Deer Flies are a common nuisance in Indiana during warmer months. They crave wet and humid conditions like we have been experiencing for much of early July.
Adult deer flies are about 1/2 inch long and have large eyes and distinctive wings marked with dark bands or patches. Their bites are painful and cause red swollen marks similar to ones left by mosquitos. Like mosquitos, they seek to suck the blood of their host. Despite their name, they do bite humans as well as deer.
Females lay eggs on vegetation over wetlands, ponds, marshes, and streams. Their maturation has been accelerated by the recent weather, and they have begun an infestation that is more noticeable than in recent years, according to Jeff Burbink of Purdue – Lagrange Extension.
In his July 6th column Burbrink writes, “Female deer flies commonly bite the head, neck, and shoulders of moving hosts, including humans. They locate their victims (animals and people) by detecting carbon dioxide, movement, and dark colors. There are no practical methods for controlling deer fly populations because larvae develop in natural wetlands. Insecticides and traps provide little long-term relief, and repellents offer only limited protection. When deer flies are abundant, the best defense is to wear long sleeves, long pants, and a hat, and avoid heavily infested areas whenever possible. We will be “blessed” by their presence for about a month.”…