Every summer, horse flies become a nuisance for homeowners who want to enjoy their outdoor spaces. Whether it is a pool area, backyard, or horse stables, these voracious pests can quickly ruin any outdoor activity. In this article, we will discuss natural deterrents to repel horse flies, the benefits of installing insect screens around pool areas, and DIY solutions for getting rid of horse flies. By reading this article, you will gain a better understanding of the various strategies available to keep horse flies away and enjoy your summer without the annoyance of these bothersome pests.
Natural Deterrents to Repel Horse Flies
Horse flies are a nuisance that can make enjoying your pool difficult. Fortunately, there are natural deterrents that can be used to keep horse flies away.
Citronella
Citronella is a natural plant-based oil that has been used as a repellent for centuries. It has a strong smell that is not pleasant to horse flies. Citronella candles, torches, and other products can be used to keep horse flies away from your pool and patio area.
Garlic
Garlic has a number of uses, and one of those is as a repellent for horse flies. It is believed that the smell of garlic is not appealing to horse flies, so planting garlic in and around your pool area can be effective in keeping them away.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds can also be used as a natural deterrent for horse flies. The smell of coffee grounds is believed to be unappealing to horse flies and can keep them away from your pool area. You can spread the grounds around your pool area, or even use them as a type of fertilizer for your plants.
Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant herb that has been used for centuries for its calming scent. It is believed that the smell of lavender is unappealing to horse flies, so planting it in and around your pool area can be effective in keeping them away.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a popular essential oil that has a number of uses, one of which is as a natural deterrent for horse flies. The smell of eucalyptus oil is believed to be unappealing to horse flies and can be used to keep them away from your pool area.
Marigolds
Marigolds are a type of flower that has a strong scent. The smell of marigolds is believed to be unappealing to horse flies and can be used to keep them away from your pool area. Planting marigolds in and around your pool area can be an effective way to keep horse flies away.
Benefits of Installing Insect Screens Around Pool Areas
Insect screens can be a great way to keep pesky horse flies and other bugs away from your pool area. Installing insect screens around your pool can provide many benefits.
Keeps Insects Out
The most obvious benefit of installing insect screens around your pool area is that it will keep out insects such as horse flies. Insect screens are designed to provide a barrier that prevents bugs from entering the pool area. They are constructed from tightly woven mesh that is designed to keep out even the smallest bugs.
Improves Pool Aesthetics
Insect screens can also help to improve the aesthetics of your pool area. Installing insect screens will block out any unsightly bugs that might otherwise be present in the area. This can help to create a more pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere for you and your guests.
Reduces Maintenance
Insect screens can also help to reduce maintenance by blocking out bugs that would otherwise be attracted to the pool. This can help to reduce the amount of time that you have to spend cleaning up after bugs and maintaining the pool area.
Increases Safety
Insect screens can also help to increase safety by blocking out insects that might otherwise be attracted to the pool and its surroundings. This can help to reduce the risk of insect-borne illnesses or stings from bugs.
Provides Privacy
Insect screens can also be used to provide privacy for your pool area. These screens can block out the view from outside and provide a sense of privacy for anyone using the pool.
DIY Solutions for Getting Rid of Horse Flies
Horse flies can be a real nuisance when trying to enjoy a day by the pool. They buzz around and bite, which can be a real bother. Fortunately, there are several DIY solutions to help get rid of these pesky pests.
Identify the Horse Flies
The first step in tackling a horse fly problem is to identify the type of pests that you’re dealing with. Horse flies are larger than houseflies and have clear wings. They are typically brown, black, or gray and have large eyes. The females are more likely to bite, as they need blood for reproduction.
Eliminate the Breeding Ground
Horse flies breed in wet, muddy, or damp areas. To help get rid of them, you should eliminate the breeding grounds. This can include clearing away standing water, filling in low spots in the yard, and ensuring that water doesn’t pool around the pool.
Use Traps
Traps can be effective in getting rid of horse flies. You can purchase traps that are specifically designed to attract and capture horse flies, or you can make your own. One of the most effective traps is a black light trap, which uses ultraviolet light to attract the flies.
Use Natural Repellents
If you don’t want to use traps, you can also use natural repellents. Citronella oil and lavender oil are both effective in repelling horse flies. You can mix these oils with water and spray them around your pool area to help keep the pests away.
Use Insecticides
Insecticides are another option for getting rid of horse flies. You should look for a product that is specifically designed to kill horse flies, as other insecticides may not be effective. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label, as some insecticides can be dangerous if used improperly.
Practice Prevention
The best way to keep horse flies away is to practice prevention. This includes keeping the grass trimmed, removing any standing water, and keeping areas around the pool clean and free of debris. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that horse flies don’t become a problem in the first place.
Summary
Using naturally-occurring ingredients can be a great way to keep pesky horse flies away from your pool and patio area. Citronella has been used for centuries as an effective repellent, due to its strong smell; planting garlic around the pool deck may also be beneficial, as well as spreading coffee grounds nearby which horsesflies find unappealing.