Biting Flies Biting Flies Deer, stable and horse flies are bloodsuckers that can cause grief and misery to humans, pets and livestock when they bite. They usually buzz incessantly around the head. Reports from foresters working in coastal areas have described deer fly swarms so thick that they actually ingested flies when trying to breath. One woods crew had to wrap handkerchiefs over their mouths to keep from ingesting the obnoxious, persistent blood- suckers. Most species inhabit moist areas rich in organic matter.
Most human reactions resulting from fly bites are initial pain, local irritation and swelling.
Large local and systemic reactions do occur in hypersensitive people. Deer flies, yellow flies and horse flies are collectively called Tabanids. Over 3000 species occur worldwide. Deer flies prefer wet breeding sites and horse flies prefer wet soil near water. Tabanids depend on vision and odors to detect hosts.