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Fly Bite Prevention
- When outdoors, use a Broad Spectrum Insect Repellent containing R-326 (Di-n-propyl Isocinchomeronate), which is even more effective than Deet against
flies. A composite repellent containing both Deet and R-326 can give protection against flies, mosquitoes and ticks.
A non-alcohol spray or a lotion, for both effectiveness and safety is best, as the EPA and physicians are concerned
about increased Deet absorption when alcohol is used as an inert ingredient in Deet Sprays.
- Spray tents and clothing with Permethrin, which lasts up to six weeks and is not washed off by rain water.
- Use windows and door screens. Repair holes promptly.
- Spray door screens with Permethrin to keep out tiny no-see-ums,
fruit flies and pomace flies. Permethrin will also kill ticks and mosquitoes.
- Dispose of litter, garbage, manure, decaying matter, and
remove the places where maggots (fly larvae) can thrive.
- Avoid areas of standing water where flies and mosquitoes
may breed. Dispose of standing water.
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There are several thousand known species of fly, but many of
them do not bite including the common housefly. However, Chiggers, Black Flies, Stable Flies, Deer Flies, Sand
Flies etc., can inflict a painful bite and transmit many infectious diseases. As biting flies mature, eating and
thriving on rotting vegetation and decaying matter on the one hand and blood meals every three to four days in
between, they are one of the leading carriers of infectious disease worldwide. Midges, gnats and no-see-ums can
also inflict an irritating and potentially dangerous bite due to allergic reaction. |
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Flies go through a three stage life-cycle.
The female lays eggs, often on decaying matter such as cow pats, but sometimes (as with Black Flies) in running
water or elsewhere. The egg hatches into a larva called a maggot, and then several weeks later the larva metamorphoses
into an adult fly. Some species of female flies need a blood meal to provide the protein necessary to produce eggs,
whereas in some other species both genders bite and drink blood. As they bite, flies inject anticoagulants in their
saliva, to keep the blood from clotting and closing the wound. The anticoagulants cause soreness and itching which
may last several days.
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In tropical and subtropical climates some species of Sand Flies
are known to transmit leishmaniasis, and all flies should be treated as if they do carry disease. Control and bite prevention are the key to avoiding
fly transmitted diseases. |
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Try to draw out the anticoagulants and irritants if there
is local swelling and the appearance of an allergic reaction. Use the Extractor™ Kit, which creates a strong vacuum to suction out poisons and other foreign fluids, thus relieving
pain, itching and swelling and perhaps reducing the risk of more serious reactions. |
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Fly Bite Treatment
- Use the Extractor as mentioned above.
- Wash hands and the area around the bite with soap and water,
or use an alcohol wipe to disinfect the site.
- Seek pain relief.
- Do not rub or scratch the wound. Rubbing may spread the
poisons, and scratching may result in secondary infection.
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Seek medical attention if redness and soreness spreads beyond
the area of the bite, or if a serious reaction occurs.
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