Say "Hello" to our little friend.....

**happy2Bme** · 06-01-2010, 07:37 PM

.....the yellow flies are baaaccckkkk!!!!! Walking the fuzzy kid last night I got bit four times. And I do swell, and I do ITCH (little B'strds!).

Tonight I had four going kamakazi on me as I passed "the swamp" (take your pick.....in Pt. W, we all live in the swamp!). Ms. K-9 was seemingly immune based, I guess, on the fact that she stinks like old dog where as I was freshly-showered. (Note to self: 1. nix baths for the summer and see if that helps. 2. be prepared to bathe in event of marital discord or backlash from co-workers).

An aside: do you think PETA would be aghast at how easily and callously, and with wanton malisciousness, one will squash a yellow fly? I mean, they are "slow", compared to house flies, so should we feel bad when we dispatch them simply because we can? I say...."SQUASH 'EM LIKE A BUG!. Li'l B'strds!!

**ChillPill** · 06-01-2010, 09:44 PM

OMGosh I am covered with (super-killer, tenacious historical Pt. Washington strain) Yellow Fly/Deer Fly bites!! I too am in pain, the bites are swollen and the itching is out of control. I counted 18 bites and 29 squished fly carcasses, accrued over the weekend as we worked and played outside on the dock. The worst attack was walking down driveway to get the mail. I believe their lifespan is 4 to 6 weeks. Doing a rough calculation...I believe my mailbox can hold at least 6 weeks of mail.

I've tried every possible spray remedy/prevention, nothing seems to work. Calamine lotion seems to cut down on that urge to itch so hard that you reach cartilage or bone, so I'm going with that for tonight.

When I drove down my road today, everyone who was walking their dog was swatting the little buggers that were swarming their head and no one looked very pleased. Hopefully someone has some remedies for these beastly pests. Please share.... please....

[EDIT: I have not had any contact with these flies down on the beach]

**Geo** · 06-01-2010, 10:20 PM

Cactus juice works

**ChillPill** · 06-01-2010, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by Geo

Cactus juice works

Thank you, I will find that and try it.

**Geo** · 06-01-2010, 10:38 PM

I get mine from For the Health of It on 30a. It keeps them off of you. Doubt it does anything to treat existing bites. They make it with sunscreen in it too...

**happy2Bme** · 06-01-2010, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by Geo

Cactus juice works

Do they carry that in Publix? Don't they carry EVERYTHING in Publix?!

**ChillPill** · 06-01-2010, 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by Geo

I get mine from For the Health of It on 30a. It keeps them off of you. Doubt it does anything to treat existing bites. They make it with sunscreen in it too...

Thank you! I will definitely get some, if you can avoid the bites, its all good. The bites are so painful and relentless itching for days/nights. I know right where that store is. I will share w/ my neighbors, they are so nice, and the doggies are so cool.

**Carol G** · 06-01-2010, 11:17 PM

Best advice I have gotten is to take a benadryl as soon as possible after being bitten, it helps keep the allergic swelling down. Last year was the first time I ever experienced a yellow fly bite, and I had one so bad on my leg, it swelled to the size of a golf ball and I could hardly walk. Right now I have 5 (FIVE) bites (got another one tonight) but the swelling is no larger than a mosquito bite, I think due to the benadryl.

Relieving the itching is another story... I have a few different topical lotions/cremes that contains some sort of numbing agent. Today I am using Caladryl, and it is really helping.

Cactus juice does work, when I remember to use it. I also make a blend of essential oils that I spray both myself and my dog with, and it deters every bug within a 10 ft radius - citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, and clove oils, about 10 drops of each, blended with about a teaspoon of a carrier oil and 5oz of purified water. Shake and spray liberally. My dog hates it, but it works.

**NotDeadYet** · 06-02-2010, 05:50 AM

Camphphenique for the bites. Cuts down on the pain and swelling in a few minutes. Can also be bought in a little gel tube to carry with you. Good for mosquito bites also.

**maryvyates** · 06-02-2010, 07:45 AM

Tea tree oil helps soothe the itching.

