While pets may be our best friends, they can have other “friends” we don’t necessarily want hanging around. Fleas are some of the worst friends your pet could have. They not only use warm-blooded animals as food but also cause allergic reactions with their saliva that can create itches that are scratched all the way into a scab. Fleas and ticks can quickly make life uncomfortable for pets and humans. So, how do we prevent these pests from inviting themselves into our homes?

1. Act Fast: Stop Fleas Before They Spread

If you are reading this article because you have a flea problem, then you need to move fast. Fleas take multiple forms – egg, larva, pupa, and adult form. If you don’t remove all forms of flea activity, then it will be a recurring problem. Contact our expert flea exterminators at Florida Pest Control to prevent fleas from taking over every part of your home. Prompt action minimizes the chances of infestation spreading, saving you time and effort in the long run.

2. Groom Your Lawn to Eliminate Flea Havens

Another common hangout spot for fleas is your lawn. Fleas can be found in the dirt and grass outside your home – usually in shaded areas frequented by your pet or perhaps wild animals. This creates a perfect initial contact point. Once fleas make the initial contact, they will be able to hitchhike on your pet and into your home. Once in your home, fleas have no problem feeding on you or your pet! Regularly mowing your grass, removing debris, and treating the yard with flea spray can help repel fleas from outdoor spaces.

3. Watch for Rodents: Hidden Flea Carriers

Rodents in your home are big enough problems already, but unfortunately, they don’t always come alone. Adult fleas spend most of their time on warm-blooded animals, and rodents definitely fall into that category. Therefore, the rodents that you find in your house may have special passengers they bring with them. Removing and preventing rodents from living in your home is an important preventive measure for fleas. Sealing entry points and keeping food sources secure can deter rodents and reduce the risk of flea infestations.

4. Care for Your Pets to Prevent Infestations

Since fleas prefer to feed on furry creatures, consistently providing your pet with flea control prescribed by your veterinarian will break the feeding cycle. Using a flea comb, flea collar, or vet-approved flea treatments can protect your pets from becoming a host to these pests.

5. Clean Your Home Thoroughly and Regularly

Cleaning and vacuuming your home is always a good strategy when concerned about fleas. Picking up fleas in the vacuum prevents them from spreading throughout your home. It’s also an easy way to pick up the various forms of fleas before they become adults. Also, it is important to target high-frequency areas for your pet, as these areas will have the highest concentration of the various flea life stages. 

Don’t forget to empty vacuum bags or dispose of the contents immediately to prevent re-infestation. Washing pet bedding in hot water also helps kill fleas, flea eggs, and larvae.

If you have any concerns about a flea infestation in your home, don’t hesitate to contact Florida Pest Control today for your no-obligation consultation.

6. Seal Entry Points to Keep Fleas Out

Fleas can enter your home through cracks and gaps or even be carried in by wild animals. Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines. Sealing these entryways may help to keep fleas away and reduce the chances of other pests entering your space.

7. Use Preventative Flea Treatments Year-Round

Fleas thrive in warm and humid climates, making year-round flea and tick prevention essential for pet owners. Administering regular flea treatments, such as spot-on solutions, oral medications, or flea collars, can safeguard your pets and home from infestations. Consult your veterinarian for the best preventative options for your dogs and cats.

Even with preventative treatments, fleas can be persistent and challenging to eliminate entirely. If your home is experiencing a severe flea infestation or DIY treatments aren’t effective, contact Florida Pest Control for professional help. Our experts have the tools and expertise to address flea problems and restore your peace of mind.

8. Monitor High-Risk Areas for Fleas

Certain areas are more prone to flea activity, especially those frequented by pets or wildlife. Regularly inspect high-risk spots, such as pet bedding, rugs, furniture, and shaded outdoor areas. Using cedar chips in outdoor spaces or applying pet-safe flea sprays can help repel fleas.

