Sand flies are tiny insects, often no larger than 1/16 inch length, with an appetite for blood meals. Though male sand flies do not bite, females search for a host in order to acquire blood for her eggs to develop. Unlike mosquitoes, sand flies bites are usually noticed immediately and are rather painful. Adult sand flies are most active in June, July and August. Their preferred breeding sites include damp areas around ponds, creeks and lakes, as well as in tree holes or on slime-covered bark. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Spray the adult sand flies directly with a pyrethrin based insecticide. Use the pyrethrin spray on plants around your home as well, as the sand flies wait on the leaves until a suitable host walks past.
2. Apply an insecticide lawn spray to your yard, especially after it rains. Sand flies become active after a rain, and it is a good time to tear your lawn after the rain stops. Use a garden hose sprayer attachment and cover the entire lawn.
3. Remove any standing water or damp material from around your home. Get rid of any damp mulch, grass clippings or compost. Clear out any clogged rain gutters on your house and make sure there is no standing water in any nearby drainage ditches. Empty any planters in your yard with standing water in them. Check for any hollowed out tree crevices containing water near your home and spray it with the pyrethrin insecticide.
4. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants, especially after the sun sets.
5. Keep your windows shut. Sand flies are small enough to squeeze through window screens and attack you inside your home.
6. Wear insect repellent containing Deet. Re-apply the Deet every two hours if you are spending an extended period of time outside.
7. Use fans to circulate the air around your deck or patio. Sand flies do not handle shifts in air currents well and have a much more difficult biting you in constantly circulating air.
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