Horse flies are the uninvited guests that can quickly ruin any outdoor adventure. Their aggressive buzzing, the sting of their bites, and their sheer persistence are enough to send anyone running for cover. Unlike mosquitoes that might bite unnoticed, horse flies are bold and relentless, making them a significant nuisance for anyone trying to enjoy the outdoors. If you’re constantly swatting and shielding yourself, you’re probably asking the crucial question: What Repels Horse Flies effectively? The good news is, you don’t have to surrender your summer to these biting pests. Over time, outdoor enthusiasts and experts have discovered a range of methods to repel – or at least deter – these flies. From simple changes in attire to clever traps and behavioral strategies, there are practical ways to minimize your encounters with horse flies. Let’s dive into nine expert-backed methods to help you keep horse flies away and reclaim your outdoor enjoyment.
Effective Repellents and Deterrents
1. Liquid Insect Repellents: DEET and Essential Oils
While horse flies primarily hunt by sight, scent-based repellents can still offer a degree of protection. The effectiveness of liquid insect repellents is a subject of ongoing discussion, but some evidence suggests they can be helpful. According to Lee Townsend, an extension entomologist at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, man-made repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) can provide “several hours of protection” against both deer flies and horse flies. DEET works by interfering with the insects’ receptors, making it harder for them to locate you.
For those seeking natural alternatives, certain essential oils are rumored to have repellent properties. Mixtures containing peppermint, citronella, and lavender are often cited as natural deterrents. While scientific backing may be less robust than for DEET, anecdotal evidence suggests some success. If you’re interested in trying this approach, recipes using these essential oils are readily available online.
A person effectively using insect repellent, a key strategy in understanding what repels horse flies during outdoor activities.
2. The Power of Dryer Sheets
An unexpected household item, dryer sheets, have emerged as a potential horse fly repellent. Outdoor enthusiasts have reported that the strong, soapy scent emanating from dryer sheets can ward off these persistent pests. The method of application varies; some individuals rub dryer sheets directly onto their skin and clothing, while others tuck them into hats or pockets. While concrete scientific evidence specifically targeting horse flies is limited, a 2010 study did find that Bounce dryer sheets effectively repelled fungus gnats. This suggests that the strong fragrance might indeed disrupt the sensory mechanisms of certain flying insects, including horse flies. The convenience and accessibility of dryer sheets make them a worthwhile, albeit unconventional, option to explore when considering what repels horse flies.
Dryer sheets, a surprising yet anecdotal remedy, are explored for their potential in understanding what repels horse flies during outdoor excursions.
Clothing Strategies to Avoid Horse Fly Bites
3. Light Colors: A Less Attractive Target
Horse flies are visually oriented hunters, and color plays a role in their attraction. Research and observations indicate that they are particularly drawn to dark colors, especially blue. Conversely, they appear less interested in lighter shades and white. This color preference can be leveraged to your advantage when choosing outdoor attire.
Entomologist Howard Russell from Michigan State University noticed this phenomenon firsthand. He observed large numbers of horse flies swarming the black side mirrors of his white pick-up truck, while largely ignoring the white vehicle body itself. By opting for light-colored clothing, you can make yourself less visually appealing to horse flies, reducing your chances of becoming a target.
Choosing light-colored clothing as a tactical approach to minimize attraction, a key element in understanding what repels horse flies.
4. Hats: Shielding Your Head
Covering up with clothing is a fundamental defense against biting flies, and when it comes to horse flies, your head should be a primary focus. “Always wear a hat,” advises entomologist Russell, highlighting the importance of headwear in deterring these pests. Horse flies are known to be attracted to the back of the head and will even burrow into hair to reach the scalp for a bite.
Wearing a hat creates a physical barrier, preventing them from accessing the top of your head. A hat with a brim offers even greater protection, potentially shielding your face, ears, and neck from persistent flies. For anyone spending time outdoors in horse fly territory, a hat is not just a fashion accessory but essential protective gear in understanding what repels horse flies from biting.
Wearing a hat as a protective measure, demonstrating a practical method of what repels horse flies from targeting the head and scalp.
5. Sticky Hat Traps: Active Fly Catchers
For a more proactive approach to dealing with horse flies, consider turning your hat into a fly trap. While it might not be a fashion statement, a sticky hat can be remarkably effective at capturing these persistent pests. Entomologist Russell recommends applying a sticky substance called Tree Tanglefoot to the back of a hat. This creates an adhesive surface that horse flies get stuck to when they land.
Russell recounts his experience: “Then I just put it on and walk around the garden. Pretty soon I have 50-60 flies on it.” This method directly targets the horse flies that are attracted to your head, turning you into a walking fly trap. If you’re serious about reducing horse fly encounters, especially in heavily infested areas, a sticky hat is a highly effective, albeit unconventional, strategy in discovering what repels horse flies – by trapping them instead!
Behavioral and Environmental Strategies
6. Minimize Movement: Stillness as Invisibility
Horse flies are attracted to movement, according to entomologist Howard Russell. This behavioral trait provides another tactic for avoidance: staying still. By minimizing your movements, you might become less noticeable to these visually hunting flies. While it’s not always practical to remain completely motionless outdoors, reducing rapid movements, especially in areas with high horse fly populations, could help you escape their attention. This simple behavioral adjustment can be a subtle yet effective way to influence what repels horse flies from noticing you.
7. Outdistance Them: Keep Moving
While sudden movements attract horse flies, continuous movement can also be a strategy to escape them. Horse flies, despite being fast fliers, can be territorial and may give up pursuit after a certain distance. “They can be quite territorial,” explains Jim Dill, a pest management specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. “As you’re walking along, one fly can bounce around your head and after you’ve gone 10 to 15 feet, oftentimes it will leave you.”
While you can’t outrun them in a sprint, maintaining a steady pace – whether hiking, biking, or paddling – can help you move out of their immediate territory. The downside is that another fly might find you soon enough, but in the short term, keeping moving can offer temporary relief and is a factor in understanding what repels horse flies persistent attacks.
8. Avoid Water: Their Breeding Grounds
Understanding the horse fly life cycle can inform your avoidance strategies. Horse flies begin their lives as larvae in muddy areas, often along pond edges, streambanks, and in wetlands. Adult flies tend to be more prevalent near these breeding grounds. Therefore, minimizing your time spent near bodies of water, especially still or slow-moving water with muddy edges, can reduce your exposure to horse flies. Choosing drier trails and picnic spots further away from water sources can be a practical way to naturally reduce encounters, effectively avoiding areas what repels horse flies from you by simply not being there in large numbers.
9. The Tall Friend Strategy: A Humorous Diversion
This last tip is presented with a touch of humor, but it’s based on an observed behavior. Horse flies tend to swarm the highest point of a moving object. The implication? If you are walking with someone taller than you, the flies might be more attracted to your companion. While not a foolproof or particularly considerate strategy, it’s an interesting anecdote that highlights their swarming behavior. Perhaps consider inviting a tall friend on your next outdoor excursion – for purely scientific reasons, of course! While not truly what repels horse flies, it might redirect them, offering you some respite.
Conclusion: Reclaim Your Outdoors from Horse Flies
Dealing with horse flies can be frustrating, but by understanding their behavior and employing these expert-backed methods, you can significantly reduce their impact on your outdoor experiences. From utilizing insect repellents and strategic clothing choices to adjusting your behavior and environment, there are multiple layers of defense available. Experiment with these techniques to discover what repels horse flies most effectively for you in your specific outdoor settings. With a bit of preparation and the right strategies, you can take back your yard, trails, and outdoor adventures from these persistent biting flies and enjoy the summer season to the fullest.