9. Consult Professionals for Persistent Issues

If your flea problem persists despite your best efforts, it’s time to contact our professional flea exterminators. Our highly trained experts can assess the extent of the infestation, target all flea life stages, and apply effective treatments to rid your home of fleas for good. Professional services can also offer advice on long-term flea prevention.

Contact a local flea control specialist in Florida

Whether you’re dealing with fleas in your home or want to learn more about effective flea prevention strategies, reach out to a trusted Florida Pest Control specialist today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep fleas away permanently? 

To keep fleas away permanently, combine regular cleaning, lawn care, year-round flea and tick prevention for pets, and professional pest control treatments.

What stops fleas from biting you? 

Using flea repellents, wearing long clothing, and applying flea spray to high-risk areas can help prevent flea bites. Treating pets and maintaining a clean home also reduces exposure to fleas.

What is the best way to prevent fleas? 

The best way to prevent fleas is to treat your pets regularly, clean your home thoroughly, monitor outdoor areas, and consult Florida Pest Control professionals for persistent infestations.

What do fleas hate the most? 

Fleas are repelled by strong scents such as cedar, eucalyptus, and citrus. Using cedar chips in your yard or adding pet-safe essential oils to cleaning routines can help keep fleas away.

What is a natural prevention of fleas? 

Natural flea prevention methods include using a flea comb on pets, applying diatomaceous earth to carpets, and using cedar chips in outdoor spaces to repel fleas.

Can fleas live on human hair? 

Fleas prefer animals with fur, such as dogs and cats, but in rare cases, they can bite humans and temporarily stay on hair or clothing. However, they cannot survive long on humans.

What Are Deer Flies and Yellow Flies?

Many of us who work or play outdoors always seem to know when summer is right around the corner, because that’s when those annoying and usually painful bites occur from deer flies and yellow flies. These biting pests are among the most common types of flies in Florida, and their presence can swiftly turn a peaceful day outdoors into an uncomfortable, itchy, and painful ordeal.

Understanding these insects and how to protect yourself is key to enjoying the season. Ready to take preventative measures against biting flies? Learn more about deer flies and yellow flies with Florida Pest Control, the state’s residential fly control experts.

What Are Deer Flies and Yellow Flies?

Deer flies and yellow flies are both biting insects in the Tabanidae family. In their early stages, these pests are nectar feeders but become aggressive biters as adults, seeking a blood meal to complete their reproductive cycle.

Deer Flies in Florida: What You Need to Know

Deer flies (Chrysops) are medium-sized flies with dark bands on their transparent wings and striking, colorful eyes. They are most active in sunny environments, especially near ponds, swamps, or wooded areas. Female deer flies are the culprits behind those painful bites, as they use their sharp mouthparts to extract a blood meal essential for their reproduction.

Yellow Flies in Florida: Key Facts

Yellow flies (Diachlorus ferrugatus) are slightly smaller than deer flies. They are characterized by their yellowish body and bright green or golden eyes. Like deer flies, female yellow flies bite to obtain the nutrients they need to lay eggs. These pests are particularly aggressive during the late afternoon and thrive in warm, humid conditions, making Florida an ideal habitat.

How to Identify Deer Flies and Yellow Flies in Florida

Identifying deer flies and yellow flies is crucial for understanding how to avoid them and manage their bites effectively. These flies share similarities but also have distinct features and behaviors that set them apart.

Physical Characteristics of Deer Flies and Yellow Flies

Deer flies are easily recognized by their distinctive wing patterns and vibrant, multicolored eyes. Yellow flies, on the other hand, have a uniformly yellow body and translucent wings. Both species have strong, fast-flying abilities and can be quite persistent when seeking a host. While they share some similarities, each has distinct physical features that make them recognizable. Here’s a closer look at how to identify these pests:

Deer flies (Chrysops species):

• Medium-sized flies with a body length of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
• Transparent wings with dark, distinctive bands or patterns.
• Eyes are brightly colored and often display a metallic green or gold appearance with intricate patterns.
• Body colors vary but typically include shades of yellow, black, or brown.

