How to Get Rid of Deer Flies Around a Swimming Pool

As sunlight reflects off the surface of swimming pool water, light beams create beacons to attract nuisance deer flies. Splashing further attracts the painful pests, who then catch sight of motion and detect carbon dioxide and blood of animal and human prey. While these deer fly attractants cannot be avoided or ceased, repellents, exterminators and protective products can help humans and animals avoid painful and irritating bites.

Things You'll Need

• Sand
• Buckets
• Insect repellent creams or sprays

Instructions

1. Remove shallow pools of water around the swimming pool, using sand to fill the water holes. This eliminates places where deer flies lay eggs and prevents the growth of existing larvae in the shallow, pooled water.

2. Keep water from pooling around your swimming pool in the future. When you flush your pool filter, do not let the water pour onto the ground around your pool. Instead, use buckets to catch the flushing water and pour it down a drain to prevent pooling water, which attracts deer flies.

3. Apply repellent creams and sprays to keep deer flies away and prevent them from biting. Waterproof bug sprays and creams are also available for swimmers; some even help to block dangerous sun rays as well.

4. Apply permethrin-based sprays to pets and livestock in a close vicinity to the swimming pool. Permethrin-based sprays irritate the flies immediately after landing and cause them to leave quickly.

5. Regulate chlorine and pH levels in the pool, using the appropriate additives and cleaning practices. Maintaining chlorine levels prevents deer flies from using your pool as a nesting site for eggs and larvae.

Tips & Warnings

• Stop using your pool and drain it completely if larvae develop in the water, or cover the pool if swarms become too excessive for enjoyment of the pool.

• Wear protective clothing when deer flies are swarming around the swimming pool in large groups. Allow kids to wear play clothing in the pool, as clothing is hard for the flies to bite through.

• Check to make sure state laws allow you to use pesticides and products intended to prevent or repel deer flies, eggs and larvae.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Deer Flies
• Univeristy of Kentucky: Horse Flies and Deer Flies
• Ohio State Univeristy Extension: Horse and Deer Flies

Resources

• Texas Agricultural Extension Service: Common Insect & Mite Pests on Humans