ID pls for inch-long (well nearly) fly

[Dillybythesea]

This was flying around the nature pond this morning. As I'm already being pursued down there by what Janet (in my last ID request) tells me are flies of the Tabanidae family, probably Chrysops relictus, I do hope someone says these won't be after my blood too!

[Jason Green]

Morning Dillish,

Yes, a Horsefly - Tabanidae as you say. This is a Tabanus sp., I think. Tabanus spp. for me tend to be duller, with Chrysops spp. being brighter, more striking in appearance. This may just be anecdotal though!

Take care,

Jason

[bigdave60dog]

Yeah, Tabanuus (?Bromius)

[Dillybythesea]

Thank you Jason and bigdave60dog! Just what I didn't want to hear really! But at least I can splash on the repellent now. ATB - Dodging Dill

[bigdave60dog]

Never found one that works yet. Unless you count tractor fuel (Red Deisel oil).
Dave

[Dillybythesea]

Oddly enough I think (so far) I can really recommend something I found on the net, possibly even in an earlier WAB discussion - which isn't even designed as a repellent! It's called Skin So Soft and is a dry oil spray. There's not much of a smell and, till now at least, when I remember to use it I don't get bitten/ stung. I bought mine mailorder. But when I run out I shall move on to red diesel, naturally!

[Jim Ford]

Horseflies are vile things - I terminate them with extreme prejudice!

Jim

[bigdave60dog]

Originally Posted by Dillybythesea

Oddly enough I think (so far) I can really recommend something I found on the net, possibly even in an earlier WAB discussion - which isn't even designed as a repellent! It's called Skin So Soft and is a dry oil spray. There's not much of a smell and, till now at least, when I remember to use it I don't get bitten/ stung. I bought mine mailorder. But when I run out I shall move on to red diesel, naturally!

That`s from Avon, The Boots sesame seed one is even better. They both sweat off too quickly for me. Diprobase seems best at present. (It may be script only)
Red deisel is effective but carcogenic if you get in it a lot. Smells pretty distinctive too. The smell always reminds my wife wife of our courting days.
Don`t ask!!

[John_M]

I've heard that neem oil works to keep horseflies away, but I can't vouch for this. I'm one of those fortunate ones who seldom get bitten by anything

[Gerel]

Avon "Skin so Soft" was popular with forestry workers in Scotland to keep midges away (quite which rough, tough forester discovered this and how, was never disclosed). I don't know if it was even supposed to work against horseflies though.