Tips to Control Horse Flies

Horse flies are one of the world’s largest flies that are known for their painful bite, their natural habitat includes bogs, shallow lakes, swamps, brushy or low laying areas near streams, creeks ponds, saltwater marshes, and tanks that provide damp soils in which the immature stages develop. Horse flies prefer to fly in sunlight but avoid areas that are shady or dark, the adult flies are stronger fliers, the female usually lays her eggs on wet soil, or vegetation that overhangs the water or around large mammals for example deer, cattle, and horses.

Once the eggs hatch the larvae have the appearance of house fly maggots and are very active in moist or wet organic matter, the larva goes through an additional stage (pupal stage) before reaching adulthood. The lifecycle of these flies is 30-60 days.

How to Identify a Horse Fly

Horse flies are either pale yellow, gray, or black with stout bodies that measure anywhere from ¾ to 1 ¼ inches in length, their legs are usually long and slender, and they end in sharp claws which they use to grip onto their host while feeding. Horse flies possess large compound eyes that are either black or green. Why do Horses Bite?

Horse flies attack and bite humans and large animals for their blood; they use that blood to develop their eggs.

What are Horse flies Attracted to

Besides moist soil and standing water, horse flies are attracted to the smell of manure, sweat, blood, carbon dioxide, temperature, skin texture, scent, and movement.

How do Horse Flies Affect Horses

• Horse fly bites can cause skin irritation or welting of the skin.
• Horse flies can become a nuisance to horses causing them to stamp their hoof excessively leading to damage.
• Transmit disease and viruses.
• A horse flies loud flying sounds can cause horses to run and buck.

How to Protect Horses from Horse Flies

• Use products to protect your horse, citronella spray, leggings, or leg bands.
• Because horse flies love the heat ensure that horse barns remain cool with the addition of a fan, to keep horse flies away while keeping the horses cool.
• Horse fly nets and screens can be used as a protective measure, place nets screens on barn doors and over windows or cracks to keep flies out.
•  Grass should be kept cut at low levels always to prevent the female from laying her eggs.
• Use fly sheets and masks on your horses.
• Install a physical barrier between your horses and horse flies.

How to Avoid Horse Fly Bite When It Comes to Humans.

There are several ways to avoid horse fly bite, here is what to do.

• When outdoors wear long sleeve shirt and pants.
• Horse flies are attracted to dark colors, wearing light-colored clothing may help to keep horse flies away. Also the application of repellants to your clothing as extra measure to keep horse flies at bay, repellants should contain DEET, picaridin, citronella, geraniol, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

How to Keep Horse Flies Out of Your House

• Keep horse flies out of your house by ensuring that door screens (no tear) and window screens are in good repair.
• Avoid leaving doors open for too long.
• Treat doors and windows that act as and entry point for horse flies with Ortho® Home Defense Max® Indoor Insect Killer with Extended Reach Comfort Wand®.

How to Deter Horse Flies from Your Yard

• Because horse flies love water make sure to empty containers outdoors that collect rainwater, remove containers, or turn them upside down, water should always be emptied from the saucers of outdoor potted plants.
• Make sure that your outdoor garbage holding area is kept clean, trash should not be on the ground but placed in the trash bin that has tight-fitted lids to keep out horse flies, rats, mice, and other rodents.
• Remove water from the center cup of plants that collect water with a turkey baster.
• Clean up pet feces because horse flies are attracted to animal feces.
• Uneven areas of your yard where water collects or area that have depressions should be be filled in with soil and level.
• Repair any leaky pipes or faucets.
• Treat the premier of your house, your landscape, and your lawn with pesticides to control horse flies, some of these products include Ortho® Bugclear™ Insect Killer For Lawns & Landscapes or Ortho® BugClear™ Insect Killer For Lawns & Landscapes Ready-To-Spray.

10 FAQs About How To Get Rid Of Horse Flies

1. What exactly are horse flies, and why are they such a problem?

Horse flies are large, fast-flying insects with sharp mouthparts that can bite painfully—especially livestock and even people. Unlike mosquitoes, they cut the skin to feed on blood, which makes their bites extra irritating. They’re not just annoying—they can also stress animals and spread germs.

2. Why are horse flies always around my barn, pool, or pasture?

Horse flies love warm, wet areas, especially near ponds, creeks, marshes, or anywhere there’s livestock or standing water. If you’ve got shady areas, manure, or moist soil, chances are you’ve created a horse fly hotspot without realizing it.

3. Can horse flies bite humans, or do they only bother animals?

Yes—they absolutely bite humans! And trust us, you’ll feel it when they do. Horse fly bites can cause swelling, itching, and in rare cases, allergic reactions. Wearing light-colored clothing and using repellents can help you avoid becoming a target.

4. What’s the fastest way to get rid of horse flies outdoors?

Use a combination of tools:

• Sticky traps and baited fly traps around barns or patios

• Fly sprays approved for outdoor use

• Regular clean-up of manure and moist debris
  They’re tough to eliminate completely, but these steps will drastically cut their numbers.

5. Are there any natural ways to repel horse flies?

Yes! Essential oils like eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, and peppermint can repel horse flies when used in a spray. You can mix a few drops with water and apply it to your skin or around problem areas. Keep in mind that natural repellents need to be reapplied more often than chemical ones.

6. How do horse fly traps work, and do they really help?

They sure do! Most horse fly traps mimic movement and heat, which attracts the flies. Once they land, they get trapped on sticky surfaces or inside jars. Placing these traps around sunny, open areas where horse flies are active can make a big difference.

7. Do horse flies lay eggs in my yard or water sources?

Yes—they lay eggs near wet soil, muddy areas, or along pond edges. One female can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, so controlling moisture, drainage, and standing water is key to stopping future generations before they start.

8. Is there a repellent I can use for my horses or dogs?

Yes—there are specially-formulated equine and pet-safe sprays that help repel horse flies without irritating your animal’s skin. Look for repellents labeled for use on livestock or pets, and avoid spraying near the eyes or open wounds.

9. What time of day are horse flies most active?

They’re usually most aggressive during the day, especially in the mid-morning to late afternoon heat. They love bright, sunny weather and are less active at night or when it’s cooler. That’s why animals tend to swish their tails a lot during the hottest part of the day!

10. Should I call pest control for horse flies, or can I handle it myself?

If the infestation is mild, DIY traps, sprays, and prevention usually do the trick. But if you’re overwhelmed—especially on large properties or farms—it’s worth calling a professional. Pest control pros can apply treatments to breeding zones you might not notice.

Conclusion

Horse flies can become a nuisance especially when the weather becomes warm during the summer months and persists into fall, this is the time of year when they are most active. As said the reduction of standing water outdoors will reduce their presence or even keep them at bay. Following this guide will bring horse fly control.