Black fly bite: what to do?

They look more like small flies and are only reminiscent of mosquitoes. Nevertheless, the so-called black flies are just that. As a result, sting or they also bite mammals and humans to suckle their blood. The body's reactions to it are more or less identical to conventional mosquito bites. This is why a black fly bite can be treated in a very similar way, primarily to relieve the itching. However, diseases can also be transmitted via the bite.

Black fly

The black fly, whose zoological name is Simuliidae, belongs to the large, almost unmanageable family of the two-winged species. Even if the animal itself doesn't necessarily look like that, it's clearly a mosquito. It can be recognized relatively easily by the following features:

• stocky, somewhat chubby body shape
• rather reminiscent of a fly
• 2 to 6 mm long
• reddish-yellow to black color

The black fly can only be found near standing water where its larvae grow. It can be a garden pond as well as a filled, unlocked rain barrel. The insect basically feeds on plant nectar. However, the females of this particular species of mosquito require blood during brood-laying, which seems to be necessary for the development of the eggs. You sting or therefore, warm-blooded animals bite, including humans.

Black fly bite

The black fly bite can be very painful. The consequences are usually considerable Skin reactions. Reddening of the affected skin area, swelling and itching are typical. In addition, depending on the predisposition, bruises and allergic shock conditions can occur. The reason for this is that when the mosquito bites it, anticoagulants and histamine enter the bloodstream through the mosquito's saliva. Since the animals usually appear in larger flocks, you usually have to fight several stings at once - and that can be extremely uncomfortable.

tip: In order to at least minimize the risk of being stung, you should only approach water points with long clothing (sleeves and trouser legs) in spring and summer. Or you avoid them entirely.

Fight stings

If you have been bitten by a black fly, it is advisable to cool the affected skin area immediately with cold water. This can alleviate the symptoms, at least for a short time. The real problems, namely the anticoagulants and histamines in the small wound that trigger the physical reactions, have not yet been solved. To treat a black fly bite really effectively, usually only an electric one helps Stitch healer. These are small, battery-operated devices that generate concentrated heat of around 50 ° C at their tips. This tip is placed briefly on the wound. As a result, the proteins of the anticoagulants and histamines break down and permanent relief quickly occurs.

Alternatives

A teaspoon, which is heated in boiling water or over a flame, works very much like a stitch healer. However, it is far less effective at this. In addition, the temperature cannot really be regulated in this way. If the spoon is too hot, however, it can cause painful burns on the skin. In the pharmacy there is also a whole range of remedies that promise relief from black fly bites. They are usually offered as an ointment, gel or spray. They are applied directly to the wound caused by the sting.

prevention

If you want to prevent black flies bites, it is best to avoid or avoid the animals. only approach them with the appropriate, high-necked clothing. Since Simuliidae can always be found near bodies of water or water points, this shouldn't be too difficult. Rain barrels or water basins in the garden should always be covered so that the animals do not have any storage space for their eggs. It is also advisable not to place a rain barrel below the open bedroom window. Preventive insect sprays that are applied to the skin usually only help for a short time and do not offer continuous protection.