Deer Flies

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Deer flies are a biting fly species very similar in appearance to horse flies, although they are slightly smaller. In both species, only females feed on blood, while males feed on pollen. Females use scissor-like mandibles to pierce the flesh of bite victims and, like many other blood sucking insects, inject an anti-coagulant into the blood stream while feeding.

Because deer flies are known carriers of the bacterium that causes Tularemia, it is recommended to treat deer fly bites soon after an attack. Deer flies are also commonly found on farms, where they prey on cattle and horses. These feeding behaviors expose them to more animal-related, blood-borne pathogens.

Deer flies lay their eggs in moist vegetation such as old leaves and rotten logs. Deer flies may also lay their eggs in running water. Eggs hatch within five to seven days, from which larvae emerge and begin to feed on available organic material. Some species of deer fly larvae are also capable of feeding on other insect eggs and larvae. Depending on the species, adult deer flies may live up to two years.

Deer Fly Video

Black Flies

Cluster Flies

Cluster Flies Remedies

Life Cycle of Flesh Flies

Green Flies