LEARN ABOUT PESTS / GUIDES

SAND FLY

Sand flies are small flies that can bite. Covering the skin, using suitable insect screens and choosing a repellent whose label explicitly lists sand flies are protection options. Not every fly repellent is authorised against sand flies; do not choose by a general reference to flies alone.

Last updated: 7 October 2026

SEE SOLUTIONS
Sand fly: educational scientific illustration showing natural anatomy
SAND FLY
Stylised anatomical illustration
01

IDENTIFY THE SAND FLY

WHERE?
Outdoors and in areas without adequate insect screens.
WHEN?
Exposure may increase particularly from evening to dawn.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Cover the skin; use fine-mesh insect screens.
WHICH SOLUTION?
A skin-applied insect repellent, room insecticide or surface treatment targeting sand flies.

WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR HEALTH?

Some infected sand fly species can carry Leishmania parasites, which cause leishmaniasis. Risk depends on species and region; not every bite causes disease. Seek medical advice for persistent skin lesions or unusual symptoms. These products are not presented as treating or preventing disease.

The Turkish names yakarca and tatarcık refer here to the same target pest: a very small, hairy fly. Not every small flying insect is a sand fly; size or bite marks alone cannot identify the species conclusively.

Sand flies are smaller and hairy, and may hold their wings upright at rest. Unlike mosquitoes, whose immature stages develop in water, sand flies can develop in sheltered, damp areas containing organic matter. This habitat difference matters for control.

When and where are they active?

Many species are more active from evening to dawn. Shady, damp outdoor shelters and cracks around buildings can provide resting places. Fine-mesh screens and clothing that reduces exposed skin are particularly relevant for this small pest.

Why do they bite, and is every repellent suitable?

Females feed on blood; bites may cause itching or individual skin reactions. Suitability against mosquitoes does not automatically mean suitability against sand flies. Look for sand flies and the product-specific protection duration on the label.

02

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT PROBLEMS?

  1. 01

    Reduce exposed skin outdoors in the evening and at night.

  2. 02

    Check fine-mesh screens and gaps around doors and windows.

  3. 03

    Reduce organic waste and sheltered, damp debris around buildings.

  4. 04

    If a product is needed, choose one labelled for sand flies and the correct application area.

03

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCT?

  1. 01

    Check the target pest

    Check that the label specifically lists sand flies. A general reference to pests does not establish suitability for this target.

  2. 02

    Identify the application area

    Skin-applied repellents, room insecticides and surface treatments serve different purposes. Decide whether you need personal protection or control in your living space.

  3. 03

    Read the application method and any stated duration

    Compare the target-specific application method and any stated duration. Do not transfer instructions between products or assume unverified durations.

  4. 04

    Check the authorisation details

    Especially when buying online, check the biocidal authorisation number and date, active ingredient and instructions on the back label.

04

SUITABLE PRODUCTS

Choose a sand fly treatment for the target pest and application area.

Pest-control products from our company’s different brands are listed together by solution type to help you compare options for your needs.

01

PERSONAL PROTECTION

Personal protection.

Sinkov Comfort Mosquito, Tick and Sand Fly Repellent Spray — original product photograph

Sinkov

Sinkov Comfort Mosquito, Tick and Sand Fly Repellent Spray

ODOUR-FREE PROTECTION*

*After application, the scent fades and leaves no odour on the skin.

≤5 hours

EXPLORE PRODUCT BUY
02

TREATING FLYING PESTS IN A ROOM

Direct treatment of the flying pest.

Killing Insecticide Aerosol — original product photograph

Killing

Killing Öldürücü Aerosol

FASTEST CONTROL*

EXPLORE PRODUCT

*Compared with other Netpa Tüketim products.

03

SURFACE APPLICATION

Application to authorised surfaces where the target occurs.

05

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do yakarca and tatarcık mean the same pest?

The Turkish names yakarca and tatarcık refer here to the same target pest: a very small, hairy fly. Not every small flying insect is a sand fly; size or bite marks alone cannot identify the species conclusively.

How do sand flies differ from mosquitoes?

Sand flies are smaller and hairy, and may hold their wings upright at rest.

When and where are they active?

Many species are more active from evening to dawn.

Why do they bite, and is every repellent suitable?

Females feed on blood; bites may cause itching or individual skin reactions. Suitability against mosquitoes does not automatically mean suitability against sand flies. Look for sand flies and the product-specific protection duration on the label.

Is every fly repellent suitable against sand flies?

No. The label must list sand flies. Comfort provides protection for up to 5 hours; Sinkov Repellent Aerosol for up to 6 hours.