What Small Flies Bite You?
There are many ways to treat a fly bite, including over-the-counter antihistamines and topical medications. However, if the bite appears to be infected, it is best to visit a physician. Antihistamines are antihistamines that help reduce inflammation. These medicines are often available over-the-counter, but they should be taken as directed to ensure their efficacy.
A doctor will typically be able to examine the bite, and may ask you to describe the environment where it occurred. The appearance and location of the bite may help the doctor to determine the species of fly. In some cases, further tests may not be necessary. For mild cases, a patient should clean the area with soap and water and apply a cool compress. Those with more severe symptoms should apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain.
Chiggers are common pests in second-growth areas, where they feed on human skin. Chiggers crawl over skin for hours before feeding. Their mouthparts inject fluid into the skin to digest the skin cells they feed on. This process takes a few hours, but the itchiness typically begins three to six hours after exposure. In the meantime, the insect is moving about, causing a lot of irritation.
Stable flies are another type of fly that may annoy you. These insects are almost as small as house flies, but they have a modified proboscis for sucking blood. These flies live for about a month, and they may need several blood meals during this time. Typically, stable flies are most active early in the morning and at dusk.