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So
What's this "Greenhead" thing about, anyway?
Greenhead
Flies, and their "cousins" (Black Flies, Horse Flies,
Stable Flies) are very resistant to insect repellents and
are therefore some of the most difficult insects for ANY product
to be effective against. Why? they're BIG. relative to other
insects. Their sheer size and weight make them less sensitive
to normal insect repellents.
Therefore
while a "drugstore" brand insect repellent may work
against common insects like mosquitoes for a few hours, the
same product is totally ineffective on these types of flying
"sharks" looking to make their next meal out of
your blood. These insects can ruin your outdoor activity pleasure,
sometimes for the entire summer. Previous to this product
NOTHING that we bought was the least effective against them.
"Zappers" citronella candles, lotions and oils,
etc. were all wastes of money. One summer in particular (1996),
the bugs were so bad that we could not stay outside for more
than a few minutes at a time. This is what prompted us to
make a more effective, stronger, longer lasting insect repellent
that would REALLY WORK. So, even if you aren't familiar with
the "Greenhead Fly" (count yourself as lucky) rest
assured that if our insect repellent works on these nasty
pests, it will work on any insect that's a problem in your
area, as well.
What
is a "greenhead"?
Greenhead,
Tabanus americanus Forester. Length about 7/8-1 1/8"
(22-28 mm) light brown in color with eyes bright green, thorax
and abdomen reddish brown, wings with markings only along
front edge; found throughout eastern U.S. west to Mississippi
River and eastern Texas, also southern Canada are most abundant
from July through August.
The
salt marsh horse fly often called the greenhead fly actually
describes two cryptic species Tabanus nigrovittatus and Tabanus
contenninus.
The
entire life cycle takes place on and around the salt marsh.
The eggs are laid on salt marsh grass (Spartina spp.).
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Eggs
are laid in masses of 100-1,000 eggs covered with a jellylike
material on leaves, rocks, or debris overhanging water or
on moist areas; greenheads often lay 3-4 layer masses.
After
hatching larvae either crawl down, or get washed off the blade
of grass onto moist soil. The larvae then burrow into marsh
and live there for 1-2 years. After that time the larvae come
to the surface of the marsh to pupate.
In
general, the larvae of greenhead flies are carnivorous and
cannibalistic, feeding on insect larvae, snails, earthworms,
etc. whereas, larvae of deer flies feed on decaying organic
matter (detritovores).
Adult
males and females feed on sugary substances (i.e. nectar like)
for energy. After laying their first set of eggs females begin
to look for a bloodmeal. Female greenhead flies require blood
for the same reason that female mosquitoes need blood. The
blood provides them with protein that is used to develop eggs.
Developmental
time (egg to adult) may require 3 months to 3 years. Adults
live about 3-4 weeks, and produce 5-6 batches of eggs. Most
species overwinter as larvae. The mouth parts are for tearing
and lapping, not piercing. Both sexes feed on nectar, but
females require a blood meal for egg laying.
Adults
are strong fliers and are capable of flying over 31 mi (50
km). However they generally do not disperse widely, usually
less than 2 mi (3 km). Moving and dark objects are most often
attacked. A slight drop in temperature or increase in wind
will greatly reduce the numbers flying.
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"Is
this product only for Greenheads?"-NO!
Even
if you don't encounter the "Greenhead Fly" in
your particular area (count yourself as lucky) our product
will be just as effective on whatever insect you DO have.
It works great on Stable Flies, Mosquitos, Fleas, Ticks,
No See Ums, Deer Flies, Chiggers, Gnats, and more! Remember,
because of their large size and weight, greenhead flies
are just about the MOST resistant insects to ANY repellent.
The fact that our insect repellent is so effective on the
"worst" insects (greenhead flies), should indicate
how how effective at repelling insects our product really
is. Nothing that we have tried previously has ever had the
slightest effect on them. This is why many of the coastal
municipality governments have purchased it from us (and
the coast guard as well). Feel confident-if our insect repellent
works on these greenhead flies, it will be just as effective
on whatever insect problem that you have in your area as
well-Stable Flies, Mosquitos, Fleas, Ticks, No See Ums,
Deer Flies, Chiggers, Gnats, and more!
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Most
Green Head Flies:
Brigantine, NJ, USA
What
is the worst spot on the planet for Green Head Flies,
No See Ums, and Mosquitos? Just North of Atlantic
City, NJ is an island that is surrounded by over 100
square miles of salt marsh, which is the fly's favorite
habitat. How bad is it? The local food stores of this
tiny island stock milk cartons with pictures of small
dogs and cats that have reportedly been carried off
by swarms of these green monsters.
Any
day that the wind is not blowing above 50 mph from
the ocean side, which is rare, one can expect to lose
more blood getting by a suntan than donating it to
the Red Cross.
Year-round
residents seem to get used to "walking around
with less blood in their veins", but out-of-towners
or "shoobies" as they refer to them, will
usually fell light headed after the second pint is
lifted from their bodies.
In
all fairness, it's not always that bad, but when the
conditions are right, it is unquestionably the worst
place on the planet for Greenhead Flies.
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