Black flies look so harmless – like small, black flies. They are only three to four millimeters in size. An attack by these insects is anything but harmless. Their bite leads to excruciating itching and, in the worst case, inflammation.
Black flies don’t bite, they bite
Black flies don’t just bite and suck out blood like other mosquitoes. Black flies like it more martial: They tear small wounds with their mouthparts, from which the blood oozes. They then feast on it.
The mean thing: their approach is not announced by a mosquito-typical whirring and we humans do not even notice the bite at first. Because with its bite, the black fly injects a special protein mixture to prevent its blood meal from clotting. It also contains narcotic substances so that she can finish her meal without being disturbed.
What does a black fly bite look like?
The bite of a black flies can lead to severe swellings that itch terribly, but also to bruises – for several weeks if you are unlucky. And by tearing a small wound in the human skin, dirt can also get in. Therefore, once you have noticed the bite, you should disinfect the wound. However, if inflammation does occur, you should consult a doctor.
Even if the itching is unbearable or you run the risk of scratching your sores, a doctor or pharmacist can help – with itch-relieving creams or ointments containing cortisone. Because if you scratch yourself, pathogens can enter the wound, lead to inflammation and, in the worst case, to blood poisoning. After all, black flies – unlike ticks – do not transmit diseases.
Where do black flies stay?
Black flies originally come from Scandinavia, but have already become indigenous in this country. They become a nuisance, especially in spring and autumn. They live near flowing water – that is, rivers and streams – and pastures.
Cows, horses or other grazing animals are their preferred victims. But humans are not spurned as a source of food either.
What can you do against black flies?
Unlike other mosquito species, the black flies only occur outdoors. So if you want to protect yourself against it, you should stay indoors or avoid the surroundings that the mosquitoes prefer.
If you want to enjoy the summer outside, only long clothing will help to ward off the risk of a bite. Unlike mosquitoes, they cannot bite through the material with their proboscis. If that’s too warm for you in summer, you can also try conventional mosquito sprays.
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