A sting from a horsefly (also called horsefly or horsefly) can be quite annoying and spoil your holiday fun for a bit. These flies are fast and very aggressive. They feed on the blood of animals and humans. What to do if you are bitten?
A horsefly bite can cause unpleasant symptoms such as pain, itching and swelling. Only the females bite and suck your blood. This happens after they have mated: they immediately look for protein-rich blood to allow their eggs to mature. Horseflies often carry parasites and germs with them, so a bite is not harmless.
Horseflies are most common outside the big cities, especially in agricultural areas, where they are a tormentor to pigs, cows, dogs and of course horses.
How do they look like?
The horsefly is a large, dark, hairy fly. Sometimes she has brightly colored spots. These flying monsters are about 1 cm to 2.5 cm in size. The female flies have two razor-sharp blades that pierce your skin. That’s why you actually feel the bite of a horsefly. She then uses a spongy part of the mouth to suck up blood. This is more painful and effective than a mosquito bite, which occurs through a needle-shaped mouth. Horseflies can also bite through clothing, something mosquitoes are too small and weak for.
Male flies are harmless and almost vegetarian: they do not bite and only drink nectar from flowers or fruit.
The symptoms after a bite
- Pain† The whole area of the bite hurts. In addition, itchy, red bumps often appear. A disc-shaped, red swelling appears around the bite.
- Allergic reaction† If you are allergic to the bite of a horsefly, you can develop an even worse rash. Hives, wheezing, swollen eyelids and lips are also possible.
- Infection† If the horsefly had parasites or germs with it, an infection can develop.
What to do after a bite?
- Clean the bite area well and disinfect the wound.
- Press a washcloth with some ice cubes, a wet compress or a cool pack on it.
- Cover the wound against infection.
- And most importantly, don’t scratch!
When should you contact a doctor?
It is advisable to contact the doctor or general practitioner if:
- the complaints persist after 2 days
- the wound is inflamed
- the bite occurred in your face or throat
- the swollen area is greater than 10 cm
- you have a fever or flu-like symptoms
- you have trouble swallowing or breathing
- you are vomiting, dizzy or at risk of losing consciousness
A horsefly bite can cause unpleasant symptoms such as pain, itching and swelling. Only the females bite and suck your blood. This happens after they have mated: they immediately look for protein-rich blood to allow their eggs to mature. Horseflies often carry parasites and germs, so a bite is not harmless. Horseflies are most common outside the big cities, especially in agricultural areas, where they are a tormentor for pigs, cows, dogs and of course horses. horsefly is a large, dark, hairy fly. Sometimes she has brightly colored spots. These flying monsters are about 1 cm to 2.5 cm in size. The female flies have two razor-sharp blades that pierce your skin. That’s why you actually feel the bite of a horsefly. She then uses a spongy part of the mouth to suck up blood. This is more painful and effective than a mosquito bite, which occurs through a needle-shaped mouth. Horseflies can also sting through clothing, something mosquitoes are too small and weak for. Male flies are harmless and virtually vegetarian: they do not bite and only drink nectar from flowers or fruit. It is advisable to contact your doctor or doctor if: