Horsefly bites: How to tell if you’ve been bitten and how to treat bites
DRACULA horseflies, also known as Tabanidae, are on the rise as temperatures soar and create perfect breeding conditions.
Brits have been warned to be on the lookout for these dangerous types of flies which are also known to “bite through clothes”.
What is a horsefly?
A horsefly is a flying insect that’s around six to twenty millimeters long and is known for its painful bite.
They belong to the Tabanidae family of insects and are larger than regular houseflies.
Horseflies have large eyes with blade-like mouths and are often found near large bodies of water.
A female horsefly relies on blood for nutrition to make eggs due to blood’s high protein levels.
Horseflies have a penchant for feeding on large, dark-coloured animals such as horses.
However, they are also known to bite humans given the chance.
How to tell if you’ve been bitten?
A bite from a horsefly is often extremely painful – far more painful than a tick or mosquito bite.
Their bite triggers redness, including minor swelling of the affected area which usually goes away on its own after a few hours or occasionally, days.
Other symptoms produced by a horsefly bite include:
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Wheezing
- Swelling and puffiness in the affected are
What does a horsefly bite look like?
If bitten by a horsefly, you will notice your skin turning red, becoming itchy and sometimes seeing raised bumps.
It will be very painful, and a raised rash could also be visible.
It will be obvious you have been bitten almost immediately due to the pain and the red, itchy and swollen bumps developing within minutes of being bitten.
How to treat bites
If bitten, it is important to cleanse the area immediately.
You can use an antiseptic spray or wash with clean, warm water and soap to lower infection risk.
To treat at home, the NHS recommends you:
- put an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or a clean cloth soaked in cold water on the bite or sting for at least 20 minutes, if it’s swollen
- keep the area raised if you can
- take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if the sting is painful
- use antihistamines to relieve any itching
- use a hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling
You can speak to pharmacist for advice too.
Whatever you do, do not scratch it, or use homemade remedies on it.
A horsefly bite will usually heal on its own, but there are some warning signs indicating it has gotten worse and you may need to see your GP.
According to Healthline, this can include noticing a foul odour or seeing excessive pus coming from the bite.
The health site added that if experiencing “difficulty breathing, a rash that spreads or worsening pain, you should seek medical attention”.
The NHS says to call 999 if:
- you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
- you’re wheezing
- you get tightness in the chest or throat
- you have trouble breathing or talking
- your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling