If you’re like me, nothing is more frustrating than trying to enjoy a day by the pool and being constantly interrupted by horse flies. These pesky insects can make swimming and sunbathing a real challenge. But don’t worry! This post will share tips on how to get rid of horse flies around your pool. Let’s get started!
What Attracts Horseflies?
If you’ve ever gotten bitten by a horsefly, you know how painful and annoying it can be. But what exactly attracts these pesky insects?
It turns out that horseflies are attracted to both movement and heat. They have excellent eyesight and can spot their prey from far away.
Once they’ve zeroed in on a target, they charge at maximum speed, making it nearly impossible to outrun them. They are also attracted to the warmth of their prey’s bodies. That explains why they often bite humans who have been in the sun for a while.
Why Are Horseflies Dangerous?
While horseflies may look like harmless insects, they can be dangerous. Their large size and powerful mouthparts make them capable of delivering painful bites, and their razor-sharp claws can easily tear through flesh.
In addition, horseflies transmit various diseases, including Lyme disease and equine encephalitis.
Lyme disease is a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. This disease causes many symptoms: fever, rash, and joint pain.
Equine encephalitis is a virus that leads to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Both diseases can be serious and even fatal if left untreated.
How To Prevent Horsefly Invasions
Horseflies are attracted to the heat and sweat of humans and animals, which makes them a nuisance when trying to enjoy the outdoors.
The good news is that there are some things you can do to avoid being bitten and get rid of these pesky insects.
Clothing
If you’re going to be outdoors for an extended period, wear light-colored clothing. Horseflies are more likely to bite humans who are wearing dark clothes because they stand out more against the background.
Wearing loose-fitting long sleeves and pants can also help to keep horseflies away from your skin.
Repellents
There are several repellents on the market that can be effective in deterring horseflies. DEET is a common active ingredient in many insect repellents and is effective against horseflies.
Another option is to make your repellent by mixing essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender with water in a spray bottle.
Fans
Fans can be a helpful way to keep horseflies away from both humans and animals. The moving air will make it more difficult for them to fly and also make it harder for them to land on their target.
Tarpaulins
Tarpaulins can be placed over pools and other outdoor areas to keep horseflies away. The tarp will create a barrier the horseflies will have difficulty flying through.
Keep Them Away From Food
If you’re having an outdoor party or picnic, keep food and drinks covered as much as possible. Horseflies are attracted to the smell of food and can be quite aggressive when trying to get to it.
Keep the Area Clean
Horseflies are attracted to moist areas with rotting vegetation. Places full of debris will be found suitable as breeding grounds for these insects. By keeping the area clean, you can make it less attractive to these insects.
Fly Traps
There are several different types of fly traps on the market, but one of the most effective is the sticky trap.
These traps attract the horseflies with a sweet scent and then trap them on a sticky surface.
Predators
A natural way to get rid of horseflies is to introduce their predators into the area. Many different predators will eat horseflies, including dragonflies, bats, and birds.
If you have a pond on your property, consider stocking it with fish that will eat horsefly larvae.
How To Get Rid of Horse Flies Around Pool: Conclusion
Horseflies are known for their large size and annoying bite. They are often found near pools since they are attracted to the sound of running water.
Horseflies can be quite a nuisance, but there are ways to get rid of them. By using any or all of the methods mentioned in this article, you should be able to keep these pesky insects away from your skin – and your food! You may also be interested in finding out how to keep wasps away from your pool.