15 October 2023 , 12:58
913
0
An insect expert has warned about the most painful insect bite in the UK and shared tips on how to understand if you have been bitten.
John Horsley, a Technical Officer at British from the Pest Control Association, said horsefly bites are incredibly painful and can cause symptoms including sudden fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, dry cough, progressive weakness, and pneumonia. Horseflies, known for their ability to pierce the skin of a horse with their "saw-like" mouths, can cause a condition known as "rabbit fever" or "tularemia", he said.
Mr Horsley warned: "The horsefly bite often tops lists of some of the most painful insect bites in the UK. With strong saw-like mouthparts, the horsefly is literally designed to puncture and rip the skin of a horse. They will actively chase their prey, with a flight speed of around 15 miles per hour."
Horseflies can cause a condition known as 'rabbit fever' (MAIN - Brits warned over hordes of horny 'Dracula' horseflies swarming sunbathers with killer fangs Credit: Getty)Humans are not safe from these painful, itchy bites either, but horseflies usually target larger, dark-coloured animals like horses and cows. He further advised: "Signs of a horsefly bite can be a raised, sore red area, welts or rashes and pain or itchiness around the bite or tear. Clean the area and apply antiseptic cream to the wound if your pharmacist advises it."
Horsefly bites can sometimes lead to infections, although they usually heal on their own. If you experience symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, wheezing, or swelling elsewhere in the body, it could be a sign of an infection or severe reaction.
Furious chimp launches bottle at girl filming him leaving her bleeding at zoo
John warned: "In rare cases, horseflies can pass on something known as 'rabbit fever' to humans. If pus or other signs of infection appear, such as something that looks like a large blister, you should seek medical advice. On its own, a red bump on the skin shouldn't be a cause for concern. But if any of the above symptoms develop or if breathing becomes difficult, you should seek immediate medical attention. You could be having a severe allergic reaction."
John added some advice: "While horseflies have no problem biting through clothes, longer clothes can sometimes deter them," he said. "You can also try wearing insect repellent spray, which is designed to repel mosquitoes and flies."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]