Horsefly bites: What they look like and how to treat them as heatwave sees rise in flying insects
Horseflies - also known as clegs - are thriving in the hot weather experienced throughout Ireland at the moment and some bites can be quite nasty
David KentDigital Reporter
Horseflies are slightly larger than the average housefly
Summer is well and truly upon us here in Ireland - but that can lead to a number of issues, one of them being that we are smack in the middle of horsefly season.
What are horseflies, we hear you ask?
Don't worry, we're here to explain what they are and why you need to be more wary of them than your average bluebottle.
Temperatures of over 27C have become regular in Ireland in the last few days and people have noticed that the flies are absolutely everywhere.
Most of them can be harmless, but horseflies can also be extremely dangerous.
What are horseflies?
The flying pesky insects - also known as clegs - have razor sharp teeth that can cause a very painful bite, which can take much longer to recover from than other bites because they cut into the skin rather than pierce it - which can also cause the wound to become infected.
Their bite is considered more painful than a mosquito bite, and some people can also suffer allergic reactions.
But it's only female horseflies that bite, with specially adapted mouths to enable them to slice flesh apart, because they need blood to reproduce.
What do they look like?
The horsefly is often able to land often without being detected.
They're lightweight, dark, but bigger than a regular housefly at around 1-2.5cm in size.
They get their name from generally being found near to cattle, horse stables, ponds, pools, woodlands, and grassy areas.
How do I know if I've been bitten by a horsefly?
Horseflies can be particularly nasty if you get bitten
Horsefly bites are painful and turn very red and itchy, which is why they can lead to infection.
They can develop into swollen bumps within minutes and can be extremely uncomfortable for a lot of people.
If you're a little squeamish, then you may want to scroll past how they look when infected, but they'll likely ooze.
Some people also report feeling hot, weak and nauseous, so get in touch with your GP if you're suffering from an infection.
In exceptional cases, some people can suffer an allergic reaction with symptoms including dizziness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, a blotchy skin rash and severe swelling that may be visible in your lips or tongue.
If you suffer any of these reactions, seek medical help immediately.
What should I do if I am bitten?
It's important to keep the bite clean because if bacteria gets into the skin it can become infected. It's best to clean the wound with an antiseptic soap and warm water.
You could apply an ice pack to help soothe the area and stop the itching.
Doctors normally recommend using an over-the-counter steroid cream containing hydrocortisone. Ibuprofen gel can also help ease any pain and swelling.
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