**Selkie** · 06-02-2010, 08:08 AM

Tea Tree oil also helps keep biting things away. Hopefully it works with the little yellow bastages. I usually add a little to my bath water and I have noticed a BIG decrease in flying critters biting me.

**scooterbug44** · 06-02-2010, 01:29 PM

I hate the puckers! Kill them all!

Ice and/or Benadryl (do not take this if you have any alcohol in your system) depending on how much you react, and a topical anti-itch cream with hydro-cortisone works for me.

And by "works" I mean it keeps the swelling bearable and the size of a quarter instead of a plum or apple. Most evil bug ever and the bane of my existence!

**ChillPill** · 06-02-2010, 04:19 PM

Thanks for all of the good advice! I bought a few items and the swelling is going down. As long as I keep this Caladryl topical lotion on it, it keeps the relentless itching at bay too. These bugs are mean and out in force!! Grrrrr.

**Douglas the Intrepid** · 06-02-2010, 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by ChillPill

Thanks for all of the good advice! I bought a few items and the swelling is going down. As long as I keep this Caladryl topical lotion on it, it keeps the relentless itching at bay too. These bugs are mean and out in force!! Grrrrr.

Start carrying your swiffer with you and you should be fine! Also, I hear an extract of rose petals in the proper potion base can work wonders!

**Teresa** · 06-02-2010, 09:38 PM

cactus juice doesn't work for me. not for mosquitoes and not for yellow flies. I have never found a thing that keeps the yellow flies away or off - haven't tried tea oil though. fortunately for me they don't like to bite me much (but when they do its such pain for quite a few days)- but they do swarm like crazy which makes a walk in Pt Washington nearly impossible when they are out. just walking back and forth from the house to the car is a frenzy of attack flies! they are big and they don't mind tackling you. fortunately they aren't out for too long (a few weeks or so?) but they are definitely out with a vengeance these days!

Yellow flies are hideous! I have a big brass yellow fly on my porch for decor' given to me by a friend who visited here once and experienced the Pt Washington yellow fly bombardment.

I have actually tried rubbing myself down with dryer softener sheets as suggested by someone around here - I don't think it slowed down the swarming action but I didn't have bites. also, wearing long sleeves and pants helps but dang its too hot.

**Lynnie** · 06-03-2010, 07:44 AM

Are they really bad this year? Or, mild like the last couple of years? Don't wear black~~~~~

**Franny** · 06-03-2010, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by Lynnie

Are they really bad this year? Or, mild like the last couple of years? Don't wear black~~~~~

Lynnie, they are worse than bad. I have never seen them swarm like they are doing this year. You have to run, swipe, duck just to get to the car. I did observe the beautiful dragonflies making a meal of them yesterday!

**Jdarg** · 06-03-2010, 08:06 AM

OMG Toots- I just walked Kate out to her morning carpool ride and you are right! Swarm! They swarmed around me- I was frantically trying to get her in the car without the flies following her. We just had a rain shower and it is pea- soup humid, so I don't know if that brought them out more than usual or not, but I have never experienced this!

**Teresa** · 06-03-2010, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by jdarg

OMG Toots- I just walked Kate out to her morning carpool ride and you are right! Swarm! They swarmed around me- I was frantically trying to get her in the car without the flies following her. We just had a rain shower and it is pea- soup humid, so I don't know if that brought them out more than usual or not, but I have never experienced this!

have you had the sting before? the swarming is just nerve wracking. but the sting is what stays with you like a big sore itchy lump for days and days.

**sunspotbaby** · 06-03-2010, 08:53 AM

The yellow fly eggs hatch in the water after we get a good rain. I believe they are worse if we've had a pretty good dry spell before the rain (and we did). My big black dog is taking it tough. If i could put a glue trap on him, we'd have 'em licked!

Mosquito control will hang a black ball if you request it. Or you can make your own out of beach balls, or milk jugs. Paint it black, apply the glue, and hang it in the shade about 4-5 feet off the ground. I'm glad they don't last long and they are pretty easy to kill if you're diligent.

**Lynnie** · 06-03-2010, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by Franny

Lynnie, they are worse than bad. I have never seen them swarm like they are doing this year. You have to run, swipe, duck just to get to the car. I did observe the beautiful dragonflies making a meal of them yesterday!

