Since I moved here 7 years ago, I have done hours and hours of research on yellowflies. I am one of those people who can be outside with 100 other people and will be the only one who gets bit by mosquitos. So you can imagine what it's like with those yellowflies chasing me - yes, I'm the lunatic waving my hands and running down the driveway after walking the gauntlet to the mailbox.
The only thing that I found that works is made by a company who is licensing an all natural formula containing geraniol, which is a yellowgrass extract, from the University of Florida, called BugBand. It's a great product and is about 80% successful on my person. I was so impressed that I started selling it in the area, to local stores. 5 years later, the company undermined my efforts and started selling directly to stores, cutting me out. I couldn't believe how they treated me after all the work I had done on their behalf - believe me I wasn't making much money. So you can imagine how I feel about this company! But the product is still good and is being sold by Santa Rosa Pharmacy who was my best, most loyal client.
Yellowflies hunt via eyesight. That is why they're attracted to dark objects, because they can see them. The females bite to get a blood meal, as they need the protein to reproduce. That really pisses me off - knowing that when I get bit I'm helping to produce more babies! They don't like intense heat and sun so hang out in the shade, under a porch or leaf, only coming out to attack. You're safest in the middle of the day and easier prey in the morning and at dusk. They're usually gone from the area by the first or second week of July. I count the days!
If you do get bit by a yellow fly, apply ammonia directly to the bite site as soon as possible. I always keep a container of ammonia (from Publix, 85 cents) around this time of year. It is the only thing I've tried that completely neutralizes the venom. It really works to stop (yes, stop) the itching and swelling and I have scars from years past so I know how bad it can feel. Reapply every couple of hours and it will give you a sense of control as even if you get bit, you don't have to suffer.
Use rubbing alcohol to neutralize mosquito bites, and underarm deodorant (with aluminum as that is the active ingredient) for no-see-ums.
Hope this helps!
