How Common Are Bot Flies?
WouterBot flies are a pest to humans, cattle, and other animals. They usually infect rodents, but also infest pigs and cattle. Adult botflies are large and black in color. They have a single genus in North America, with about 26 species. The insects are also widespread in the neotropics. Taxonomy of bot flies is not well-defined and the keys used to separate species are often inadequate.
Bot flies are most common in late August and early September. Adults can live up to nine days in the environment. The larvae are very painful, and you must use care when removing them from your skin. However, if you’re unable to remove the larvae on your own, you can seek medical attention. Your doctor or veterinarian can remove the larvae and prevent further infections.
The genus Cuterebra includes 30 species of bot flies in the United States. The human botfly is common in southern Mexico and may also be found in other parts of Central and South America. The adult botfly’s diet includes a host insect such as a tick or a mouse. The larvae feed in a subdermal cavity for five to ten weeks before emerging as adults.
While most botfly species are obligate parasites of animals, their eggs do not infect humans. Infection can occur when people come into contact with botfly larvae or eggs that are close to hatching. If you’re infected, you’ll develop a skin condition called Gasterophilosis.
