If you’ve ever been parked up by a peaceful river, soaking in the view with a cup of tea, only to be dive-bombed by a buzzing brute of a fly, chances are you’ve met a horse fly. These little beasts might look like your average fly, but they come with a nasty surprise: a painful bite and an annoying persistence that can really put a dent in your wild camping bliss.
As someone who’s spent years living and travelling in a campervan, I’ve had more run-ins with horse flies than I’d like to admit. So let’s dig into why these critters bite, how to spot them, and-most importantly-how to keep them at bay when you’re out enjoying van life.
What Exactly Is a Horse Fly?
Horse flies (also called clegs in some parts of the UK) are large, aggressive flies that are particularly common near water, woods, and fields-basically, all the lovely places we like to camp. They’re about 1–2.5cm long, with dark bodies and large, often brightly coloured eyes. Unlike your typical house fly, horse flies are built like tanks and can be surprisingly quick.
How to Identify a Horse Fly:
- Size: Larger than a common fly
- Eyes: Often metallic or patterned
- Wings: Clear or slightly smoky
- Behaviour: Persistent-will follow you, buzz around, and come back again and again
Why Do Horse Flies Bite?
Here’s the kicker: only female horse flies bite. And they don’t do it just for fun-they need blood to develop their eggs.
Unlike mosquitoes, which pierce your skin like a needle, horse flies slice it open with their scissor-like mouthparts. This is why the bite often hurts immediately and can swell up quite badly. They’re not picky either-horses, cows, dogs, and yes, humans are all fair game.
In Simple Terms:
- Male horse flies: Feed on nectar and plants
- Female horse flies: Need a blood meal for reproduction
- Why they bite you: Because you’re warm, moving, and full of tasty blood
Where (and When) You’re Most Likely to Encounter Horse Flies
You’ll usually run into horse flies in warm weather, especially during the summer months (June to August). They love:
- Wetlands and marshes
- Lakes, rivers, and streams
- Woodland clearings
- Countryside spots with grazing animals
In van life terms, that means they’ll show up when you’re:
- Parked up near a lake for a swim
- Wild camping in lush meadows or near forest trails
- Hiking through rural areas
- Sitting outside your van enjoying the sunset
They’re most active during the day, especially on hot, humid days with little wind. Windy spots are often safer, as these flies aren’t strong fliers.
What Happens When You’re Bitten?
Horse fly bites can be painful and irritating. Some people hardly react, while others end up with swollen welts that itch for days.
Common Reactions:
- Immediate sharp pain (like a sting)
- Red, raised bump or blister
- Itching or burning sensation
- Swelling around the bite area
In rare cases, the bites can become infected or trigger an allergic reaction, so it’s important to keep an eye on them.
How to Prevent Horse Fly Bites While Travelling
Here’s the good stuff-practical tips from life on the road. If you want to avoid becoming a horse fly buffet, try the following:
🛑 1. Avoid Known Hotspots
If you know a location is swampy, humid, and full of wildlife-especially cows or horses-consider finding a breezier or higher ground spot to park up.
👚 2. Cover Up
Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes that cover your arms and legs. Horse flies are drawn to dark colours and shiny skin (like sweaty arms in the sun).
🦟 3. Use Repellent (But Not Just Any)
Standard insect repellents (like those for mosquitoes) don’t always work on horse flies. Look for repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. You might need a stronger formula than usual.
🌬 4. Set Up in Windy Spots
Even a small breeze can put horse flies off. Set up your van or camp chairs where there’s airflow-on a hill, near the coast, or facing the wind.
🏕 5. Use Mosquito Nets and Screens
Fitting mesh screens to your van doors and windows is a game-changer. They keep all kinds of bugs out while letting air in. If you’re sitting outside, consider a pop-up screen tent or net canopy.
🪤 6. Try Natural Deterrents
Some vanlifers swear by natural remedies like:
- Lavender, citronella, or eucalyptus oil (dab on skin or diffuse inside the van)
- Clove-studded lemons (place them around your outdoor space)
- Burning sage or rosemary on the campfire
They’re not always 100% effective, but every little helps-especially when combined with the tips above.
What to Do If You’re Bitten
Even with the best precautions, horse flies sometimes sneak in a bite. Here’s what to do:
✅ Immediate Steps:
- Clean the bite with soap and water
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Use an antihistamine cream or tablet if it’s itchy
- Resist the urge to scratch (easier said than done, I know)
🚨 When to Seek Medical Help:
- If the bite becomes very swollen, hot, or filled with pus
- If you develop a rash, fever, or feel unwell
- If you’re bitten near the eyes, lips, or throat
Infection is rare but can happen, especially when you’re off-grid and hygiene isn’t perfect.
Real-Life Vanlife Tips for Dealing with Horse Flies
Here are a few hard-won lessons from the road:
💡 Insider Tips:
- Close your van doors quickly – horse flies are cheeky and love a warm, dark van to explore.
- Camp higher up if you’re in hilly terrain-flies are less common above 300m.
- Use a handheld bug zapper-not glamorous, but oddly satisfying.
- Keep a ‘bite kit’ on board with antiseptic wipes, antihistamine cream, and a cooling gel.
If you’re parked near animals (say, on a farm), expect more flies. They’re often drawn to livestock first-but they’ll come to you next if you’re closer or easier to bite!
Vanlife-Friendly Products to Consider
Here are some items worth keeping in your kit:
- Jungle Formula Maximum repellent spray
- Mosquito nets for doors/windows (magnetic mesh ones work great)
- Cooling bite relief pens (like After Bite or Anthisan)
- Natural bug sprays with citronella and tea tree for light use
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Horse Flies Ruin Your Adventure
Horse flies are annoying, yes-but they don’t have to ruin your summer travels. With a bit of preparation and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can stay bite-free and enjoy the great outdoors without constantly swatting at your arms.
Like all vanlife problems, it’s about adapting, learning, and having a laugh along the way. You’ll get to know the signs of horse fly hotspots, and before long, avoiding them will become second nature.
Got Your Own Bite Stories?
Ever had a run-in with horse flies on the road? Share your tips, horror stories, or remedies in the comments!
Safe travels-and don’t forget the bug spray!