Black fly: what to do if you get bitten?

Although black flies are silent, their stings or bites are more painful than those of mosquitoes. In this article we explain the insects so that you can better protect yourself against them.

Black flies and their occurrence

At first glance, black flies look like normal flies. The mosquitoes from Scandinavia are around two to six millimeters in size. There are now around 50 different types of them in Germany.

The small humped flies have sharp teeth with which they bite – their stings are actually bites. Blackflies prefer to bite cows and horses that are in the pasture. From time to time, however, they also catch people. The small insects approach silently and without a noticeable touch on the skin. Once the black fly has settled on your skin, it makes small wounds with its teeth. The blood collects in it like in a small pool from which the black fly sucks it. Since the insect numbs the bite at the same time, the bite only becomes noticeable later.

You can mostly find blackflies on land, especially near flowing water. This is where they lay their eggs in spring. The larvae develop best at high temperatures and high humidity. That is why there are so many black flies in summer.

How to deal with a black fly bite

If you notice the sting or bite of a black fly, you should act. Direct contact between the insect and the blood increases the risk of infection. If the emerging itching Also tempting you to scratch allows more bacteria to enter the wound. In the worst case, this can lead to blood poisoning.

Therefore, you should cool the affected area immediately. For this you can use cold packs, which not only relieve the itching but also the swelling, or a classic one Home remedies for mosquitoes apply and treat the sting with spit. Another home remedy is sliced ​​onions, which you can put on the wound to disinfect.

If that is not enough, you can use anti-allergic gels or creams from the pharmacy that contain hydrocortisone. This suppresses the itching. Under no circumstances should you scratch the area.

If you have severe swelling or red streaks that are spreading from the sting site to the rest of your body, see a doctor. If you get a fever, chills, circulatory problems or feel general discomfort after being bitten by a black fly, you should also have a medical examination.

This is how you can prevent a sting

To prevent a black fly bite from occurring in the first place, you can take a few measures to protect yourself from the insects:

• Unlike mosquitoes, black flies do not enter homes and buildings. So you only run the risk of being bitten outside. Protect yourself in nature and especially near rivers and streams long clothes and closed shoes. Black flies cannot bite through the fabric.
• On the balcony and terrace you can mosquito nets help keep black flies away.
• Natural remedies like Coconut Oil, Lemongrass, Garlic, Catnip, Lavender and Rosemary don’t like black flies. Carry for example essential oils up to protect you from the insects. You can even make your own from essential oils Make mosquito spray yourself.

Your pet and the black flies

If pets are in the apartment or in other buildings, they are protected from black flies. However, your pet can also be bitten outdoors.

Dogs in particular can get a bite from these insects when they go for a walk. Therefore, avoid morning and evening walks near running water. Because if your dog is bitten, histamine is released at the site as a deterrent. However, this causes very severe itching in your own wound, up to and including allergic reactions. The resulting injuries are also known as sweet itch.

You can prevent your pet from being bitten by a black fly with the above home remedies. In an emergency, you should seek veterinary care.

Read more on Techzle.com:

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