Free Yellow Fly Kits For SoWal Residents

[SWCMCD]

The South Walton Mosquito District (SWMD) will
begin distributing free Yellow Fly Kits to South Walton residents starting Wednesday,
April 1, 2026, to help reduce yellow fly activity around homes during the spring season.
Yellow flies (Diachlorus ferrugatus) typically appear in early spring and are known for their
painful daytime bites. They are commonly found near shaded tree lines, wooded areas, and
wetlands, where they thrive in the natural habitats found throughout the Florida Panhandle.
Unlike mosquitoes, female yellow flies cut the skin with specialized mouthparts to obtain a
blood meal needed for egg production, which can result in a painful bite and noticeable
welt. Male yellow flies do not bite and instead feed on nectar and pollen.
Because yellow fly larvae develop in natural wetlands and forested areas, there are
currently no effective methods to control them at the larval stage, and spraying is not
effective against adult yellow flies. Daytime spraying could also harm pollinators.
To help residents manage nuisance yellow fly activity around their homes, SWMD provides
Yellow Fly Kits at no cost. These traps attract female yellow flies, which become stuck
upon landing. While the traps will not eliminate yellow flies entirely, they can help reduce
activity in smaller areas.

Distribution Details:
Yellow Fly Kits will be available April 1 through June 30, 2026, during the following hours:
Monday – Thursday | 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Residents must provide proof of South Walton
County residency. Limit one kit per primary residence. For more information about Yellow
Fly Kits or other services, please call (850) 267-2112, follow us on social media or visit
www.southwaltonmosquitocontrol.org.

About South Walton Mosquito District
Established in 1964, SWMD works to control disease-carrying mosquitoes and nuisance
insects through surveillance, larviciding, truck and aerial treatments, drone technology,
source reduction, and public education programs.

CONTACT:
Kellyanne Bartleson
Public Outreach Coordinator
(850) 267-2112
Email: kbartleson@swcmcd.org
Website: www.southwaltonmosquitocontrol.org

 

[SWCMCD]

SPRING IN SOUTH WALTON: FLOWERS, SUNSHINE, AND YELLOW FLIES
Written by: Kellyanne Bartleson, Public Outreach Coordinator

What to Know as Yellow Fly Season Returns to South Walton

When warm weather returns to South Walton, yellow flies are not far behind. Known for their
persistence and painful bites, these biting flies typically appear in early spring and remain
active for about six weeks, with peak activity occurring from April through June. Yellow flies
(aka Diachlorus ferrugatus) are quiet, fast daytime biters that often go unnoticed until they
bite. They are most found near shaded tree lines, wetlands, and wooded areas, especially
on cloudy days.

Why Yellow Fly Bites Hurt
Unlike mosquitoes, yellow flies do not pierce the skin. Instead, female yellow flies use
specialized mouthparts to cut the skin, creating a small open wound and releasing
anticoagulants to keep blood flowing. This can result in a painful welt and, for some people,
an allergic reaction. Only female yellow flies bite, as they need a blood meal to produce eggs.
Males do not bite and feed on nectar and pollen, contributing to pollination.

Life Cycle & Habitat
Yellow flies lay eggs on vegetation or objects over water or wet soil. Once hatched, larvae
drop into moist environments where they develop over the course of approximately one year,
feeding on decaying organic matter in shaded root mats of woody plants such as cypress.
Because larvae develop in natural wetlands and forested areas, there are currently no
effective methods to control yellow fly populations at the larval stage. Adult yellow flies
typically appear as early as March and may persist into late summer, with activity increasing
during late afternoon hours.

Prevention Tips
While yellow flies cannot be eliminated, there are steps you can take to reduce bites:
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Avoid dark clothing, hats, and sunglasses, which attract yellow flies.
• Use insect repellents containing DEET (most effective option).
• Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, or head coverings when possible.
• Keep outdoor activities away from shaded tree lines when feasible.
Yellow flies also bite pets. If you are concerned about how bites may affect your animals,
consult your veterinarian for appropriate protection options.

Yellow Fly Kits
Because spraying is not effective against yellow flies and daytime spraying would harm
pollinators, South Walton Mosquito District does not spray for yellow flies. Instead, the
District provides Yellow Fly Kits at NO COST to help reduce yellow fly activity around
individual residences. These traps attract female yellow flies, which become stuck upon
landing. While traps will not eliminate yellow flies, they can help reduce nuisance activity in
small areas.

Distribution of Yellow Fly Kits
The Yellow Fly Kits for this year will be distributed from Wednesday, April 1, 2026, through
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 (Monday–Thursday | 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM). You must provide proof of
South Walton County residency as only one kit per primary residence is allowed.
While yellow fly season can be uncomfortable, the good news is that this is temporary. With
a little preparation—and help from South Walton Mosquito Control District—you can make
it through the season and get back to enjoying our beautiful outdoor spaces. For more info,
please call (850) 267-2112 or visit: www.southwaltonmosquitocontrol.org.