Yellow flies (Diachlorus ferrugatus):

• Slightly smaller than deer flies, with a length of about 1/3 inch.
• Uniformly yellow or golden body with translucent wings.
• Eyes are vibrant green or golden, giving them a striking appearance.

Behavior and Habits of Biting Flies in Florida

These insects are known for their aggressive feeding behaviors and specific activity patterns. Both deer and yellow flies are most active during warm, humid weather, with their behavior largely influenced by the time of day and environmental conditions. They are often found in large numbers near wetlands, swampy areas, and other moist habitats.

Life Cycle of Deer Flies and Yellow Flies

From egg-laying to adult emergence, these insects undergo several distinct stages, each adapted to their swampy or moist habitats.

Breeding and Egg-Laying Habits

Females lay their egg masses on aquatic plants or over moist, swampy soil. A single female can lay up to 1,000 eggs, often clustering them on vegetation above water. Before breeding, male flies are usually the first to emerge and wait around for the females. When mating is completed, the female is ready to seek out a warm-blooded host. She injects an anticoagulant into the wound and then sops up the blood with her sponge-like mouthparts.

Development Stages: From Larva to Adult

A female deer or yellow fly tends to lays her eggs preferably on aquatic vegetation above water or saturated soil.  She could lay as many as one thousand eggs. The eggs hatch within a week, releasing larvae that drop into the moist soil below and as the larvae hatch, they fall to the moisture below where they will feed on an organic matter they find in the wet soil. When the larvae are ready to pupate, they move to a drier area of the soil. After moving to drier soil, the flies enter the pupal stage for about three weeks before emerging as adult flies. Males typically emerge first, waiting to mate with the females.

Yellow Fly and Deer Fly Season in Florida

Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it a paradise for many, but it also creates perfect conditions for deer flies and yellow flies to thrive. These biting pests emerge in large numbers during the state’s hottest months, turning outdoor activities into itchy, painful ordeals if you’re not prepared. 

In northern Florida, mosquito season usually starts in March, with the most mosquitoes appearing in late spring and summer. In southern Florida, mosquitoes can be active almost all year because of the warmer weather. They are worst during the rainy season, from June to October.

When Are Yellow Flies Most Active in Florida?

Yellow flies are most active from late spring through summer, typically between May and August. These pests are particularly aggressive during the late afternoon and early evening when the heat subsides. Their favorite feeding grounds include shaded, swampy areas and heavily wooded regions where they can wait for warm-blooded hosts. 

Seasonal Patterns of Deer Flies in Florida

Deer flies follow a similar seasonal timeline. Activity normally begins in late May and continues through September.  A female deer fly’s favorite feeding time is two or three hours after sunrise – and then again for a couple of hours before sunset, with activity peaking in sunny, humid weather. These particular pests prefer environments near ponds, swampy areas, or wooded trails, where they target humans, pets, and livestock with their painful bites. Planning outdoor activities earlier or later in the season, avoiding peak biting hours, and wearing protective clothing are some of the best ways to avoid these pesky flies.How Deer Fly and

Yellow Fly Bites Impact Humans and Animals

Bites from deer and yellow flies are more than just an annoyance— they can cause significant discomfort for humans and animals. The bites can be painful and often lead to itching, swelling,  and in some cases, allergic reactions.

Symptoms and Reactions to Yellow Fly Bites

Yellow fly bites are particularly aggressive and painful. The fly’s saw-like mouthparts cut into the skin, allowing it to feed on blood. Common symptoms include:

• Severe itching and irritation at the bite site.
• Swelling and redness that may last for several days.
• In some cases, allergic reactions characterized by excessive swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing.

For pets and livestock, bites can cause restlessness and scratching, with swelling appearing near ears, legs, or other exposed areas. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your pet’s veterinarian.

