Practical Strategies to Keep Horse Flies Away

Quick answer

• Use EPA-approved repellents on yourself and your gear.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Set up fly traps away from your main camp area.
• Manage manure piles to reduce breeding grounds.
• Avoid camping near standing water or dense brush.
• Keep food sealed and clean up spills immediately.
• Consider fans in your tent or shelter.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you even pack the car, a little prep goes a long way to keep those pesky horse flies from ruining your trip.

• Land manager / legality: Who’s in charge of the land? Is it National Forest, BLM, state park, or private? Different agencies have different rules about camping, campfires, and even what you can bring. A quick look at their website or a call can save you a headache. I always double-check the specific campground or dispersed camping area rules.

• Access/road conditions: Horse flies might be annoying, but getting to your spot is key. Is the road paved, gravel, or just a dirt track? Do you need 4WD or high clearance? Mud, snow, or washouts can turn a fun drive into a recovery mission. Know your vehicle’s limits and the road’s current status.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: Horse flies are bad enough, but a wildfire or a sudden storm? No thanks. Check current fire restrictions religiously. Look at the forecast for rain, extreme heat, and especially wind. High winds can sometimes keep flies down, but they bring their own set of problems.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Where will you get water, and how will you treat it? Horse flies love damp areas, so knowing your water sources is important. Also, how will you pack out all your trash and human waste? Proper LNT practices not only protect the environment but can also indirectly reduce fly breeding sites.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): Are there bears, mountain lions, or other critters to be aware of? How far are you from the nearest ranger station or town if something goes wrong? Cell service is usually spotty out there. Let someone know your itinerary and expected return time. A satellite messenger is a solid investment if you’re going deep.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Here’s how to set up your camp and manage the situation once you’re there.

1. Scout your campsite location:

• What to do: Look for a spot that’s a bit more open, ideally with a breeze. Avoid areas right next to stagnant water, marshy ground, or thick, damp undergrowth.
• What “good” looks like: A pleasant spot with good airflow, not a buggy haven. You can see a bit of the horizon.
• Common mistake: Picking the “prettiest” spot without considering the insect situation. You might regret that shady, damp nook when the flies descend.

2. Set up your shelter:

• What to do: Get your tent or shelter up quickly. Ensure all zippers and screens are in good repair and fully closed.
• What “good” looks like: A sealed environment, free of flies buzzing inside.
• Common mistake: Leaving the door open too long while setting up. Flies are opportunistic; they’ll sneak in before you know it.

3. Deploy personal repellents:

• What to do: Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin. Reapply as directed.
• What “good” looks like: You feel comfortable and aren’t swatting yourself every five minutes.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to reapply, especially after sweating or swimming. The protection wears off.

For personal protection, consider an EPA-registered insect repellent with DEET, like this highly-rated option, to apply to exposed skin.

4. Treat gear and clothing:

• What to do: Use permethrin spray on clothing, tents, and sleeping bags before your trip. Let it dry completely.
• What “good” looks like: A nearly invisible barrier that deters insects without you having to think about it.
• Common mistake: Spraying it on your skin. Permethrin is for fabric and gear, not people.

5. Manage food and waste:

• What to do: Keep all food in sealed containers or bags. Clean up any spills immediately. Store food properly, especially overnight. Dispose of food scraps and trash in sealed bags and pack them out.
• What “good” looks like: No lingering food smells drawing flies to your campsite.
• Common mistake: Leaving food wrappers or crumbs out. Flies are attracted to that stuff like… well, flies to a picnic.

6. Set up fly traps (strategically):

• What to do: Place sticky traps or disposable fly traps a good distance away from your main camping area, maybe 50-100 feet downwind.
• What “good” looks like: The traps are catching flies, and your immediate living space is less crowded.
• Common mistake: Hanging traps right next to your tent. You’re just inviting them closer.

7. Use fans (if possible):

• What to do: If you have a battery-powered fan, run it in your tent or at your picnic table. Air movement deters flies.
• What “good” looks like: A gentle breeze that keeps flies from landing on you.
• Common mistake: Not having a power source or forgetting to pack a fan. They can be surprisingly effective.

8. Wear appropriate clothing:

• What to do: Opt for light-colored, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Tuck your pants into your boots.
• What “good” looks like: Flies have a harder time landing and biting through your clothes.
• Common mistake: Wearing dark, tight clothing. Flies are drawn to dark colors and can more easily find gaps.

9. Maintain your campsite:

• What to do: If you’re camping long-term, manage any manure from pack animals. Bury it or pack it out according to regulations. Keep the area around your tent clean.
• What “good” looks like: A tidy, less attractive environment for flies to breed or hang out.
• Common mistake: Letting manure pile up right next to camp. That’s a fly buffet and breeding ground.

