You know a pest is going to present a real problem to your outdoor living space when it has the term “biting” right there in its name, and biting flies are a little different. While many creatures are sometimes called biting flies, yellow biting files tend to be the biggest nuisance in Florida. How can you armor your yard and yourself to fight against these pesky little problems? Keep reading to learn more.
Where You’re Likely to Find Them
Biting yellow flies like shaded, humid areas, so Florida is prime territory for these little creatures. Most are active either in the early morning or the late afternoon, but if you’re in a particularly dense tree canopy, they can be a problem throughout the day. They lay their eggs in ponds and swampy areas.
What They Look Like
Yellow biting flies are usually a dark yellow and tend to be about a centimeter in length. Their front legs are black, but all of the other sets have a yellow tent. The wings are clear with black patches. The eyes are perhaps the most striking part of biting files – a brilliant blue green.
The Bite
When you’re outside, sometimes it’s tough to notice whether you’ve been hit by biting files or some other insects, but their bites are a bit unique. You’ll see localized swelling and a red, itchy area right around the bite. They tend to bite near your head or shoulders, though it is possible to get a bite anywhere. You’re not the only one who might get bitten either. Any domestic animal can be attacked by yellow biting flies.
Dealing with the Problem
If you’ve noticed these creatures near your backyard, there are a few things you can do. Start by coating yourself in insect repellent when you go outside. Be sure to wear long pants and long sleeves any time you’re going to be near a spot where yellow biting flies are common. If you notice a sizable population in your yard, contact us today. We have a number of control methods that can help reduce the number of adults in areas like your backyard, making your outdoor space livable once more.