How to Manage Deer Fly Bites

Managing deer fly bites effectively can help minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. According to Medical News, here’s what you can do:

• Clean the bite area: Wash the site with soap and water to prevent infection.
• Soothe irritation: Cover with a cold washcloth to help with swelling and pain, and soothe inflammation.
• Take oral anti-itch medication: Over-the-counter anti-itch medicines or pain relievers can alleviate severe itching.
• Avoid scratching: Scratching can break the skin and lead to secondary infections.

Are Biting Flies in Florida Dangerous?

While relatively rare, yellow flies and deer flies in Florida can pose a health risk by transmitting diseases such as Tularemia. This bacterial infection can cause symptoms like fever, skin ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, and in more severe cases, respiratory issues. If you experience any of these symptoms after being bitten, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention.

Beyond disease transmission, the painful bites from these flies can lead to severe itching, swelling, and even allergic reactions in some individuals, further emphasizing the importance of prevention. If you’ve experienced an adverse reaction to a fly bite, contact a medical professional.

Taking steps to avoid bites, such as using repellents with DEET and wearing protective clothing, is essential to minimize the risks associated with these pests. For pets, protective sprays and fly-repellent covers can offer additional protection. For the best results, ask your pet’s vet for topical recommendations.

Our team at Florida Pest Control is dedicated to providing expert solutions for all types of pests—including those pesky biting flies. If you’re dealing with a fly infestation, contact us today.

How to Prevent Yellow Flies and Deer Flies in Florida

Prevention is key when it comes to dealing with yellow flies and deer flies. By taking proactive steps, you can reduce your exposure to these biting pests and make outdoor activities far more enjoyable.

Personal Protective Measures Against Biting Flies

Protecting yourself from bites begins with simple but effective strategies:

• Dress smart: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and light-colored clothing to cover exposed skin and deter bites.
• Use insect repellents: Apply products containing DEET, picaridin, or other effective repellents to your skin and clothing.
• Avoid peak activity times: Limit outdoor activities during the late afternoon, early evening, or sunny mornings when these flies are most active.
• Set up sticky traps: Use creative solutions like blue Solo cups or black beach balls coated with adhesive to attract and trap biting flies around your property. These low-cost traps are surprisingly effective in reducing fly populations.

While these tips can help you manage flies on a smaller scale, achieving full prevention often requires professional expertise. At Florida Pest Control, we utilize advanced tools like our eco-friendly Lumnia light traps to capture and reduce fly populations in your outdoor spaces. 

Controlling Deer Flies and Yellow Flies in Your Environment

Managing the environment around your home can significantly reduce the presence of deer and yellow flies alike. One effective approach is eliminating standing water, such as swampy areas, ponds, or other stagnant water sources, where these flies breed and lay eggs. Ensuring proper drainage and maintaining dry areas around your property can disrupt their life cycle.

Another important step is to trim vegetation regularly. Keeping grass and shrubs well-maintained minimizes shaded habitats where deer flies and yellow flies like to rest and hide. Reducing these areas makes your surroundings less inviting for these pests. 

Interested in learning more about how we tackle other fly species? Check out our article: Keeping Filth Flies at Bay.

Do You Have a Fly Infestation Problem? We Can Help.

Our team of professionals at Florida Pest Control assesses your property, identifies problem areas, and implements targeted solutions such as insecticide treatments or habitat modifications. Contact us today for help with deer flies or yellow flies.

You may suddenly see holes in your plastic gas cans left outside. Some people have noticed holes in gas lines and gas tanks on their mowing equipment. The holes look as if these items have been shot repeatedly with a BB gun. If you look closely at the holes though, you may notice very small black beetles nested in them. These are the cause of the holes, and they are called Camphor Shot borers (Camphor Shoot beetles).

