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What are Biting Flies?

Biting flies feed on the blood of humans and other animals. By sucking blood they can transfer various diseases from one person to another. Biting flies contain many species and each species has its own specialty, feeding habit, habitat and life stages.

Types of Biting Flies Insects

There are numerous types of biting flies some of the important ones are as follows:

• Sand Flies: Sand flies are members of the insect order Diptera and undergo a complete development with egg, larva, pupa, and adult forms. The habitat of sand flies consists of salty marshes but some sand flies have been found in fresh water as well. The larvae of sand flies are found in mud, sand, springs, lakes, creeks, and in tree holes or slime-covered bark. These kinds of flies are temperature sensitive; hence animals with high blood temperatures attract these kinds of female flies. In addition to irritation caused by their bites these flies can be also responsible for some serious diseases.
• Black Flies: These are small and dark flies with a humpbacked appearance. These flies suck blood during the daytime. The life cycle of black flies consists of egg followed by formation of larvae which produces pupa and finally the adult fly is developed from the pupa. These flies puncture the skin with an irritating bite. In addition to the irritation these flies are responsible for some communicable diseases like malaria.
• Stable Fly: These kinds of flies have got sharp and piercing mouthparts which helps them in biting their host. The uniqueness of these kinds of flies is that both the male and female are involved in the biting process. This fly is a common pest of man and animals throughout the world. They can spread disease in animals but the evidence of the spread of diseases in humans due to stable fly has not been found. Stable flies breed in hay, grain, piles of moist weed or grass clippings, beaches, and manure.
• Horse Flies & Deer Flies: In both horse and deer flies females are the biters. The life cycle of both types of flies is nearly the same. These flies bite during the day time. Most species of horse and deer flies are aquatic or semi-aquatic in the immature stages. The eggs of biting flies are deposited in vegetation, or other moist areas. The eggs hatch in five to seven days which result in formation of larvae, many species feed on this insect larva. The larvae are developed into pupa from which the adult comes out. The life cycle varies from 70 days to 2 years for this insect.

Where are Biting Flies found in the US?

The habitat of biting flies shows that these species can be found throughout the country. Sand flies are predominant in beaches throughout the nation. Stable flies are predominant in pets and animals. Sand flies and horse flies are predominant in Florida. The best way to prevent flies from forming is to keep the surrounding area clean and not have any stagnant water nearby. The pets in the house should be properly vaccinated so that the flies cannot harm them. The major areas of the US which the biting flies are predominant are as follows:

• Western Alaska
• California
• American Southwest
• New England
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Mid Atlantic States

Why are Biting Flies bothersome?

Biting insects directly attack the blood of the human beings and animals and this may lead to serious diseases. During the course of biting the larva of the insect may be transmitted to the blood of an individual. This larva can be transmitted to the body and can cause serious health problems. In addition to these dangerous health effects, flies are annoying and bothersome when trying to enjoy a nice day outdoors.

Why use a Natural Insect Repellent for Biting Flies?

The hazardous biting flies can be repelled by using natural insect repellent products. Evergreen Products™ are made of pure natural bug repellent oil. They can be applied in various forms including wrist bands, hanging disks, or pin-on buttons. Our natural insect repelling products are DEET free, have no side effects and they can be used by anyone.