As summer cycles to a close, pest problems are on the rise. The oppressive heat that hits the Sunshine State around this time of year is a blessing. Not only do we get to have our beaches and our BBQs, but we also get a break from the worst of our flying pests. But now that fall is right around the corner, it’s time to talk about Tampa biting fly control.
Tampa Biting Fly Control: Overview
If you’ve lived in the swamplands of the southeast U.S. for long enough, you know it’s a haven for bugs. Not just bugs, but pests. And even then, not just pests- but parasites! The humid weather and year-round warmth make a perfect breeding ground for all things that walk and fly and drink our blood. And one of these groups of parasites are the biting flies.
Now, this is not to be confused with the common filth breeding flies. This category of flying pests is more of a nuisance than anything, though they can become vectors for disease in the right conditions. No, today we’re discussing the various species of Tampa biting fly and the methods to control the same.
These are pests that feed on blood, and all of their bites are painful and break out into itchy red spots. The flies we’ll be discussing on this list are also prolific spreaders of disease, both to humans and livestock. Almost every species on this list is a water-breeding pest, which is why Florida is one of the hardest-hit states every year when they start to amass in large numbers. But, the best thing you can do is to be informed. That’s the case with all pest issues, really. So let’s start from the top, and discuss a few ways for you to recognize each of these species of parasite.
No-See-ums
No-see-ums are one of the most voracious pests on this list. The adults are weak fliers that are about a sixteenth of an inch long, dark gray or black in color, and have one pair of spotted wings. They can breed in tree holes, marshes, and freshwater. Their greatest period of activity is late summer and into early fall.
Also known as sandflies, you’ll likely feel the bite of this parasite before you can see them. An incredibly small pest, they feed mostly on still days and in the early morning and evening. One of the best methods of control that you can do as a layman is to make sure your door and window screens are 16 mesh or smaller. Fans are also a great way to blow this pest off of your body, as they’re weak fliers like I mentioned above. That doesn’t mean that they won’t have you running for Tampa biting fly control, though!
Horseflies
Next on our list is one of the most famous of the biting flies. And that’s probably due to its intimidating size. Horse flies are some of the most aggressive biting flies out there. Not only that but their bites are known to be very painful. They have sharp, blade-like mouthparts that tear flesh open.
But back to their size for a moment. They’re some of the largest flies you’ll see in the U.S. Adults range from half an inch to an inch and a half in size! They vary in coloration from grey to black, to brown. This fly also has two wings that are darker than most. An easy way to identify this pest is if you have any sort of livestock or wild animals around your property. If you see a large, dark-colored fly doing their best to bite one of these, you’re probably dealing with a horse fly.
Horseflies are most active in the mid to late summer and hang around warm and humid areas. So basically, the whole state is a playground for this pest.
This pest needs a large amount of blood to produce its eggs. Because of this, they tend to feed and live around humans and their livestock.
Deer Fly
While this species peaks in the mid summer, they’ll stick around into the early fall as well. Another water breeder, this is a fly species that frequent swamps, wetlands, and any woodlands around sources of water. Also known as the Marsh Fly, Sheep Fly, and Salt Marsh Greenhead, the Deer Fly is a voracious biter of humans. Even more so than the horse fly above, the deer fly will attack you without relenting. It was this species that motivated me to write about Tampa biting fly control to begin with!
The saliva of this species contains an anti-clotting agent to keep you bleeding for longer. So if you have an allergy to anticoagulants, you are could have a severe reaction to the bite of one of these creatures. The bitten sites also swell and itch, so avoiding scratching is important as it could lead to infection of the wound.
To identify this species, look out for your eyes! I mean it. These are one of the few parasitic pests that will dive-bomb directly into your face for a feed. They’re usually only about a quarter of an inch in length. Their color ranges from a light brown to a vibrant yellow, and they will attack the same host repeatedly until they successfully land their bite.
Biting Fly Control: What Can You Do?
As with most pests, Florida’s biting flies are rarely something that can be handled by the average joe. The best thing you can do is contact a pest control specialist, especially one that uses natural methods since chemical controls can be easily misused and lead to harm to yourself, your family, or your property.
Otherwise, take similar actions that you would take to keep mosquitoes from breeding in your yard. Removing trash, standing water, and viable places to breed is always a good first step. And make sure all of your screens on your windows and doors are in good condition, otherwise, these biters can squeeze straight through.
