Biting Insects – Treatments and Prevention Tips
The biting insects fall into three major orders. The order Siphonaptera encompasses fleas, the order Diptera includes mosquitoes and flies, and the order Hemiptera contains biting bugs such as wheel bugs, assassin bugs, bedbugs, corsairs and kissing bugs. The Dipterae are most important because of their role as vectors of infectious diseases as well as the greater frequency of their bites.
BITING FLIES
A number of species of biting flies are distributed throughout North America. Actually, these flies do not bite in the literal sense; they stab their victims with a sharp stylet. The reaction produced is due to saliva injected by the fly. The stab itself may produce pain. The reaction to these bites depends on the type and degree of allergy or sensitivity to the fly's saliva.
STABLE FLY (biting house fly, beach fly, dog fly)
The stable fly is very similar to the common house fly, which cannot bite or sting. The stable fly can be distinguished by its much broader abdomen and bayonet-like mouth parts. This fly prefers the company of the domestic animals on which it feeds. I t is usually found outdoors and bites during the day. It may come indoors in the fall, or during rainy weather, and thus
SNIPE FLY
This is a biting fly of moderate size which resembles the stable fly. It can be distinguished by its long legs and tapered abdomen. The snipe fly is notable for its stealthy attack and painful bite, which has been likened. to having a needle forced into the skin. I t is found at J1igher altitudes and only attacks in the open and on sunny days. Otherwise, their habits are similar to those of the deer flies. Snipe flies are slow and easy to swat or catch.
HORSEFLY
The horsefly is large and heavy-bodied, normally ten to twentyfive mm (3/8 to I inch) in length. Horseflies feed primarily on livestock, but may attack humans. They are more readily repelled than smaller flies because they are larger and. slower. The widespread black horsefly of eastern North America is probably the infamous "blue-tailed fly" of the well-known ballad. The greenhead fly and striped horsefly are annoying pests of the eastern United States.
DEERFLY (yellow fly, triangular fly, three-cornered fly)
Deerflies are about half the size of horseflies. They may be yellow, green, gray or black in color and are often spotted. They are much quicker and more difficult to avoid than horseflies. Deerflies seem to prefer to bite humans on the head. They attack persistently and inflict painful bites. Deerflies are active during the day and are found around animals and in woodlands.
SAND FLY (Phlebotomus)
Sand flies are tiny gnats found in tropical or subtropical climates. They are weak fliers and attack only on still nights. Because of their small size, sand flies can penetrate nets and screens. They tend to attack ankles, wrists, elbows, and knees.
BITING MIDGES (punkies, no-see-ums, gnats, sand flies)
Biting midges are very small gnats that may be mistaken for black flies, though they are smaller than the latter. Midges are usually one to three millimeters in length-not much larger than a pinhead. Their biting habits are also similar to those of the black flies. They are likewise distinct from the Phlebotomus sand flies mentioned above. Biting midges are more common than sand
flies. They are distinct from the Phlebotomus sand flies mentioned above. Biting midges are more common than sand flies in moderate climates. These insects are found around water, often in heavily populated areas, where they may be a serious nuisance. Midges may fly in swarms and usually attack at dusk.
BITING FLIES
A number of species of biting flies are distributed throughout North America. Actually, these flies do not bite in the literal sense; they stab their victims with a sharp stylet. The reaction produced is due to saliva injected by the fly. The stab itself may produce pain. The reaction to these bites depends on the type and degree of allergy or sensitivity to the fly's saliva.
STABLE FLY (biting house fly, beach fly, dog fly)
The stable fly is very similar to the common house fly, which cannot bite or sting. The stable fly can be distinguished by its much broader abdomen and bayonet-like mouth parts. This fly prefers the company of the domestic animals on which it feeds. I t is usually found outdoors and bites during the day. It may come indoors in the fall, or during rainy weather, and thus
SNIPE FLY
This is a biting fly of moderate size which resembles the stable fly. It can be distinguished by its long legs and tapered abdomen. The snipe fly is notable for its stealthy attack and painful bite, which has been likened. to having a needle forced into the skin. I t is found at J1igher altitudes and only attacks in the open and on sunny days. Otherwise, their habits are similar to those of the deer flies. Snipe flies are slow and easy to swat or catch.
HORSEFLY
The horsefly is large and heavy-bodied, normally ten to twentyfive mm (3/8 to I inch) in length. Horseflies feed primarily on livestock, but may attack humans. They are more readily repelled than smaller flies because they are larger and. slower. The widespread black horsefly of eastern North America is probably the infamous "blue-tailed fly" of the well-known ballad. The greenhead fly and striped horsefly are annoying pests of the eastern United States.
DEERFLY (yellow fly, triangular fly, three-cornered fly)
Deerflies are about half the size of horseflies. They may be yellow, green, gray or black in color and are often spotted. They are much quicker and more difficult to avoid than horseflies. Deerflies seem to prefer to bite humans on the head. They attack persistently and inflict painful bites. Deerflies are active during the day and are found around animals and in woodlands.
SAND FLY (Phlebotomus)
Sand flies are tiny gnats found in tropical or subtropical climates. They are weak fliers and attack only on still nights. Because of their small size, sand flies can penetrate nets and screens. They tend to attack ankles, wrists, elbows, and knees.
BITING MIDGES (punkies, no-see-ums, gnats, sand flies)
Biting midges are very small gnats that may be mistaken for black flies, though they are smaller than the latter. Midges are usually one to three millimeters in length-not much larger than a pinhead. Their biting habits are also similar to those of the black flies. They are likewise distinct from the Phlebotomus sand flies mentioned above. Biting midges are more common than sand
flies. They are distinct from the Phlebotomus sand flies mentioned above. Biting midges are more common than sand flies in moderate climates. These insects are found around water, often in heavily populated areas, where they may be a serious nuisance. Midges may fly in swarms and usually attack at dusk.
Because of their diminutive size, biting midges often go unnoticed until their bites are felt. Pain, usually a mild prickling sensation, occurs immediately. They tend to attack the areas such as the neckline, beltline, shoe tops, and below rolled-up sleeves and upper portions of the body. Reactions to the bites may be immediate or delayed. Some persons have quite bothersome reactions with persistent swellings or sores.
Treatment for Insects Bite
The area around the bite should be thoroughly cleansed because of the frequent occurrence of secondary infections. This is all that is necessary for most fly bites. Antihistamines by mouth or various topical medications can be used for itching. Cold compresses should be applied for local swelling. Allergic reactions are treated like those that occur with the stinging insects
Prevention for Insects Bite
Familiarity with the habits and distribution of these insects is helpful. Protective clothing limits the areas they can attack. Clothing should be secured tightly at wrists, ankles, and neck. Hats, gloves, and veils may be beneficial. The liberal and repeated use of insect repellents may be necessary.
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