Are you tired of dealing with pesky deer flies swarming around your yard this summer? Whether they’re tormenting your outdoor pets or leaving itchy bites on your skin, deer flies can be a nuisance.
While it isn’t easy to completely eliminate these small flying pests from an area, there are steps you can take to reduce their numbers and minimize the risk of being bitten.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some tried-and-true strategies of how to get rid of deer flies in your yard. Pests can be an annoying problem, especially when you’re spending time outside in your yard and a swarm of deer flies appears.
Not only are they persistent pests that follow wherever you go, but their bite can be incredibly painful too! If these uninvited guests have been ruining your time spent in the fresh air, then you’ve come to the right place.
Here we’ll provide some insight on how to tackle this irritating issue effectively – from preventing them by reducing potential breeding areas to using insecticides as a last resort. So keep reading if you’d like to learn more about getting rid of pesky deer flies for good!
What Causes Deer Flies in Yard?
1. Food Sources
One of the main reasons deer flies may inhabit your yard is that there are food sources available. These include but are not limited to, rotting fruits and vegetables, pet droppings, and even bird feeders.
2. Breeding Sites
If standing water or moisture is present in your yard, it can create the perfect breeding environment for deer flies. Any type of marshy area, puddles, or even wet debris can become home to deer fly larvae.
3. Attractants
Deer flies may also be drawn in by certain attractants like fragrances and lights. You might consider avoiding the use of heavily scented products or leaving outdoor lighting on for extended periods if there is a deer fly problem in your yard.
10 Ways About How to Get Rid of Deer Flies in Your Yard
Once you’ve identified the cause of your deer fly problem, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce or eliminate them from your yard.
1. Remove Food Sources
One of the ways you can help reduce the deer fly population in your yard is by removing any attractants that might be drawing them in. Remove open sources of food, such as pet food dishes and bird feeders. Keeping garbage cans sealed tightly will also help to discourage feeding deer flies.
2. Use Insecticides
Using insecticides around your home and yard can help reduce the population of deer flies. Choose products that are specifically designed to control and kill flying insects, such as pyrethrin-based or synergized permethrin insecticides.
3. Use Traps
If you’re looking for a more natural way to get rid of deer flies, setting up traps can be an effective solution. There are a variety of different types of traps available, such as sticky traps and bait traps. Sticky traps are especially helpful because they can capture both adult and larval deer flies.
4. Use Fly Repellents
Using fly repellents around your yard is an easy way to help reduce the number of deer flies that are present. Look for products that contain citronella oil or other natural insect repellents. These can be sprayed directly onto the area where deer flies are present or into the air around your yard.
5. Install Fans
Installing fans in areas where deer flies tend to gather can be an effective way of getting rid of them. The fan will create a breeze that helps to disperse the fly population and keep them away from your yard.
6. Plant Garlic
Planting garlic around your yard is a great way to help deter deer flies from entering the area. The smell of garlic acts as a natural repellent and can help keep the pests away. Also, garlic is a great natural insect repellent for other pests as well.
7. Remove Decaying Plant Material
Deer flies are attracted to decaying plant material, so it’s important to keep your yard free from any rotting vegetation or debris. This includes fallen leaves, overgrown grass clippings, and twigs.
Make sure to remove any of these items regularly so that deer flies don’t have a place to breed and gather.
8. Use Natural Predators
Another way you can help get rid of deer flies from your yard is by introducing natural predators. To do this, you can attract birds such as swallows, which feed on adult deer flies and their larvae. Bats are also natural predators of deer flies and can help to reduce the population in your yard.
9. Keep Your Yard Clean
Keeping your yard clean is another great way to reduce the number of deer flies that might be present. Make sure to mow your grass regularly and keep it trimmed short, as taller grass can provide a suitable habitat for these pests.
10. Use Light Traps
Finally, light traps can be an effective way to reduce the deer fly population in your yard. These traps use ultraviolet light to attract the flies and then trap them with a sticky surface or netting. You can find these devices at most gardening supply stores or online.
By taking these steps, you’ll be able to effectively reduce and even eliminate the deer fly population in your yard. This will help to keep your family safe from these pesky pests and make your outdoor spaces more enjoyable.
Frequently asked questions
What Precautions Can I Take to Keep Deer Flies Away?
There are a few simple precautions you can take to keep deer flies away from your yard: Install window screens on all of your windows and doors. Wear light-colored clothing when outside—deer flies tend to be attracted to dark colors. Use insect repellent containing DEET or lemon eucalyptus oil.
Mow your lawn frequently as deer flies like to lay eggs in tall grass. If possible, eliminate their breeding grounds by removing standing water and vegetation from around your home. Lastly, you can install a deer fly trap near the areas of your yard where they are most active.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Deer Fly Trap?
Installing a deer fly trap is an effective way to reduce the number of deer flies in your yard. The trap works by drawing them in with pheromones and then trapping them inside when they enter.
This can significantly reduce the number of deer flies present on your property, making it much more enjoyable for you and your family to spend time outside. Additionally, the traps are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.
Are There Any Natural Remedies for Getting Rid of Deer Flies?
Yes! You can use natural remedies to help reduce the number of deer flies in your yard. Planting herbs such as basil, lavender, and mint around your home can help repel them naturally. You can also hang strips of flypaper around your yard to catch them as they enter. Finally, consider installing a bat house—bats are natural predators of deer flies and will help keep their population in check.
What Should I Do If I See Signs of Deer Fly Infestation?
If you notice an increase in the number of deer flies around your home, it’s important to take action right away. The first step is to identify the areas where they are most active—such as around standing water or dense vegetation.
Then, you can use repellents, traps, or natural remedies to reduce their population. If all else fails, consider hiring a professional pest control company to help eliminate the infestation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Professional Pest Control Company?
The cost of hiring a professional pest control company to get rid of deer flies depends on the severity of the infestation and the size of your property. Generally, most companies charge an hourly rate plus any materials used for treatment. Prices can range from $100-$500, so it’s important to do your research and get multiple quotes before making a decision.
Conclusion
Now you have the knowledge of how to get rid of deer flies in your yard. Taking the time to properly prepare your environment and use products that are specifically designed for this type of pest will give you the results that you are looking for. Be aware of deer fly season and take steps to prevent contact with them until they pass.
Put up a net or screen near doors and windows that connect your living space to the outside world; this will ensure that, if deer flies do manage to get inside, they’ll be quickly stopped from entering farther.
Lastly, it is important to remember that most of these methods don’t last forever. As such, regularly monitoring your space and checking for new infestations is necessary. It may seem like an inconvenience at times but a little perseverance can make all the difference when it comes keeping pesky critters in check!