Keeping Horse Flies away.

[demicav]

Isn't it weird how things can become very amusing after the avent ? Last Summer on a visit to Lands End as soon as we all got out of the car we spotted them, the dreaded Horse Flies. Me and the kids made a run for it although they did only seem interested in my other half who we left to lock up the car and fend off the little beasties, extremely funny now I think about it. The thing is I dread these insects every year, they terrify me and it's begining to rub off on the kids. So I thought I would ask fellow Wabbers about their experiences with them and also to ask for any hints/tips on keeping them away. All suggestions greatfully received.

[WildJanet]

Mmmmmmmm. you poor thing, I know exactly how you feel...The only thing I can suggest is to use 'Citronella'; It dosn't stop the little blighters compleatly but they seem to dislike the taste & spit you out after one nip. & then fly off & tell all their mates.

[naturelover]

sorry to be dim but what dose a horse fly look like.

[WildJanet]

They are very victious & have a mouth like a Hedge strimmer .

horseflies

eek:

[bugbotherer]

Here's one from ollyk (I hope that's OK)


They have beautiful eyes, but by that time you are tooooooo close

[naturelover]

i didnt realise they bit you,i know i have been bitten in the past by something and its come up in a big red lump and itchy,do you think its one of them,always thought it was a mossy.

[Kayleigh]

When I had my horse I used to make up a recipe with washing up liquid, meths, and citronella oil and water. Then spray it on the horse to keep the blighter's away..But the best solution is to eat lots of garlic..Like home-made garlic bread. Melt some butter,garlic (1 bulb),salt and parsley in the microwave/saucepan when its cool spread onto a French stick and put in the oven.. yumm . And eat curries ect with lots of garlic. It comes through the skin and repels insects..Great stuff

[naturelover]

dont eat garlic,i think its yuk.

[WildJanet]

Garlic bread sounds good to me; I love it. Mmmmmmmm Yummy. I bet your poor Horse was relieved to be sprayed too. Bless....

[stripee]

Demicav horseflies are a nightmare and give a very painful bite. I buy a spray repellent from the health shop which has neem, eucalyptus in it. It works very well to keep horseflies at bay. I spray some on my hands rub it over my hair, and back of neck and shoulders which are favourite horsefly landing pads and backs of hands....when I am in fields etc I usually wear long sleeved t shirts because the less exposed flesh the better!! Not easy when its a hot day