Horse flies and deer flies:
http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/deerhorseflies.html
Only female horse flies and deer flies feed on blood. Both flies are vicious, painful biters which feed on the blood of cattle, horses, mules, hogs, dogs, deer and other mammals, including humans. These flies cut through the skin using razor-sharp mouthparts that are shaped like a knife or razor. The flies will then suck the blood up from the wound for several minutes. This process makes these flies potential mechanical vectors of such diseases as anthrax, tularemia, anaplasmosis, hog cholera, equine infectious anemia and filariasis. Deer flies and horse flies are also suspected of transmitting Lyme disease (New England Journal of Medicine 322:1752, 1990). The open wound left by the fly bite also permits secondary feeding sites for other nuisance insects. Biting deer flies frequently attack humans along beaches, streams, ponds, lakes and around woods and dirt roads near large bodies of water. Some people suffer severe lesions, high fever and even general disability when bitten. Allergic reactions may occur from the saliva, which is poured into the wound to prevent clotting while the fly is feeding. A person can become increasingly sensitive to repeated bites. However, horse flies and deer flies are generally thought of as primarily nuisance pests.
Unfortunately, there are no satisfactory methods for control of horse flies and deer flies. It is impractical in most regions to eliminate their breeding areas, especially along endangered wetlands, where these flies are commonly found. Larval control is equally impractical, especially in recreation areas or reservoirs. Adulticiding is not practical because it requires the use of broad-spectrum insecticides, which can be toxic to fish, birds and mammals. Traditional repellants are not effective in keeping away horse and deer flies. Repellants containing DEET (N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) do not prevent flies from landing, although they may inhibit the flies from biting.
The greatest horse and deer fly activity occurs on warm, sunny days when there is little or no wind. A slight drop in temperature or a sudden breeze reduces biting attacks. Horse and deer flies are visual insects, locating hosts by movement. Dark, moving objects and shapes are most attractive to the flies. They are also attracted to carbon dioxide that is released from their hosts. To reduce exposure to bites, it is best to wear light-colored clothing, including a light baseball cap, especially on warm, sunny days when flies are most active.
How do they react to a Thermocell? I read where Deet will not prevent them from landing on you but may prevent them from biting. I have been in a WMA that driving in they will swarm the SUV but when I'm walking and using the Thermocell they seem to let me alone.
Deer Flies are the main reason i wear gloves in the stand. Hurts like crap when the bite
I was thinking of using my 28 gauge on them. but then again the 12 gauge would work better.
