Do Fly’s Give You Bug Bites?
While flies may seem harmless, they can cause severe bug bites and even a life-threatening allergic reaction if they are stung. Symptoms include swelling, itchiness, and redness. Black flies may cause pain and swollen lymph nodes. If you are allergic to fly venom or saliva, you should see a doctor right away.
Mosquitoes and horse flies are the most common kinds of flies to give people bug bites. These insects are known to carry a variety of diseases, including West Nile and Zika viruses. Some flies may also transmit diseases to humans, such as tularemia, which is an extremely serious disease caused by nematode worms. If you’re allergic to mosquitoes, consider avoiding areas where they breed.
You can prevent fly bites by learning when flies are most active. Most no-see-um flies are active at dawn and dusk, while black flies are most active during the day. In addition, deer flies are active in the late fall and early spring. During these peak fly times, it is best to stay indoors and cover your exposed skin with clothing.
If you’re worried about getting bug bites from flies, check with a physician before traveling. Use repellent lotions and sprays that are effective against the insects but make sure to reapply them every 5 hours. You may also want to carry some herbal medicines or medicinal creams. Applied to the affected areas, these can help contain the swelling and prevent infection and relieve pain.