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How to Keep a Biting Fly Away From You

Biting flies are a nuisance. Examples of flies that bite are horseflies, deer flies and black flies. These flies bite into the flesh of people and animals, inject an anticoagulant into the skin to prevent the blood from clotting and feed on the blood. Biting flies can transmit numerous diseases, and the anticoagulant can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to it.

Instructions

- 1
  Apply a chemical insect repellent to your skin and clothing. Spray yourself with insect repellent before venturing outdoors and apply it throughout the day in case it wears off. Repellents that contain a chemical known as DEET are the most effective. Never apply products that contain DEET to your face and hands because it is a toxic chemical when ingested.
- 2
  Cover exposed skin. Reducing the amount of places a fly can bite you will reduce the number of bites you get. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, closed-toe shoes, socks and a hat when outdoors to protect exposed skin from insect bites. Dark colors tend to attract flies and insects so it's best to wear light colors instead.
- 3
  Pick up garbage around your yard or campsite. Flies are attracted to rotting food and garbage so don't invite them by leaving these things around. Place all garbage and food scraps in a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid, and empty the garbage can regularly so the smell does not attract insects.
- 4
  Sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquito nets are fine-mesh nets that hang over your bed. These nets can protect you from mosquitoes and all kinds of biting insects that may try to bite you in your sleep. Spray the net with an insect repellent for extra protection.
- 5
  Treat your clothing with Permethrin. Permethrin is a long-lasting insect repellent that will stay on your clothes even after washing them, although the chemical does wear off after several washings. Permethrin should not be applied to your skin because it is not safe for skin contact.
- 6
  Build a campfire. The drifting smoke from a campfire deters and repels flying insects from the general area. The strong odor of the smoke also makes it difficult for the insects to detect you by your perspiration or the carbon dioxide you exhale.
- 7
  Crush the leaves of aromatic herbs and plants and rub them on your skin. The odors from plants like peppermint, geranium leaves, pennyroyal, lavender and verbena are natural and safe insect repellents. These plants will keep biting flies away from you without exposing you to harsh chemicals in the process.

Insects & Science