My problem with Deer Flies is that while living in Utah I became extremely allergic to their bites. Each time I am bitten by the Deer Flies my reaction is worse.
Deer Flies at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
For the last two years, I successfully avoided being bitten by the “murder flies” in Utah by staying away from locations where I knew their numbers were typically high. These flies are known to be attracted to cattle, so I stayed away from low elevation desert ranchlands and Bear River MBR, where cattle were used for phragmites mitigation.
Deer Fly bites 2020 and 2021- Cell phone photos
I don’t know if I am only allergic to the specific species of deer flies in Utah or if other species in other states would elicit the same allergic responses. I am not sure that I want to get bitten just to find out to find out!
Deer fly season is about to start, I’m not looking forward to their reappearance.
Life is good despite the “Murder Flies”, most of the time.
Mia
Click here to see more of my insect and spider photos.
Ouch! I feel your pain. Deer Flies are downright nasty. They even look cruel.
For what it’s worth, I’m a prime blood donor for mosquitoes. But a few years ago a friend recommended that I rub my forearms with a dryer sheet (like Bounce) when I’m outdoors and it seems to work well. The ‘skeeters still land on me but don’t stick around long. Of course, when they do I have time to squish them which is both satisfying and therapeutic. It might work on Deer Flies too.
Love your sunflower pic and the detail you captured of the Deer Flies is remarkable. Thanks Mia.
I feel for you. Ants (any of them) do similar things to me. As do bees.
Here’s to a season for you where you can avoid them.
They are out in Farmington.
Mia,
I am allergic to the yellow flies (in Florida) and mosquito bites.
In the last few years I have been using bentonite clay. I order the 2 lb bag of food grade clay and mix 3 parts water to 1 part clay to make a paste. I keep it in a glass jar and carry it in the car with me. I think it’s more effective when you slather it on the minute you get bitten.
Lol, I could have brought some bentonite clay back from Cainsville for Mia to try! I might still have some in my wheel wells!
Here’s to a Deer Fly free summer! I hope you can find a good repellent. 💜
Wow! As someone who also has allergies that, yes, do get worse with every exposure (and no, “allergy pills” are not strong enough to help) and also swells up, sometimes my hands, sometimes my eyes swell shut, yeah, I can really, really feel your pain over this. For me, avoidance is key but I can feel the pull because you want to get out and take photos but, if you ever got stranded far from home and your eyes swelled shut so you couldn’t drive home, and you were therefore stuck in the allergy zone even if you could shelter in your car, … well, Mia, I know how much you want to be out there taking photos, …. Choices, choices. At times like those I chose to “shoot” flowers or weeds near home or that could be cut and brought inside and even abstracts or “fine art” when I couldn’t get out or go where I wanted to go or for a certain period. For you it is more difficult because of this blog and your followers. Whatever “accommodation” you come up with, know that there are people who care for you and wish the best for your health and happiness and fulfillment in whatever form that takes.
Here’s hoping you are able to avoid deerflies going forward!