Deer Fly

How do I identify a Deer Fly?
Color: Yellow to brown to black in color with stripes on the abdomen.
Size: Range in size from 3/10" - 2/5" long
Deer flies are abundant in Florida particularly from May through September due to the mild climate and undeveloped areas and wetlands which create hospitable breeding grounds.

Have Deer Flies infested your home?
If the yard or area surrounding the structure is infested with deer flies it is possible for them to come indoors. If you have identified the deer fly as the biter there are measures you can take to limit their access to the indoors.

Will Deer Flies bite?
Yes deer flies are known to inflict painful bites that are then prone to a secondary infection. Bites from deer flies occur mostly in the daylight hours and outdoors, only the females bite. It is recommended that you wear protective clothing and insect repellant intended for biting flies.

Will Deer Flies damage my home or structure?
Deer flies breed in damp, moist areas like ponds and swamps.

Recommendations for control: Deer flies are very difficult to control because of their tendency to breed in ponds and swamps. Eliminating the breeding area is one way of controlling them, however, this is not always feasible. Indoors keep air flow constant, with the use of a fan, to keep deer flies away. The smoke from a burning Citronella candle may also help keep them away. Keep vegetation around the home well maintained and seal all cracks around windows and doors to eliminate entryways into the home.

Deer flies are very difficult to control outdoors. It is recommended that you contact a pest management professional for assistance.