I HATE yellow flies! And there are so many of them out there, especially where we are out in the country, by woods and water.
I looked over a few websites including www.WaltonOutdoors.com on how to handle the little demons. Here are a few tidbits :) Shelby
Yellow flies congregate in shaded, humid areas on the edges of forests, rivers and creeks, avoiding large, open, sunny areas. Some species are active in the early morning while other species are more active in the late afternoon.
However, depending upon conditions such as heavy tree canopy, cloudy days or when an animal is moving through an area, yellow flies can become active and bothersome throughout the day. “Yellow flies” prefer to attack man about the head, neck or shoulders, however, any exposed part of the body may be attacked.
Their persistence to obtain a bloodmeal, once a host is found, can make 5 or 6 flies unbearable. Sometimes the use of the old-fashioned fly swatter will give relief by taking out the few flies in an area.
Bite and sting relief:
Here is a general purpose sting relief for yellow flies. It is also helpful for mosquito, chigger and jellyfish bites:
1 tsp. baking soda
1/3 cup ammonia (Windex is mostly ammonia)
1/3 tsp. papain (meat tenderizer)
1 crushed aspirin
Mix thoroughly and store in refrigerator (be sure to label container). When needed, shake well and apply with cotton swab, and rub briskly.
Vinegar wipe/bath: When you first notice the bite, try applying a small amount of vinegar directly to the bump. If you have many bites, you may want to take a very hot bath in a tub filled with water and 2 1/2 cups of apple cider vinegar.
Other methods locals have used with some success: Witch Hazel, Preparation H with aloe if put on bite immediately helps relieve itching and swelling, Cortisone cream.
Create a Natural Trapping Method:
A trapping method homeowners can use, which does not involve the use of pesticides, is called the “sticky black ball” trap. Basically it is a beach ball, (milk jugs work just as well and are easier to hang) painted black and coated with a sticky substance. The sticky substance is called Tangle-Trap and comes in a spray or liquid applicator. It can be found at local hardware stores.
For more, go here:
https://www.waltonoutdoors.com/yellow-flies-are-back/