Me against Tabanidae

[ScottR]

While riding this evening just before dark I came across a p*ssed off Hosefly.
It harrased me for a good four miles biting me twice on the forearms. The only point I was able to outrun it was on the downhill gravel road after fourdogs. I actually was able to look back and see that a gap growing between us. Then as I started uphill the damn thing caught back up. I did some research and found that they fly at 14.8 mph which made perfect sense. Has this happened to anyone else?

[NoName2]

it's happening to everyone right now. the damn horse fly population has grown my a million percent in the last week as the heat gets more intense. bug spray keeps them off for the first ten minutes of the ride but then as you sweat they get worse. stop for just a second and you have three or four gnawing on you. little bastards are relentless in their pursuit for blood. :mad:




While riding this evening just before dark I came across a p*ssed off Hosefly.
It harrased me for a good four miles biting me twice on the forearms. The only point I was able to outrun it was on the downhill gravel road after fourdogs. I actually was able to look back and see that a gap growing between us. Then as I started uphill the damn thing caught back up. I did some research and found that they fly at 14.8 mph which made perfect sense. Has this happened to anyone else?

[natepac]

spray down your helmet and clothes as well. basically bathe in deet and you will be ok.

[meco]

Just a thought. "BUG SPRAY VENDING MACHINE"

[natepac]

The family Tabanidae, commonly known as horse flies, and deer flies, contains pests of cattle, horses and humans. In Florida there are 35 species of Tabanidae that are classed as economically important. Horse flies are in the genus Tabanus, deer flies are in the genus Chrysops. The yellow fly (http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/livestock/yellow_fly.htm), Diachlorus ferrugatus (Fabricius), is known as a fierce biter in Florida. Like mosquitoes, it is the female fly that is responsible for inflicting a bite. The males are mainly pollen and nectar feeders. Tabanids are most likely encountered in hot summer and early fall weather. They are active during daylight hours.
Damage

Tabanids lie in wait in shady areas under bushes and trees for a host to happen by. Sight is the main host finding mechanism, but carbon dioxide and odor also play a role. Moving objects, especially if dark colored, are most prone to attack. Attacks occur during daylight hours with a peak beginning at sunrise and lasting three hours. A second peak is two hours before sunset and commences shortly after.

[carl]

yellow flies are the best training partner.

[Diomedes]

Yeah, ride fast and don't stop. :D

[Pilotman28]

they're not THAT quick. you can kill them with a good swat. Much easier to kill than a normal fly.

[ScottR]

they're not THAT quick. you can kill them with a good swat. Much easier to kill than a normal fly.


Im sure you could of killed it with a pair of chopsticks:D

[egordon]

The RV store has 9 volt electric fly swatters.. They are awesome! They put off an electric spark as they zap unsuspecting lil pests.. Worth their weight in entertainment value..

[Pilotman28]

It'd be worth the money just to set some out in the woods over night a few times and see how much of a dent you could put in the pest population.