Camphor Shot borers are a type of ambrosia beetle. These beetles normally attack stressed-out trees, and not gasoline cans. So what does a stressed-out tree have in common with a gas can, you might be thinking? Ethanol. Trees emit chemicals when they become stressed or are injured. This triggers beetles and other pests to attack the tree. In the case of the Camphor Shot borer, they seem to be most attracted to alcohol. Much of the unleaded gas we have contains an alcohol called ethanol. The beetle can’t tell the alcohol in the gas can from chemicals emitted by a tree, so they dig on in! These beetles are usually most active in the months of March through June, so what can you do in the meantime to protect your gas cans from them? Basically, you will need to place the cans inside or cover them with something to impede the beetles’ attack. These beetles feed on a large range of trees, so chemical treatments are not advised.

There are spiders and then there are really cool spiders.  Meet Pisaurina mira, one of Florida’s prettiest and coolest Nursery Web Spiders.  They get their name because of the webbing nest the female builds for her spiderlings.

Although Florida is home to several species of Nursery Web Spider, P. mira is probably the most common.  You may have seen one in your yard, or maybe on or in your home.  They are found throughout Florida.

One of their favorite places to hang out is in the forest, where they can be seen hanging upside down on tree trunks waiting for dinner to pass by.  They can also be found in fields on tall grass and shrubs.

Just like many spiders, they have eight eyes…the better to see you with!  Nursery Web Spiders can grow to nearly ¾ of an inch, which is about 15mm.  Also like many spiders, they feed on insects and other small critters.  What’s even more interesting, Nursery Web Spiders do not construct webs to capture their prey.  They do this by ambushing the insect or chasing it down!

Mating can be quite tricky for some species of male Nursery Web Spiders.  If he’s off his game, he could become her next meal.  He must offer her a “nuptial gift” before mating begins. The male captures an insect, gift-wraps it in silk, and slowly brings it to her.  Now, some males are slick and offer a fake gift, but she, being very smart, refuses it and chases him off or may even eat him!  The larger the gift the more time he will spend with her.  When all is said and done, the male often takes the nuptial gift back from her and crawls away.  Geez…Go figure!  Guys, think about this on Valentine’s Day.

Most people enjoy the aroma of a fresh-cut evergreen tree in their home to decorate for Christmas.  We find the perfect spot, bring out the ornaments and the fun begins; never paying any mind to the critters that may crawl out of that well-lighted, beautiful tree in the corner.

Two of the most common creepy crawlers found are aphids and spiders.  During the late summer and fall, the adults lay their eggs on the stems and foliage of these wonderful trees.  In nature, these eggs lay dormant during the winter to hatch in the warmth of spring.  It shouldn’t be any surprise that when the tree is brought into the warmth of the house, these eggs may hatch.

This hatching normally goes undetected because the aphids and spiders are so small unless of course, they are in great numbers!  Then you see them all over the tree!  But not to worry, they cannot live for long out of their natural habitat.

On a lighter note, did you know that insects are often used for Christmas decorations?  It’s true.  The ladybug, butterfly, and honey bee have been used since the Middle Ages.  And more recently, the dragonfly has been showing up on some trees.

Almost everyone knows that ladybugs eat aphids.  During the Middle Ages, farmers would pray for help when aphids would start destroying their crops.  The ladybugs would show up and eat the aphids, so you could say they were “God sent”.  These insects became known as the bug sent by the Virgin Mary or “Our Lady’s Bug”.  Today, we simply call them ladybugs.

The butterfly is a Christian symbol for redemption.  The caterpillar goes through a metamorphosis to change into a beautiful butterfly.  It symbolizes the resurrection of Christ and, to some, the transformation of the human soul.

Now, how about the honey bee?  They’ve been around humans for a very long time and are thought to be a symbol of prosperity.  British farmers of long ago would say bees hummed when the Christ child was born on the first Christmas in Bethlehem.

 

Now you know why these insects are used for decorating the Christmas tree.  It’s all related to why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.  Put a couple of ladybug ornaments on your tree.  Maybe they’ll eat the aphids and spiders!