An Overview of Biting Flies in Alabama
The southern state of Alabama is home to a wide variety of biting flies that can be serious pests during the warm months. These insects have piercing mouthparts that they use to bite and feed on the blood of humans and animals. While most bites are just a nuisance, some flies can transmit diseases through their bites. Knowing how to identify the different types of biting flies in Alabama and protect yourself from them is key.
Major Biting Fly Species in Alabama
Some of the most troublesome biting fly species found in Alabama include:
- Mosquitoes - There are over 40 different mosquito species in Alabama. Some transmit diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria.
- Horse flies - These large flies have very painful bites. They are found near livestock and aquatic areas.
- Deer flies - Closely related to horse flies, these also deliver a painful bite. They thrive in wooded and marshy areas.
- Stable flies - Resembling house flies, stable flies have piercing mouthparts and bite humans and animals, mainly around the legs.
- Black flies - Tiny black flies that breed in rivers and streams. Their bites are very irritating.
- Sand flies - Found near water, sand flies can transmit leishmaniasis in some tropical areas.
- Biting midges - These tiny flies swarm at dusk and deliver itchy bites.
When Are Biting Flies Most Active in Alabama?
Warm weather brings out biting flies in Alabama. Different species peak at different times:
- Mosquitoes - Present from early spring through late fall with peaks in mid-summer.
- Horse flies and deer flies - Most abundant from late spring through summer.
- Stable flies - Populations build through summer and into fall.
- Black flies - Emergence varies but typically late spring through summer.
- Sand flies - Found from mid-spring into fall with summer peaks.
- Biting midges - Become active in early summer through fall.
Biting activity increases during the day when temperatures are higher and drops off at night. Flies seek shaded, humid areas during the hottest parts of the day.
Where to Find Biting Flies in Alabama
Biting flies thrive in certain habitats:
- Mosquitoes - Any stagnant water source - wetlands, ponds, storm drains, etc.
- Horse flies - Near livestock, stables, ponds, and woodlands.
- Deer flies - Wooded and marshy areas.
- Stable flies - Livestock farms, stables, and pastures.
- Black flies - Running water like streams and rivers.
- Sand flies - Damp sandy areas, usually near water.
- Biting midges - Breed in mud and aquatic vegetation.
Flies will emerge from these areas and seek warm-blooded hosts to bite - humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Agricultural and wooded areas provide ideal fly habitat.
Diseases Transmitted by Biting Flies in Alabama
Some biting fly species can transmit dangerous diseases when they bite:
- Mosquitoes - West Nile virus, dengue, chikungunya, malaria, dog heartworm, Eastern equine encephalitis
- Sand flies - Leishmaniasis, Carrion’s disease, bartonellosis
- Black flies - River blindness (onchocerciasis)
While rare, these diseases should not be taken lightly. Protect yourself by avoiding bites and getting medical help if you develop symptoms like high fever, body aches, and rashes after being bitten.
Preventing Bites from Biting Flies in Alabama
You can take steps to avoid those irritating and potentially dangerous fly bites when spending time outdoors in Alabama:
- Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
- Wear loose, long sleeved shirts and long pants when possible.
- Stay away from wooded, marshy areas where deer, horse, and black flies congregate.
- Avoid being near livestock farms that could have large stable fly populations.
- Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when some flies are most active.
- Keep house screens in good repair to keep flies outside.
- Use box fans or screens in outdoor sitting areas to deter flies.
Reducing fly breeding areas around your home also helps lower populations. Eliminate any standing water sources and mow or cut back dense vegetation.
Treating Biting Fly Bites in Alabama
Even with precautions, biting flies may still get you. Here’s how to get relief:
- Wash the bite with soap and water to remove any pathogens.
- Apply a cold pack or ice to reduce swelling and itching.
- Use over-the-counter anti-itch creams containing pramoxine or hydrocortisone.
- Avoid scratching as this can lead to infection.
- Watch for signs of infection - increasing redness, warmth, swelling or pus.
- See a doctor for severe reactions, infection, or fever/flu symptoms after a bite.
Most fly bites will heal on their own like any other insect sting or bite. The key is not to scratch them open to avoid complications.
Protecting Pets from Biting Flies
Pets that spend time outdoors also need protection from painful biting fly attacks. Some tips include:
- Use veterinarian-recommended fly repellents made for dogs or cats.
- Talk to your vet about oral or topical fly prevention medications.
- Make sure pets have shelter to escape flies during peak hours.
- Keep dogs on leashes when outside to avoid rolling in dead animals that attract flies.
- Check pets for fly bites and have your vet treat any that become infected.
- Use pet-safe insecticides to treat areas where pets rest outdoors.
Stopping fly breeding and keeping repellent applied will result in fewer fly bites on beloved pets. This helps avoid discomfort, infections, and diseases transmitted by certain flies.
Professional Fly Control Around Homes
If biting fly populations are excessive around your Alabama home, professional pest control may be needed. Some services a pest professional can provide include:
- Inspecting your property to identify fly breeding sites.
- Applying larvicides to standing water sources to kill juvenile flies.
- Using insecticides and baits to reduce adult fly numbers.
- Recommending landscaping changes to make the area less fly-friendly.
- Applying outdoor residual sprays to keep flies away from patios and doorways.
- Advising on fly prevention around livestock facilities.
A combination of methods customized to your specific property is key. An experienced pest control company will know how to attack fly populations when they are at their peaks during warm Alabama months.
Working Together for Fly Control
For the best results in lowering biting fly annoyance and health risks, property owners should partner with pest control companies. Some steps you can take include:
- Clear any fly breeding sites before treatment begins.
- Follow all preparation instructions for the treatment day.
- Allow thorough access to all fly rest areas on your property.
- Keep pets indoors during treatment when recommended.
- Continue using
FAQs
What are the most common biting flies in Alabama?
The most common biting fly species found in Alabama include mosquitoes, horse flies, deer flies, stable flies, black flies, sand flies, and biting midges.
When are biting flies most active?
Biting flies become active in early spring in Alabama and remain abundant through late fall. Peak activity is during the hot summer months from late spring through summer when biting fly populations are at their highest.
Where are biting flies usually found in Alabama?
Different fly species inhabit different areas. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Horse flies, deer flies, and black flies are found near livestock, ponds, streams, marshes, and wooded areas. Stable flies congregate on farms. Biting midges emerge from muddy or vegetation-choked water.
What diseases can biting flies transmit in Alabama?
Some Alabama biting flies can transmit diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, leishmaniasis, malaria, Eastern equine encephalitis, and river blindness. Mosquitoes and sand flies are the main disease vectors.
How can I prevent biting fly bites?
Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin or other proven ingredients when outside. Wear protective clothing and avoid the outdoors at dawn and dusk. Keep screens in good repair and eliminate standing water sources around your home to control fly populations.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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