Yellow Flies on St. George Island
If you’ve spent enough time outdoors on St. George Island, you’ve probably encountered yellow flies.
People unfamiliar with the Gulf Coast often assume mosquitoes are the biggest problem.
They’re not.
At least not all year.
For a few weeks every year, yellow flies can become some of the most aggressive and irritating insects you’ll ever encounter.
What Are Yellow Flies?
Yellow flies are biting flies commonly found throughout coastal Florida and the southeastern United States.
Unlike mosquitoes, which often land quietly, yellow flies seem to announce their arrival.
They circle.
They hover.
They bump into you.
Then they come back for another pass.
Eventually they land and bite.
And when they do, you’ll remember it.
My Experience on St. George Island
While living on St. George Island, I dealt with all kinds of insects.
No-see-ums were usually the year-round champion.
But yellow flies had a special talent for making themselves noticed.
There were days when simply walking the dog or checking on a construction project became an exercise in frustration.
You could see them coming.
You knew what they were planning.
And somehow they always seemed determined to get one more pass at you.
Why Yellow Flies Are So Frustrating
One of the challenges with yellow flies is that they don’t behave like mosquitoes.
They seem curious.
They fly around your head.
They investigate.
They land briefly.
Then they return again and again.
I’ve often joked that they act like they’re conducting an inspection before deciding where to bite.
Anyone who has spent time outdoors in Florida probably knows exactly what I mean.
Looking for a Better Solution
Years of dealing with no-see-ums, yellow flies, mosquitoes, and horse flies eventually led me to create my own bug repellent balm.
I wasn’t trying to start a business.
I simply wanted something I enjoyed using.
Something I could carry in my pocket.
Something that didn’t leave me feeling like I needed an immediate shower after every walk.
That search eventually became SGI Naturals.
Enjoying the Outdoors Again
The reason I created SGI Naturals Bug Repellent Balm was simple.
I wanted to spend more time enjoying St. George Island and less time worrying about bugs.
Whether you’re walking the dog, gardening, fishing, boating, or simply sitting on the porch, being comfortable outdoors makes all the difference.
And if you’ve ever dealt with yellow flies, you know exactly what I’m talking about.