YELLOW FLY SEASON APPROACHES FREE KITS AVAILABLE FOR SOUTH WALTON RESIDENTS

The South Walton Mosquito District (SWMD) will begin distributing free Yellow Fly Kits to South Walton residents starting Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to help reduce yellow fly activity around homes during the spring season. Yellow flies (Diachlorus ferrugatus) typically appear in early spring and are known for their painful daytime bites. They are commonly found near shaded tree lines, wooded areas, and wetlands, where they thrive in the natural habitats found throughout the Florida Panhandle. Unlike mosquitoes, female yellow flies cut the skin with specialized mouthparts to obtain a blood meal needed for egg production, which can result in a painful bite and noticeable welt. Male yellow flies do not bite and instead feed on nectar and pollen.

Because yellow fly larvae develop in natural wetlands and forested areas, there are currently no effective methods to control them at the larval stage, and spraying is not effective against adult yellow flies. Daytime spraying could also harm pollinators. To help residents manage nuisance yellow fly activity around their homes, SWMD provides Yellow Fly Kits at no cost. These traps attract female yellow flies, which become stuck upon landing. While the traps will not eliminate yellow flies entirely, they can help reduce activity in smaller areas.

Distribution Details: Yellow Fly Kits will be available April 1 through June 30, 2026, during the following hours: Monday – Thursday | 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Residents must provide proof of South Walton County residency. Limit one kit per primary residence. For more information about Yellow Fly Kits or other services, please call (850) 267-2112, follow us on social media or visit www.southwaltonmosquitocontrol.org.

About South Walton Mosquito District Established in 1964, SWMD works to control disease-carrying mosquitoes and nuisance insects through surveillance, larviciding, truck and aerial treatments, drone technology, source reduction, and public education programs.

YELLOW FLY SEASON APPROACHES – FREE KITS AVAILABLE FOR SOUTH WALTON RESIDENTS