A sunny day at the barn or a leisurely trail ride can quickly turn into an unpleasant experience when you suddenly find yourself swarmed by horse flies. These pesky insects seem to be more attracted to some people than others, leaving you to wonder: why are horse flies attracted to me? This article offers insight into what makes you an attractive meal for horse flies and provides useful tips to keep them at bay.
Why Are Horse Flies Attracted To Me Table of Contents
What are Horse Flies?
Horse flies are large, robust flies belonging to the family Tabanidae. They are notorious blood-suckers and are capable of delivering painful bites to both humans and animals. As their name suggests, they are often encountered around horses, but can also be found near cattle, water sources, and wooded areas.
Why are Horse Flies Attracted to You?
Horse flies are attracted by various factors including:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): Like many biting insects, horse flies are drawn to the carbon dioxide that humans and animals exhale. This is one of the primary ways they locate their targets.
- Body heat: Horse flies are attracted to the warmth that our bodies give off, making it easier for them to locate potential hosts.
- Dark colors: They are known to be more attracted to dark-colored clothing and objects, as dark colors can absorb more light and heat, making it more appealing to horse flies.
- Movement: Horse flies use visual cues to track down their prey. Fast-moving objects or individuals are more likely to catch their attention and prompt them to bite.
- Sweat: The moisture and the scent of sweat can also lure these blood-thirsty pests to you.
- Genetics: Some people naturally produce more attractive chemical compounds for horse flies than others, which could explain why certain individuals might seem more prone to being bitten.
How to Deter Horse Flies
While it’s difficult to avoid horse flies entirely, several measures can help minimize their presence and prevent painful bites, including:
1. Wear Light-Colored Clothing
As mentioned earlier, dark colors attract horse flies, so opt for light-colored clothing when spending time in horse fly-infested areas. Light colors also help to keep you cooler in warm weather.
2. Cover Up
Wear long sleeves, long pants, and hats to minimize skin exposure and provide a barrier against bites.
3. Use Insect Repellents
Apply a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or eucalyptus oil to exposed skin and clothing to deter horse flies from biting. Keep in mind that not all repellents work equally against horse flies, so make sure to choose one specifically designed for these pests.
4. Fan Yourself
Horse flies have trouble flying in windy conditions, so create a breeze by fanning yourself or using an electric fan if you’re sitting outside.
5. Install Fly Traps
Place horse fly traps around your yard or barn to catch and eliminate these pests. There are specific traps on the market designed for horse flies, which use visual lures and movement to entice flies into the trap.
Why Are Horse Flies Attracted To Me Example:
Jane, an avid equestrian, enjoys spending her weekends at the barn, riding and taking care of her horse. However, she has noticed that horse flies are almost always attracted to her, turning her relaxing afternoons into an itchy, uncomfortable ordeal. Jane decides to take action and implements several deterrent strategies. She swaps her dark jeans for light-colored riding pants and starts wearing long sleeves to cover her arms. Jane also invests in an insect repellent specifically designed for horse flies and makes sure to reapply as needed. In addition, she places several horse fly traps around the barn area to reduce their numbers. These combined efforts help keep the horse flies at bay, allowing Jane to enjoy her time at the barn in peace.
In conclusion, horse flies can be persistent and irritating pests, but by understanding what attracts them and taking measures to counteract these factors, you can minimize their impact and keep them at bay. If you have found this guide useful, don’t hesitate to share it with fellow horse owners and explore other resources on How to Own a Horse for more practical advice and information.