10. Be mindful of time of day:

• What to do: Horse flies are often most active during the warmer parts of the day, especially late morning through afternoon. Plan strenuous activities or cooking during these times if you can.
• What “good” looks like: You’re less exposed during peak fly activity.
• Common mistake: Trying to relax or eat a meal in an open area at noon on a hot, still day.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not checking fire restrictions	Fines, campsite closure, wildfire risk, inability to cook over a fire.	Always check the official land manager website or call the local ranger district before you go.
Ignoring road conditions	Getting stuck, vehicle damage, extended travel time, needing a tow.	Research road conditions, know your vehicle’s capabilities, and have a backup plan if the road is impassable.
Camping near stagnant water	High concentration of biting insects, including horse flies and mosquitoes.	Scout for a campsite with good airflow and away from marshy areas or slow-moving water.
Leaving food or trash exposed	Attracting flies, rodents, and other wildlife; potential damage to gear.	Store all food in sealed containers and pack out all trash. Clean up spills immediately.
Not reapplying repellent	Bites, itching, potential for disease transmission (though rare with horse flies).	Reapply repellent according to product instructions, especially after sweating or getting wet.
Using dark-colored clothing	Attracting more flies; making it easier for them to land and bite.	Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Light colors are less attractive to flies.
Placing fly traps too close to camp	Concentrating flies near your living area instead of drawing them away.	Set traps at least 50-100 feet downwind from your campsite to lure flies away from where you’re relaxing.
Forgetting to seal tent zippers fully	Flies and other insects entering your shelter, making it uncomfortable.	Double-check all zippers and screens are completely sealed before you leave your tent or go to sleep.
Not managing animal waste (if applicable)	Creating a breeding ground for flies and attracting more insects to the area.	Bury animal waste at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water, or pack it out per local regulations.
Ignoring wind patterns	Setting up camp in a fly “highway” or missing out on natural fly deterrent.	Observe wind direction. Try to position your camp so the breeze blows across it, and consider placing traps downwind.

If you’re forgetting to reapply repellent, leading to bites, make sure to use a reliable product such as this DEET insect repellent and follow its instructions carefully.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If the forecast calls for high winds, then pack extra stakes for your tent because wind can make flies less active but can also damage your shelter.
• If you’re camping near a known livestock area, then be extra diligent with repellents and campsite cleanliness because horse flies will be more prevalent.
• If you see a lot of horse flies around your vehicle upon arrival, then consider moving your campsite to a more open, breezy location because they tend to congregate in sheltered, warm spots.
• If you plan to cook outdoors during peak fly hours, then have a fan ready or plan to eat inside your screened shelter because flies will be most active and bothersome.
• If you’re using permethrin, then ensure it’s fully dry before packing gear or setting up camp because it needs time to bond to the fabric for maximum effectiveness.
• If you notice flies are particularly drawn to dark clothing, then switch to lighter colors for the rest of your trip because it can make a noticeable difference in how many land on you.
• If you’re setting up fly traps, then place them in a sunny spot away from your camp because flies are attracted to warmth and will move towards the traps if they’re not too close.
• If you’re camping with horses or other livestock, then manage manure daily by burying it or packing it out because it’s a primary attractant and breeding ground for horse flies.
• If you’re running low on repellent, then focus application on pulse points and areas where skin is thinner because these are often the most sensitive and attractive to flies.
• If you’re finding flies are still a major nuisance despite your efforts, then consider packing up and moving to a different area or even ending the trip early because sometimes the conditions are just too severe.

FAQ

Q: What’s the best time of year for horse flies?

A: Horse flies are typically most active in the warmer months, usually from late spring through early fall, with populations peaking in mid-summer.

Q: Are horse flies dangerous?

A: While their bites can be painful and annoying, horse flies are generally not considered dangerous in terms of transmitting serious diseases to humans in the US. They can, however, transmit diseases to livestock.

Q: Do horse flies bite at night?

A: No, horse flies are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and generally not a problem after dusk.

Q: What attracts horse flies to a campsite?

A: They are attracted to warmth, carbon dioxide, dark colors, and moisture. Open, sunny areas with a breeze are generally less attractive than shaded, damp spots.

Q: Can I use natural repellents for horse flies?

A: Some people find success with essential oils like citronella or peppermint, but their effectiveness against horse flies is often less reliable and requires more frequent reapplication compared to EPA-registered repellents.

While natural repellents can be an option, for more reliable protection against horse flies, an EPA-registered repellent like this DEET insect repellent is often more effective.

Q: How far away should I set up fly traps?

A: It’s best to place them at least 50-100 feet away from your main camping area, preferably downwind, to draw them away from where you’re spending your time.

Q: What if I forget repellent?

A: Focus on physical barriers like long clothing, hats, and trying to stay in breezy, open areas. Avoid dark clothing and direct sun exposure if possible.

Q: Are horse flies attracted to sweat?

A: Yes, they are attracted to the carbon dioxide and lactic acid in sweat, which is why they are more active during hot, humid weather and after physical exertion.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Detailed chemical breakdowns of specific repellent ingredients.
• Identification guides for every biting insect species you might encounter.
• Specific regulations for every single campground or land management agency.
• Advanced techniques for managing large livestock or commercial operations.
• DIY trap designs beyond general principles.

Next, you might want to research specific EPA-approved insect repellents, learn more about Leave No Trace principles for waste disposal, or check the current conditions for the specific public lands you plan to visit.