If you’ve spent time outside in Florida during the warmer months and walked away with a painful, itchy welt, there’s a good chance you’ve met a yellow fly. Yellow biting flies are aggressive biting insects that are common across the Gulf Coast, including Panama City and surrounding areas like Bay, Walton, and Gulf counties, impacting over 70% of residents.
Not only are yellow flies annoying, they also bite and are hard to avoid if you’re not prepared. Here, Arrow Pest Service helps you understand when yellow flies are most active, where they thrive, how to prevent bites, and how to treat them if you do get bitten.
Yellow Fly Season in Florida: When to Watch Out
Yellow biting flies in Florida are most active during the late spring and early summer, with peak season running from May through June. The heat, high humidity, and shaded vegetation make the environment in Florida ideal for their development.
In areas like Panama City, yellow flies thrive in areas that are near the coast or wooded, which makes them a common nuisance for beachgoers, campers, hikers, and homeowners who live near the woods or water.
Where Yellow Biting Flies Live and Hunt
Yellow biting flies tend to avoid wide open spaces and direct sunlight. Instead, they prefer shady and humid environments. You’re most likely to encounter them in:
- Shaded areas with thick vegetation
- Near ponds, lakes, or creeks
- Edges of forests and wooded trails
- Overgrown yards or landscaping near water sources
They’re most aggressive when it’s cooler in the early morning and late afternoon. This is typically when they seek out hosts to bite.
What to Know About Yellow Fly Bites
Yes, yellow flies do bite, and it’s not a mild experience. The females are the ones that bite, using their sharp mouthparts to pierce the skin and feed on blood. The result is a sudden, sharp sting followed by swelling, redness, and intense itching.
Though yellow fly bites are not typically dangerous, they can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Scratching increases the risk of more infections, so proper care is important.
How to Prevent Yellow Fly Bites in Florida
Preventing bites from yellow biting flies starts with a few proactive steps. If you’re planning to be outdoors in Florida while they’re active, especially in known hot spots, try the following:
- Wear light-colored and long-sleeved clothing to reduce skin exposure
- Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when yellow flies are most active
- Install sticky traps or screens near porches and patios to catch or block them
- Keep your yard tidy by trimming shrubs and clearing overgrown vegetation to reduce shaded resting areas
If you live near a water source or heavily wooded area, consider using a fan when outside, as yellow flies aren’t strong fliers and tend to avoid windy conditions.
Treating Yellow Fly Bites Naturally
If you do get bitten, treating the bite quickly can help reduce discomfort. Here are some simple, natural remedies:
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and numb the sting
- Witch hazel or diluted vinegar can help soothe the skin
- Use a cortisone cream or Benadryl stick for itching and inflammation
- Avoid scratching, even if the bite itches a lot, to reduce the chances of infection
In most cases, symptoms subside within a few days. If the area becomes increasingly red, warm, or painful, make sure you consult a medical professional.
FAQs About Yellow Biting Flies in Florida
Are yellow flies dangerous to pets? Yellow flies can and do bite pets, especially dogs that spend time outdoors. The bites can be painful and may cause swelling or allergic reactions. Use pet-safe repellents and keep pets indoors during peak activity times.
What attracts yellow flies? Yellow flies are drawn to movement, dark colors, body heat, and carbon dioxide. This makes people and pets easy targets, especially when active outdoors.
Can yellow flies get into homes? While yellow flies prefer the outdoors, they may enter homes through open windows or doors, particularly if they detect a food source or follow body heat. Keeping screens in good repair can help keep them out.
Why are yellow fly bites so itchy and painful? Yellow flies inject saliva into the skin when they bite, which contains enzymes that trigger the body’s immune response. The reaction causes intense itching, swelling, and sometimes a burning sensation at the bite site.
Yellow Biting Fly Prevention Is the Best Medicine – Contact Arrow Pest Service Today!
Every summer, yellow biting flies are a nuisance to Florida residents and can turn a peaceful afternoon outside into an uncomfortable experience. Understanding when and where these biting flies are most active and how to protect yourself goes a long way in preventing painful bites.
If your property backs onto wooded areas or you’re seeing an increase in yellow biting fly activity around your home, Arrow Pest Service in Panama City, Florida, is here to help. Our team understands the behavior of yellow biting flies and offers practical, effective solutions to keep them away.
Don’t let yellow flies ruin your summer. Reach out to Arrow Pest Service at (850) 409-2580 for expert protection!