Horsefly Control Tips and Insights

Published On: January 21, 2016
Updated On: November 22, 2022

The Metropolitan Phoenix area is home to a diverse array of people from all corners of the globe. But the desert we call our own is also home to many kinds of horses and livestock that provide both service and recreational-based assistance to their human counterparts.

The plethora of ranches, stables, and equestrian venues, often located in residential communities and near businesses of all types, is precisely why horsefly control courtesy of professional Phoenix exterminators is so important.

In this blog on horsefly control, we will look at the following:

• What are horseflies?
• Why are horseflies pests?
• What attracts horseflies?
• Can you do your own horsefly management?

What are Horseflies?

Horseflies are some of the largest flies in the United States, not to be confused with house flies which are a separate species altogether. Some species grow to over an inch long with a 2+-inch wingspan. They are very heavy-bodied and usually black or brown in color. A horsefly is very distinct because of its size and the loud buzzing sound its wings emit as they flap.

The Horsefly’s life span is typically 30 to 60 days, with the life cycle consisting of egg, larva, pupa, and adult fly.

Why are Horseflies Pests?

Female horseflies are blood feeders, while the males feed on plant juices. The mouthparts of the female are like scissors. They use them to slash open the skin, thus causing the blood to flow with their saliva.

Horseflies’ bites are very painful and can be serious threats to the health of livestock and horses when they feed in large numbers. Painful horse fly bites from large populations can also:

• Reduce milk production from dairy cattle

• Cause infections in the muscle tissue of beef cattle

• Interfere with the grazing of cattle and horses

• Cause injury, as animals will run to escape them

Livestock blood loss can be significant where horseflies are numerous. Horse flies consume about one cc of blood at one meal. If there were 20 to 30 flies feeding for 6 hours, they would consume 20 teaspoons, which amounts to one quart of blood in just ten days.

Additionally, even though it is not as common as animal bites, horseflies have also been known to bite humans, causing painful and irritating lesions. These flies’ bites can be especially harmful in the case of allergic reactions.

Therefore, if you have horses or livestock, or if you work or live anywhere near someone who does, you owe it to yourself to have your home or business space treated for fly management and prevention.

What Attracts Horseflies?

• Standing water
• Shiny surfaces
• Animal feces
• Carbon Dioxide and fast movement
• Dark colors, mainly blue
• Warmth

DIY Horsefly Management

If any of the above are present, your home will likely attract flies. If you notice horseflies hanging around your house, there are a few DIY measures you can take to manage the issue.

Horse Care

If horseflies terrorize your livestock, you can utilize garments such as fly masks and fly sheets to protect their skin from being bitten.

Maintaining Environment

As noted earlier, horseflies are drawn to animal feces and standing water. Keeping your yard clean and free of leaks or moisture can keep flies and other insects away.

Insect Repellents

Bug sprays, citronella candles, and lighting torches use their scents and smoke to deter and reduce the fly population.

While these remedies can offer temporary relief, professional fly control programs are highly recommended to keep the pests away from your home and animals for good.

Horsefly Control Treatment with Insectek Pest

As established and trusted Phoenix exterminators, we have seen our fair share of horseflies and other species of fly infestations, and they are not a pretty sight.

We have also witnessed the damage horseflies can cause to humans and animals alike, ranging from one or two solitary painful bites to an all-out animal attack. This is why we want to help ensure you never need to see or deal with a horsefly invasion in your home or business space.

The professional, courteous, and proficient Phoenix exterminators at Insectek can help treat your home or business space to ensure that horseflies will not become a nuisance for humans and animals alike.

We know how vital livestock and animals are to the residents of the Valley of the Sun—personally, professionally, and otherwise. This is why we proudly provide our human and animal customers with the safest and most comprehensive horsefly control solutions every time.

Contact us to learn more or to schedule your appointment for service today.