal protection measures and environmental management strategies. Here are some effective methods:
7.1 Use Insect Repellents
Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) can effectively deter biting flies. Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing, following the product label instructions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these repellents are safe and effective when used as directed.
7.2 Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing heavy-duty, light-colored clothing, including long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and hats, can provide a physical barrier against biting flies. Light-colored clothing is less attractive to flies than dark clothing.
7.3 Avoid Peak Biting Times and Habitats
Minimize your exposure to biting flies by avoiding peak biting times and habitats. Stay indoors during early morning and late afternoon, and avoid areas near bodies of water and decaying vegetation.
7.4 Use Mosquito Netting
Mosquito netting can provide protection in areas with high fly populations. Use netting over beds, strollers, and outdoor seating areas to create a barrier against biting flies.
7.5 Install and Maintain Screens
Ensure that windows and doors are fitted with screens to prevent flies from entering your home. Repair any holes or tears in the screens to maintain their effectiveness.
7.6 Use Fans
Fans can help keep small areas free of flies, especially smaller species whose flight is affected by air currents. Place fans in outdoor seating areas to create a less hospitable environment for flies.
8. How Can You Manage Biting Fly Populations?
Managing biting fly populations requires a combination of sanitation, exclusion, and pesticide application strategies.
8.1 Sanitation
Sanitation is an important method of controlling some biting flies. Eliminate potential breeding sites by disposing of decaying vegetation, such as hay, straw, grass clippings, and manure. Keep yards and gardens clean and well-maintained.
8.2 Exclusion
Exclusion methods, such as installing and maintaining screens on windows and doors, can prevent flies from entering structures. Replace standard household screens with finer mesh screens to keep out the tiniest biting flies.
8.3 Pesticide Application
Pesticide application can be used to control biting fly populations, but it should be done judiciously and in accordance with label instructions. Ultra-low volume (ULV) treatments and space sprays can be used to kill flies on contact, but these materials quickly decompose and provide limited residual protection.
Residual pesticides can be used to spray surfaces where flies are resting, such as vegetation, the walls of barns, and the exterior walls of houses. Larviciding, the application of pesticides designed to kill fly larvae, can be used in areas with stagnant water, such as ditches, lagoons, and catch basins.
9. What Should You Do If You Get Bitten by a Fly?
If you get bitten by a fly, there are several steps you can take to relieve the symptoms and prevent infection.
9.1 Wash the Bite Area
Wash the bite area with soap and water to remove any bacteria or debris. This can help prevent infection.
9.2 Apply a Cold Compress
Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the bite area to reduce swelling and itching.
9.3 Use Anti-Itch Cream
Apply an over-the-counter anti-itch cream, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream, to relieve itching.
9.4 Take Antihistamines
Take an oral antihistamine to reduce itching and allergic reactions.
9.5 Monitor for Signs of Infection
Monitor the bite area for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or increased pain. If you develop any of these symptoms, seek medical attention.
10. Where Can You Find More Information About Biting Flies?
For more information about biting flies, you can consult various resources, including government agencies, universities, and online databases. Flyermedia.net is your go-to resource for all things aviation, but for information on fly bites, consider these resources:
10.1 Government Agencies
Government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provide valuable information about biting flies and disease prevention.
10.2 Universities
Universities with entomology departments often conduct research on biting flies and provide educational resources for the public. Contact your local agricultural extension office for information about biting flies in your area.
10.3 Online Databases
Online databases, such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), provide access to scientific literature on biting flies and related topics.
By understanding Why Flies Bite, the types of flies that bite, and how to prevent bites, you can protect yourself and your animals from these pests. Remember to use insect repellents, wear protective clothing, avoid peak biting times and habitats, and manage biting fly populations through sanitation, exclusion, and pesticide application.
Looking to soar to new heights in your aviation career? Flyermedia.net offers a wealth of information to help you take off. Discover top flight schools, stay updated on the latest aviation news, and explore exciting job opportunities. Visit flyermedia.net today and start your journey towards a successful future in the skies. flyermedia.net – Your gateway to aviation excellence.
