They usually (25%-35%-ish) start appearing around 2,500+ light years, but you can have a run to 5,000 light years and not see one. I get them pretty frequently.
I'd probably switch to Fairy, but it would depend on the situation--obviously can't switch out if you're on your last 'mon.
If you're using the stick, I sometimes find it easier to just flail around, especially at 3,000 light years because of the electrical orbs and their propensity to sit in the worst locations i.e., avoid this electrical orb or get sucked into a hole a nanometer to the right, but you're going to slow to avoid being pulled in and the yellow orb is right behind the electric orb.
You might find that gyroscope works better; I'm still trying to find a technique of using "A" to yank yourself back quickly.