Do you know what a yellow fly is and what it can do to your home? If not, you are not alone. Yellow flies are small, pesky insects that can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Here is everything you need to know about these irritating little pests.
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What are yellow flies really?
Yellow flies are a type of fly that is known for being one of the fiercest and most aggressive species. They can be found all over the world and can cause a great deal of damage to both people and animals.
The yellow fly species is mostly found in the south-eastern parts of the United States. This includes states such as New Jersey and Texas, as well as the Bahamas, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
The yellow fly is a nuisance to humans and animals alike. These flies are known for their painful, itchy bites that often cause swelling as well. In addition to being annoying, they can also be carriers of various diseases.
How to identify yellow flies on the basis of their appearance?
Let’s keep reading to understand the basic characteristics that most yellow flies show in terms of their appearance!
The yellow fly is a small, 2 cm long fly that can be identified by its black and yellow stripes. They are often found near water sources and can be a nuisance to humans and animals.
The yellow fly is also identifiable by their black striped, yellow furry abdomen. Yellow flies can be further identified by their blue-green eyes. This is an important feature to look for when trying to identify them, as not many other types of flies have blue eyes.
Behavior and habitat of yellow flies
Yellow flies are attracted to dark moving objects and carbon dioxide. This means that they are more likely to bite people and animals who are moving around, as well as those who are exhaling. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands.
Because yellow flies thrive in warm and humid environments, the southern states make a perfect habitat for them. They are attracted to movement and will swarm around people and animals, leading to painful bites.
In addition to biting mammals, including humans, yellow flies also feed on the blood of birds. They need a blood meal in order to lay eggs and will often bite people near water sources where they are more likely to encounter their prey.
What are the eating habits of yellow flies?
Yellow flies are attracted to both plant nectar and pollen for energy. They feed on a variety of plants but prefer those that produce a lot of nectar or pollen.
In addition to plants and nectar, yellow flies are also attracted to the blood of humans and other animals as it is a rich source of protein. When they attack, they can spread diseases like Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue Fever. As I said, yellow yellow, dirty fellow indeed!
What is the life cycle of a yellow fly?
The yellow fly follows a fairly generic life cycle and developmental stages. In fact, almost all other insects of its kind follow the same life cycle!
The yellow fly has a complete metamorphosis cycle, which means that it goes through four different stages in its life: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The eggs are laid by the female yellow fly, and they hatch into larvae.
The larvae live in water and feed on organic matter. They then undergo a process called molting, where they shed their skin and become pupae. The pupae transform into adults, and the adults emerge from the water to mate and lay eggs.
The life cycle of a yellow fly can last up to one year, but it greatly depends on the weather conditions. Warm weather will speed up their development, while cold weather will slow it down.
What kind of damage can yellow flies cause to humans and pets?
Yellow flies can cause a great deal of damage to humans and pets. They are known to transmit pathogens between hosts, which can lead to serious health problems. Additionally, they can also cause significant irritation and discomfort.
Insect pests, especially yellow flies, can also cause a lot of damage to livestock’s health and production. They lay their eggs on the host, and the hatched larvae start feeding on the blood and tissues of the hosts, which makes them very weak and often leads to death.
Therefore, make no mistake when I tell you that yellow flies are actually fierce and dangerous pests to have around you!
How can you differentiate between yellow flies and deer flies?
The yellow fly is a type of fly that is physically very similar to the deer fly. In fact, many people get confused while trying to identify these two types of flies. However, there are a few distinct features that can help you differentiate between the two:
– The yellow fly has a black band on its thorax, while the deer fly does not.
– The eyes of the yellow fly are closer to each other than those of the deer fly.
– The antennae of the yellow fly are shorter than those of the deer fly.
How can you get rid of yellow flies?
There are a variety of ways to get rid of yellow flies. One way is to use insecticides, but it is important to note that these can be harmful to other aquatic plants and animals.
It is also important to target the immature stages of the fly in order to be effective. Keep reading to understand the various methods you can use to get rid of yellow flies.
DIY trap using a sticky black ball
Making a DIY fly trap is a great way to get rid of pesky flies without using harsh chemicals or pesticides. All you need is a few household items and about 5 minutes of your time. For this trap, you will need:
- a line of tough string
- a ball that is the size of a tennis ball
- commercially available fly paper
- a stool
- a black sticky substance like a tangle trap
First, take the ball and apply a thick coating of tangle trap to it. Now, a tangled trap is something you will find either as a spray product or a liquid product. You are likely to find it in most hardware stores.
Once you’ve covered the entire ball with these black sticky substances, tie it to the stool on its underside using the string that you’ve bought.
Now, simply use the flypaper to cover up the legs of your stool and hang this entire setup in the areas which have the highest density of yellow flies.
If it’s an open area, this black ball fly trap is likely to be more effective. When the ball starts swinging because of the wind, the yellow flies will be attracted to it.
The best part about this trap is that it has two surfaces that can trap these yellow flies – the black sticky ball and the fly’s paper-covered stool legs!
Chemical insecticides to kill yellow flies
There are a variety of chemical insecticides that can be used to kill yellow flies. They are available at local farm or hardware stores and will provide some relief against the pests. However, they will not completely eliminate them from the area.
The reason is that these chemicals only take care of the flies themselves and not the underlying cause that is attracting them, to begin with. Therefore, even if you manage to wipe out an infestation, it won’t be long before a new infestation of yellow flies sets up shop.
Effective management of your backyard
Yellow flies can be a nuisance in backyard areas. There are a few things that can be done to help reduce their population and make the area less attractive to them.
Removing vegetation, which could be the root cause of attraction for these flies, around the house and managing outdoor areas can help decrease the chances of these pests coming into your space.
Additionally, using pesticides or traps may be necessary to get rid of them completely.
How to protect yourself from yellow flies?
Yellow flies can be a nuisance during the summer months. They are known to bite humans and animals, leaving behind an itchy and irritating welt. In order to protect yourself from these pests, follow these tips:
- Wear physical barriers such as head nets or long sleeves/pants to protect your skin from bites.
- Avoid outdoor events and activities during the fly season.
- I shouldn’t have to tell you this anyway but follow good personal hygiene practices.
What do yellow flies bites look like?
Yellow fly bites are swollen and red. They itch intensely. You could treat bites left by yellow flies first by consulting your doctor.
Your doctor may prescribe an ointment of sorts to reduce the irritation and the itchiness around the bite. My personal advice would be to not continuously itch the bite!
Conclusion
Yellow flies are not the best creatures to have around you. If the fact that it’s a fly didn’t give that away, the information in this article has certainly made it clear that you don’t want these bugs around you, especially if you have pets and children at home!
