Horse Flies in Central Arkansas
Horse flies and deer flies are large, heavy-bodied insects that are persistent pests of wildlife, livestock, and humans. These pests are known for their aggression towards mammals such as horses, cattle, mules, dogs, hogs, and even humans. Since they are blood-sucking flies, there is also the added concern for disease transmission. Deer flies are similar to horse flies and are known to bite, but they are smaller, have dark bands across their wings, and have colored eyes. Attacks from several of these flies can make time outside painful and aggravating.
Horse Fly Habitat
Horse flies and deer flies can be found near aquatic habitats that support larval development. Most horse flies and deer flies are found in brushy or low-lying pasture areas near creeks, streams, or tanks that provide damp soils in which the immature stages develop. Natural environments include freshwater wetlands, saltwater marshes, and open areas within forests. They survive by burrowing down into the sand or gravel substrate of the water body they inhabit.
Horse Fly Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Female horse flies and deer flies cause painful bites to people and will do so at any part of the human body. The bite is so aggressive that it will likely result in visible bleeding wounds. In rare instances, allergic reactions may occur and the signs involve wheezing and hives. Livestock are susceptible to the horsefly as they are persistent with their biting and it is quite painful. If there are heavy attacks, beef cattle can even lose weight and dairy cows have been documented to reduce milk yield.
If you are dealing with a horse fly issue on your property, contact your local fly exterminators.
