How to Attract Horseflies
Horseflies, also known as greenheads, are notorious for their painful bites and itchy welts. These pesky insects are particularly active during warm weather, making them a nuisance for horse owners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. If you’re looking to attract horseflies to a specific area, whether for research purposes or simply to rid your property of them, here are some effective methods to achieve your goal.
Understanding Horsefly Behavior
Before diving into the techniques to attract horseflies, it’s important to understand their behavior. Horseflies are attracted to certain scents, including the smell of animals, particularly horses, as well as carbon dioxide, which is emitted by mammals. By mimicking these attractants, you can effectively lure horseflies to a designated area.
Creating an Attractant Trap
One of the most common methods to attract horseflies is by creating a trap using a bucket, a cloth, and some bait. Here’s how to set it up:
1. Take a bucket and fill it with water.
2. Place a cloth or tarp over the bucket, ensuring it’s secure and covers the entire surface.
3. Attach a strong string to the corner of the cloth or tarp, and tie it to a tree or post nearby.
4. Place a horse hoof or a piece of horsehair inside the bucket as bait.
The horse hoof or hair will emit a scent that will attract horseflies. Once they land on the bait, they will become trapped in the water, which is a suitable habitat for them.
Using Scented Baits
Another way to attract horseflies is by using scented baits. These can include:
1. Horse urine: Horseflies are attracted to the scent of urine, so placing a container of horse urine near the area you want to attract them to can be effective.
2. Decayed flesh: Horseflies are also attracted to the scent of decaying flesh, so you can use a small piece of meat or fish to attract them.
3. Carbon dioxide: You can also use a carbon dioxide generator or simply release the gas from a bottle of soda to attract horseflies.
Monitoring and Managing Horseflies
Once you’ve set up your trap or bait, it’s important to monitor the situation closely. If you’re using a trap, check it regularly to remove the trapped horseflies. If you’re using scented baits, you may need to replenish them periodically to maintain the attraction.
Remember, while attracting horseflies can be useful for specific purposes, it’s important to use these methods responsibly and consider the potential impact on local wildlife and the environment.
