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Yellow Flies, Very sneaky and persistent pest. They
prefer to bite in exposed areas around your ankles or any other hard to
reach exposed areas of your body. The problem with these guys is that you
often do
 not
feel their bite until after they have had most of their meal. Then you
start to itch and get the whelp. They will swarm you in the spring and
summer on land or water. They can diminish your out door fun by causing
you to be constantly defending your self against them.
 Horse files,
They are here as well. Same story as above.
Deer flies. Yep, Same thing.
 Dog flies, black and look something like a common house
fly. They bite like crazy at times.
Biting flies are present in this area from May through
September. There is not an effective method of control for these pest as
of yet however the numbers can be reduced around yards by the use of
biting fly traps. Since these flies bite and move from host to
host it is possible that they are vectors of some animal and human
diseases. It is best to wear protective clothing, protect your ankles.
Wearing sandals or flip flops
really provides these pest with a good target to bite. Try to use a good
insect repellant, like "Off" helps some.
Wearing long pants and protective clothing is always the
best. Remember, you will encounter these pest in Dead Man's
Bay along the shore while scalloping and fishing as well as on shore
in Steinhatchee. 
Ticks, As you
are hiking though the woods looking for the frolicking fawns, wild boar,
or bird watching, there are other critters waiting for you as
well. As you walk through the bushes while spending the day in the
woods you will most likely come into contact with Ticks. The forest and woods around Steinhatchee and most of
Florida have them in abundance. They get on your clothing and most of the
time are brushed off. They can infiltrate your clothing and will
bite and lock onto your person. These insects carry Lyme's disease so
caution should be taken. Use a good tick repellant and check your
body thoroughly after a day in the out doors.
 Chiggers,( Red Bugs) So you have hiked all morning and now
you are tired. You lean up against a tree or some Spanish
moss. You notice nothing until you are in bed later that evening.
Suddenly you begin to itch and notice red spots on your body. If you
have been in the woods, you have likely come into contact with chiggers or
red bugs. They bite, they itch, they burrow into your skin.
Use some chigger-rid or clear finger nail polish, it will usually get
rid of them pretty quickly. It is a good idea to use a good
repellant always before going into the woods.
These pesky bugs are around so it doesn't hurt to
be prepared.
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wooded areas than in the sunlight.
They usually take samples all day long and as the sun begins to set
they come back for the main course . It is best to be indoors at
that time, if possible. At the main course the numbers are
re-enforced substantially . There are millions along the
shoreline at night . Wear long sleeves
with collars, long pants, and make sure that a good insect repellant is
used on exposed areas of the body if you must be outside. 
. These biting little creatures infiltrate your clothing
and especially your hair. They will readily bite any exposed area of
your body and pack a punch for a creature so small. They are usually
there for your afternoon delight. The repellant of choice seems to
be a product by Avon, Skin So Soft. You might want to pick some up
before they pick you up. Other commercial insect repellants
seem to work okay as well. Expect them when you are shucking you scallops
or cleaning your fish.