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Biting Flies

Biting Flies

Biting flies feed on blood of humans and other animals. Their bites can be painful, producing swelling and intense itching.

Geographic Region

Different species of biting flies are found throughout the United States. Black flies are found in the northern U.S., while biting midges are found near the coastal areas.

Natural Habitat

Most species of biting flies are found near creeks, marshes and ponds.

Weather Conditions

Peak attacks of biting flies occur on sunny, warm days in mid-morning and then have a more intense phase in evening, ending at dusk. Biting fly activity can also intensify at the onset of storms and may persist all day when overcast conditions occur.

Behavior

Biting flies find animals and humans by sensing carbon dioxide and perspiration. Once the blood meal is located, the biting fly inserts a sharp mouthpart into the skin. A biting fly tends to go for areas around the ears and head.

Unique Characteristics

Species of biting flies differ in terms of size and physical appearance, but they all possess sharp mouthparts to pierce skin and draw blood.

Related Products
Biting flies are a group of fly species that feed on the blood of animals and humans. Common biting flies include horse flies, stable flies, deer flies, and black flies. Their bites can be painful and irritating, and they’re most active in warm weather around water, livestock, and shaded outdoor areas.
Biting flies live up to their name — you’ll often feel an immediate sharp or burning sensation followed by localized itching or swelling when one of these pesky critters decides to make you its meal. Unlike houseflies and other filth flies that just land and walk around, biting flies actively try to pierce skin to feed.
Biting fly populations surge with warmer temperatures, moisture, and nearby breeding sites like ponds, marshes, pastures, and compost. Tall grass or shaded areas with standing water also attract them. Because they feed on blood, biting flies are attracted to livestock, pets, and people.
While most biting flies are not known to transmit disease to humans in home settings, their bites can be painful, irritating, and in some cases trigger allergic reactions. Reducing their numbers around your outdoor living spaces improves enjoyment and comfort.
Good outdoor sanitation helps — remove standing water, keep grass trimmed, manage compost or manure areas, and limit attractants like exposed food or sugary drinks. Adding targeted traps, like the RESCUE! Deck & Patio TrapStik can also cut down biting fly numbers where you spend time outdoors.
The RESCUE! Deck & Patio Fly TrapStik uses an eye-catching visual lure combined with a weather-resistant sticky adhesive to attract and trap biting flies (including horse flies, stable flies, deer flies and more). It’s an odorless, mess-free way to reduce fly problems directly where these pests are most frustrating. The RESCUE! Deck & Patio Fly TrapStik uses an eye-catching visual lure combined with a weather-resistant sticky adhesive to attract and trap biting flies (including horse flies, stable flies, deer flies and more).
Place the TrapStik outdoors near the areas you spend the most time — patios, decks, pool areas, porches — as well as near fly breeding or congregation spots like dog runs, trash storage, vegetation edges or water sources. Because the trap relies on a visual attractant, it needs to be hung in an area where it is visible to the flies. If they can't see it, they won't be attracted to it.
Yes — the TrapStik works well as part of a broader fly management plan. Pair it with good sanitation (remove standing water, stable waste, and attractants), fans to disrupt fly flight, or additional traps in areas with heavy fly activity for enhanced control.
The TrapStik’s visual lure is designed to attract biting and nuisance flies common around outdoor living areas. Place the trap away from natural vegetation to reduce the risk of unwanted catches.
A TrapStik remains effective until the sticky surface becomes filled with insects or debris, or adhesive tackiness begins to decline. Depending on fly activity and weather conditions, a TrapStik can last for several weeks — simply replace it when effectiveness drops.

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