Oh no!!! I have a theory that the worse the yellow fly season, the worse the hurricane season......I will change this so there is no bad hurricane juju.

However, watch for dead millipedes, too.

**sunspotbaby** · 06-03-2010, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Lynnie

Oh no!!! I have a theory that the worse the yellow fly season, the worse the hurricane season......I will change this so there is no bad hurricane juju.

However, watch for dead millipedes, too.

My little 'bug girls' learned a lesson about bothering the millipedes. They secrete chemicals that stink. After being sprayed by one the other night, Jackie put her fingers on her nose. Next morning her nose was purple. Turns out the chemicals are caustic. So she has an X on her nose that is slowly peeling away. I think our millipedes are safe for now.

**DuneAHH** · 06-03-2010, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by Lynnie

Oh no!!! I have a theory that the worse the yellow fly season, the worse the hurricane season......I will change this so there is no bad hurricane juju.

However, watch for dead millipedes, too.

I tend to agree with your theory.

Here is something that works for me on yellow fly bites (I'm extemely prone to massive swelling, itching, and infection from these vicious little creeturs):

IMMEDIATELY slap a vinegar soaked rag on the bite. It seems to neutralize or draw out the poison. It's worth carrying a baggy of soaked rags in your pocket.

**DuneAHH** · 06-03-2010, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by sunspotbaby

My little 'bug girls' learned a lesson about bothering the millipedes. They secrete chemicals that stink. After being sprayed by one the other night, Jackie put her fingers on her nose. Next morning her nose was purple. Turns out the chemicals are caustic. So she has an X on her nose that is slowly peeling away. I think our millipedes are safe for now.

eekkk ... I had no idea millipedes had this effect.
Poor Jackie. But you're a good Mom to let 'em learn some of the tough lessons on their own!

**Franny** · 06-03-2010, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Lynnie

Oh no!!! I have a theory that the worse the yellow fly season, the worse the hurricane season......I will change this so there is no bad hurricane juju.

However, watch for dead millipedes, too.

Hmmmm, never noticed this before.

**Lynnie** · 06-03-2010, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by sunspotbaby

My little 'bug girls' learned a lesson about bothering the millipedes. They secrete chemicals that stink. After being sprayed by one the other night, Jackie put her fingers on her nose. Next morning her nose was purple. Turns out the chemicals are caustic. So she has an X on her nose that is slowly peeling away. I think our millipedes are safe for now.

Poor Jackie, nature can make a kid tough! I had no idea millipedes would do this! I hope her nose returns to its natural shade soon.

**sunspotbaby** · 06-03-2010, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by Lynnie

Poor Jackie, nature can make a kid tough! I had no idea millipedes would do this! I hope her nose returns to its natural shade soon.

me too ya'll. She's embarassed by it, but i'll bet she's going to be a bit more cautious of what she just picks up to investigate.

For the record, the millipedes showed a LOT of patience before resorting to the 'spray'.

I also read that monkeys use this chemical by rubbing it on themselves to keep mosquitoes away.

**Teresa** · 06-04-2010, 10:00 PM

I don't know if I've ever seen the swarms so thick around here. egaaad!

**SeaFern** · 06-06-2010, 10:04 AM

Since I moved here 7 years ago, I have done hours and hours of research on yellowflies. I am one of those people who can be outside with 100 other people and will be the only one who gets bit by mosquitos. So you can imagine what it's like with those yellowflies chasing me - yes, I'm the lunatic waving my hands and running down the driveway after walking the gauntlet to the mailbox.

The only thing that I found that works is made by a company who is licensing an all natural formula containing geraniol, which is a yellowgrass extract, from the University of Florida, called BugBand. It's a great product and is about 80% successful on my person. I was so impressed that I started selling it in the area, to local stores. 5 years later, the company undermined my efforts and started selling directly to stores, cutting me out. I couldn't believe how they treated me after all the work I had done on their behalf - believe me I wasn't making much money. So you can imagine how I feel about this company! But the product is still good and is being sold by Santa Rosa Pharmacy who was my best, most loyal client.

