Horse flies are some of the most annoying pests found in our homes and yards. They can be incredibly pesky, and they’re also capable of transmitting diseases to humans and animals. Luckily, there are some simple and effective ways to get rid of horse flies and keep them away from your home. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of horse flies.
Identifying Horse Flies
The first step in getting rid of horse flies is to identify them. Horse flies are usually about an inch long and have patterned wings. They have a stout body and a wide head. They can be black, brown, gray, or even a greenish-yellow color. They also have large eyes that are usually a bright color. Horse flies can be distinguished from other types of flies by the way they fly – they tend to fly in a jerky, buzzing pattern.
Eliminating Breeding Sites
Horse flies breed in moist areas, so it’s important to eliminate any potential breeding sites around your home. Make sure to keep your lawn mowed and trim any tall grass or weeds. Make sure to remove any standing water, such as in puddles, flower pots, or birdbaths. You should also make sure to fix any leaking outdoor faucets or hoses. If you have a pond or other large body of water on your property, you should install a pond aerator to help keep the water moving and prevent the larvae from hatching.
Using Traps
Traps can be a great way to reduce the number of horse flies around your home. There are many different types of traps available, including sticky traps and light traps. Sticky traps are usually placed near windows or doors and are coated with a special adhesive that traps the flies when they try to land on it. Light traps use UV light to attract the flies, and once they land on the light, they’re trapped. Traps should be placed away from areas where people and pets frequent, as they can be dangerous if touched.
Using Insecticides
Insecticides can be effective in reducing the number of horse flies around your home. There are many different types of insecticides available, such as sprays, aerosols, dusts, and granules. When using insecticides, it’s important to read the label carefully and follow the directions. You should also make sure to keep children and pets away from the area while you’re applying the insecticide.
Preventing Horse Flies
The best way to get rid of horse flies is to prevent them from coming in the first place. Make sure to keep your home and yard free of potential breeding sites, such as standing water and tall grass. In addition, make sure to keep screens on windows and doors to prevent the flies from entering your home. Finally, you should regularly clean your home and yard to remove any potential food sources that may attract the flies.
Natural Repellents
There are also a number of natural repellents that can be used to keep horse flies away. Citronella, lavender, and peppermint oils can be used to make a natural repellent spray. You can also plant certain herbs and flowers, such as basil, marigolds, and chrysanthemums, to naturally repel the flies. Finally, you can purchase natural horse fly repellents, such as those containing DEET.
Getting Professional Help
If you’ve tried all of the above methods but still have a problem with horse flies, it may be time to call in a professional. Pest control companies have the knowledge and experience to effectively get rid of horse flies and keep them away. They’ll be able to assess your situation and recommend the best course of action to get rid of the pests.
Conclusion
Horse flies can be incredibly annoying and even dangerous, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to get rid of them. By identifying the horse flies, eliminating potential breeding sites, using traps, using insecticides, and using natural repellents, you can effectively get rid of horse flies and keep them away from your home. If you’ve tried all of the above methods and still have a problem with horse flies, it’s time to call in a professional pest control company.