Do Flies Take Your Blood?
Do flies take your blood? You may have heard the myth, but the truth is a little more complex than that. Flies have special mouthparts that pierce skin and access blood vessels. Their saliva also contains anticoagulants that help blood flow more freely. While some species of flies are more painful than others, the vast majority do not cause serious health problems. However, some people may experience allergic reactions to flies, and their bites can be painful. Depending on the species and the location of a fly bite, the symptoms can be very different.
Besides being irritating, flies can cause a lot of discomfort and a ruined summer day. Many people have experienced being bitten by a fly at least once in their lives. While most of these insects simply bite for blood, some species can carry diseases. Therefore, it is important to know whether a fly bite is harmful for you.
Black flies, for instance, undergo complete metamorphosis. They first develop a non-feeding pupa and then molt into a winged adult. In addition, female black flies develop a single batch of 200-500 eggs. They generally lay their eggs in moving water or on moist surfaces.
Although most types of flies are not harmful, there are a few species that need blood in order to reproduce. Blood contains proteins that fly larvae use to make eggs. If you have a large infestation of flies, you should seek professional help to exterminate the infestation. Fly control specialists are able to treat and eradicate most species of flies and will get rid of them from your home.