Why Do House Flies Bite?
WouterIf you’re not sure why house flies bite, you’re not alone. They are the most common fly in the U.S., and also known as the filth fly because of their tendency to carry pathogens and bacteria. While they do not typically bite humans, they are a serious nuisance and can cause severe itching and rashes. Fortunately, you can treat them by applying antihistamines to the affected area.
Stable flies are another common insect pest. These tiny insects look like house flies and have four dark stripes on their thorax. They also have a long, pointed proboscis beneath their heads. These flies are most active in late summer and early fall, and they will travel long distances to bite people and livestock. Stable flies are also known to bite during the early morning or late night. They live in moist areas, including rotting plants and animal waste.
The bites from these insects are itchy for a few days. The redness and swelling will last for three to seven days. If the bite is on your face, it can cause swelling around your eye. If you think you’ve been bitten by a housefly, you can treat the problem by applying hydrocortisone and calamine lotion. For milder cases, you can clean the affected area with soap and water and place a cool compress over it. If the bite is severe, you should apply ice to the area to reduce swelling and pain.
While biting flies are annoying, they can also be dangerous. In addition to being uncomfortable, flies can carry disease, so you should make sure to keep them away from your home. To prevent your house from becoming a flies’ paradise, consider using fly paper. Alternatively, you can use a fan or a torches to keep small areas flies away. If you are not able to kill the problem completely, you can try spraying a certain area with non-resid pesticides.