Yellowflies hunt via eyesight. That is why they're attracted to dark objects, because they can see them. The females bite to get a blood meal, as they need the protein to reproduce. That really pisses me off - knowing that when I get bit I'm helping to produce more babies! They don't like intense heat and sun so hang out in the shade, under a porch or leaf, only coming out to attack. You're safest in the middle of the day and easier prey in the morning and at dusk. They're usually gone from the area by the first or second week of July. I count the days!

If you do get bit by a yellow fly, apply ammonia directly to the bite site as soon as possible. I always keep a container of ammonia (from Publix, 85 cents) around this time of year. It is the only thing I've tried that completely neutralizes the venom. It really works to stop (yes, stop) the itching and swelling and I have scars from years past so I know how bad it can feel. Reapply every couple of hours and it will give you a sense of control as even if you get bit, you don't have to suffer.

Use rubbing alcohol to neutralize mosquito bites, and underarm deodorant (with aluminum as that is the active ingredient) for no-see-ums.

Hope this helps!

**Beach Runner** · 06-06-2010, 12:33 PM

Today when we walked to the beach we got attacked. I started waving my arms like a helicopter. They didn't leave us alone until we got to the top of the beach walkover. Hubby has bites that look like hickeys, I guess because he's on Coumadin. Hope the flies are gone before our daughter's honeymoon! Thanks SeaFern for the advice.

**florida girl** · 06-23-2010, 12:39 AM

Rhuli gel, or spray is good, now owned by Johnson and Johnson with Band aid name on it. Also Benedryl has a topical gel that's good. Skin so soft is a good repellant for some.

**SWGB** · 06-24-2010, 12:35 AM

You're all sissies!

At least they don't kill you. As someone who is highly allergic this season has sucked. We discovered this last summer after I was bit at Pandora's and made it to the beach before being literally dragged off the beach barely conscious by my bathing suit. Thanks again to Tootsie's fast thinking I was whisked away to the Grayton Bayou Doctor.

They love shade and seem to be really bad right after a rain fall. We were house sitting for friends in Pt. Washington and arrived back after a rain. Literally hundreds of them were swarming the truck. After debating whether the dogs would make it until the next day I decided to lure them away. I slowly backed out of the drive way and idled down the road with the little turds continuing to attack. Once we rounded the corner and were a sufficient distance I punched it and left them to wonder what the puck happened. We repeated this one more time and finally made a mad dash for the house.

I always carry liquid Benadryll with us during yellow fly season, but it's still not a fun experience.

**vegasvic66** · 06-24-2010, 12:41 AM

I am so glad I read this thread! Bugs normally pass me and go on to their next victim, but not so with yellow flies. I have a scar on my leg from a bite I recieved over two years ago, at one point before it started to heal, it actually left a hole in my leg. I have never seen an insect with such determination.They won't even attempt to get away as your slapping at them. I shall be slathering, rubbing and spraying myself with all the great suggestions just to be sure they stay away from me. Thanks to all!

**Lynnie** · 06-24-2010, 10:55 AM

The vermin haven't tapered off, yet? Yowsa!!

And, it seems the remedies that work best are the stinkiest: vinegar and ammonia??

**sunspotbaby** · 06-24-2010, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by Lynnie

The vermin haven't tapered off, yet? Yowsa!!

And, it seems the remedies that work best are the stinkiest: vinegar and ammonia??

nope, not one bit. I've noticed that they're smaller and smaller too. Killed several yesterday. we're all a scratchin' in this house!

**sunspotbaby** · 07-30-2010, 08:13 PM

Really Yellow fly? Really? It's almost FN August!

**Carol G** · 07-31-2010, 02:30 AM

Seriously... I just got bit again a few days ago, right in the space between my ring and pinkie finger.

I guess there are worse places...

My entire hand swelled up like a balloon, even though I've been bitten at least 10 times this summer. I did discover a sweet little treatment... Anbesol for canker sores. It's got enough benzocaine to numb the area so it doesn't itch so badly. It's not a remedy; I still used benedryl, ammonia and cortisone cream asap, but it least it stopps the itching for a while.