The horse fly bite is more than just a simple nuisance; it is a danger. Horse flies don’t just bite horses; they will bite us, humans, too. Watch out because their bites are painful and could become swollen or infected. Here’s a little bit about the horse fly, why it’s such a nuisance, and what to do if you’re bitten.
The horse fly has been identified as an insatiable feeder. Much like a mosquito or a biting midge, horse flies drink blood! In fact, a swarm of female horse flies can consume up to two cups of blood in just one day.
Found in mostly rural areas that include farmland as well as urban regions that have bodies of water, which are needed for breeding, throughout North America, these ferocious insects typically prey on larger-sized mammals. Their habits are so intense that scientists actually refer to horse flies as “blood-feeding arthropods”.
Types of Horse Flies
The horsefly is considered to be a “true” fly and is in the order of insects identified as “Diptera”. There are just over 160 different species of horse flies within the United States. In the State of Indiana, there are approximately 45 species.
These species fall under the general classification of “Hybomitra” and “Tabanus”. The scientific name for horse flies is “Tabanus spp”.
Horse flies are classified as such due to the nuisance that they pose to horses; however, they are known to be a nuisance to various types of livestock and humans.
Regardless of which type of mammal the flies feed on, the horsefly bite carries many dangers.
What Do Horse Flies Look Like?
The horse fly varies quite a bit in length. Depending on their location and their age, they may be as small as a half of an inch, or as large as an inch and a quarter.
In most instances, they are black; however, they may also be gray. The eyes are often quite large and display an exceptionally vibrant green color. These insects do have antennae; however, they are short.
The female horsefly has mouthparts that include blade-like structures. These mandibles are used to damage the tissues and vessels of the mammals they feed on. They also have sponge-like features that suck up the blood from their prey. The males have weak mouths because they only feed on nectar and pollen.
Habitat Development
The horsefly bite involving mammals typically occurs in areas where the species is comfortable, in terms of habitat. These natural locations typically consist of areas where there are water and open regions within the woods and/or forests.
They are attracted to both freshwater and saltwater.
Low-lying pastures and cultivated fields are also natural habitats for these flies. Also, regions with heavily saturated soil are ideal locations for the creatures.
The Horse Fly Bite
In order to reproduce in an effective manner, female horse flies will need a meal that includes blood. The mouthparts of the female flies have the capability of tearing the skin. In comparison, mosquitoes only pierce the skin.
Oftentimes, females will gather in large groups to feed on their prey.
Furthermore, they will continuously bite until they have received a large amount of the blood meal that they seek or they are stopped by being killed. It is not common for horse fly bites to come from male flies because they do not have the same mouthpart anatomy.
When one experiences a horse fly bite, they will immediately experience pain. This may be followed by itching and the appearance of red bumps.
When the fly initiates the bite, the skin is cut, and the top layer is sliced. Immediately thereafter, they begin licking the blood that flows from the wound. Histamine is then released from the affected tissues, which can lead to inflammation. The horse fly bite may then lead to an allergic reaction in those who are susceptible. This may lead to red, swollen skin, hives, and wheezing. Many may even experience dizziness, weakness, and an infection at the bite site.
Treating a Horse Fly Bite
If you suffer from a horse fly bite, you will be pleased to know that there are several options that will help reduce the pain and prevent infection. In most instances, the area will heal within three days. If it takes longer, it is important to seek medical help to ensure no infection has set in or to treat any that may have developed. The following outlines a few steps that will help you successfully address the irritation caused by a horse fly bite:
- First, you should clean the area with an antiseptic. If none is available, you may reduce swelling by placing saliva over the area.
- You should then apply hydrocortisone cream to the area. This will reduce the possibility of itching and irritation.
- If you start to experience a lot of discomfort, there are a few things that may be applied to the area where you got the horse fly bite. These include ice, vinegar, raw honey, and even mud.
- To help prevent infection, cover the area with gauze.
- If you discover that you cannot breathe properly, feel as if your throat is closing, or experience any unusual symptoms, contact a doctor, as it may be an allergic reaction.
Getting Rid of the Horse Fly Infestation
Horse flies can transmit various illnesses and infections. The horse fly bite is not only painful but also quite dangerous. If you find an infestation, eliminate it as quickly as possible. The safest over-the-counter insecticide for horse flies is synergized pyrethrin. You may also use horse fly traps. These may help in reducing the horse fly population.
The safest overall option is to seek help from a local pest control company. Not only can they quickly get rid of horse flies, but they also use products that are safe for both humans and animals.
Resources:
http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/health/health-concerns/horsefly-bites-what-to-do-if-you-get-bitten-this-summer-11364198613492
http://www.md-health.com/Horsefly-Bite.html
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/health/how-deal-horsefly-bites-dangerous-13377330
