Anyone have any tips on dealing with horseflies?

[Mr_Wilford]

Okay so recently Ive taken up running in an attempt to loose some weight. The hard part of building up initial stamina is gone, so I have a greater variety of places go run now. Recently I've been running in the woods by my house and it's quite peaceful. Well, it would be, if it were not for the damned horseflies that keep attacking me. I've got a few welts from my most recent jog and if you've ever been lucky enough to be bitten by one of these, you know how unpleasant it is.

I really like the trails though, so I don't wanna give up running there. Usually the flies would not be a problem during the winter but here in Florida we've only had one cold front, so they're almost as numerous as in the summer. I've tried several things. They're attracted to dark colors so I've worn lighter clothes each time, but it hasn't helped. They're also attracted to movement and CO2, so attracting them is probably unavoidable. I usually use OFF spray for the mosquitos but the deer and horse flies just go right through it. They've actually chased me the entire way down the trail. Not fun.

I'd like to save ditching the woods as a last resort. Anyone have any tips on how to repel these suckers?

 

[WarK]

Running in forests is awesome. Where I run I don't get too many horseflies but I get bitten every now and then.
I got a tick once and I've been paranoid about them ever since. I use a tick/mosquito repellent. Maybe there are other things than Off, maybe something specifically for horseflies?
You could always try to outrun them or get a running buddy and let him run before you to attract all the flies

 

[Dragan Glas]

Greetings,

My mother got bitten by one years ago as a teenager and had an allergic reaction to it.

By all accounts, insect-repellents for horse-flies work - your local pharmacy should be able to recommend something suitable.

More importantly, you should have a instant medical remedy on you to deal with the occasional bite.

http://www.md-health.com/Horsefly-Bite.html
http://www.horseflybite.co.uk/
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ask-the-expert/skin-and-hair/a3255/dealing-with-horse-fly-bites/

Kindest regards,

James

 

[WarK]

One would think you could have bigger problems than horseflies in Florida

 

[SpecialFrog]

I have no advice but just wanted to add that I hate horseflies.

That is all.

 

[Mr_Wilford]

Running in forests is awesome. Where I run I don't get too many horseflies but I get bitten every now and then.
I got a tick once and I've been paranoid about them ever since. I use a tick/mosquito repellent. Maybe there are other things than Off, maybe something specifically for horseflies?
You could always try to outrun them or get a running buddy and let him run before you to attract all the flies

I've tried to outrun them. Those suckers are FAST though.

As for a running buddy, hah, you think I have friends?

One would think you could have bigger problems than horseflies in Florida

Not really. I live right in the middle, where aside from silver river gators are not a problem.

We do have a problem with wild hogs though. And escaped pythons.

 

[Mr_Wilford]

Greetings,

My mother got bitten by one years ago as a teenager and had an allergic reaction to it.

By all accounts, insect-repellents for horse-flies work - your local pharmacy should be able to recommend something suitable.

More importantly, you should have a instant medical remedy on you to deal with the occasional bite.

http://www.md-health.com/Horsefly-Bite.html
http://www.horseflybite.co.uk/
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ask-the-expert/skin-and-hair/a3255/dealing-with-horse-fly-bites/

Kindest regards,

James

I'm not allergic to them, thankfully. I'll check out the CVS and see if they have anything stronger

 

[Mr_Wilford]

I have no advice but just wanted to add that I hate horseflies.

That is all.

I despise them. The only thing I hate more are deerflies, because theyll circle you're head and they make this deep buzzing noise as they fly around you. Scares the crap out of me when they come out of nowhere

 

[WarK]

One would think you could have bigger problems than horseflies in Florida

Not really. I live right in the middle, where aside from silver river gators are not a problem.

We do have a problem with wild hogs though. And escaped pythons.

I see.

I saw a boar last year. And there are people in the forest, with dogs.

 

[Mr_Wilford]

I see.

I saw a boar last year. And there are people in the forest, with dogs.

I've biked these trails since I was ten, never seen anyone with dogs. Did see a coyote once, who was getting attacked by birds who's eggs he stole. It was intresting too see.

The rednecks are only a problem when you get down into the glades.

 

[ldmitruk]

Run faster :lol:

 

[Dragan Glas]

Greetings,

I have no advice but just wanted to add that I hate horseflies.

That is all.

I despise them. The only thing I hate more are deerflies, because theyll circle you're head and they make this deep buzzing noise as they fly around you. Scares the crap out of me when they come out of nowhere

Deer-flies is another name for horse-flies - they come in lots of different sizes.

It might be an idea to identify with which ones you're actually dealing first before asking for a spray lest you get the wrong one.

Kindest regards,

James

 

[ldmitruk]

You might want to try something like these, deer fly patches

 

[Dustnite]

 

[Visaki]

My sister always found that the best way of dealing with horseflies (or paarma as we call it) was to run screaming around the sauna at my parents summer house.

 

[malicious_bloke]

Purge them in flames