Are There Horseflies In Ireland?

The only species of fly that bites in Ireland is the female horsefly. Typically, they are only found near horses, cattle and woodlands. The bites can be painful and become inflamed and itchy immediately. Scratching can lead to infection.

What flying insects bite in Ireland?

Biting Midges. Midges are tiny biting flies that are active from mid-May to September particularly when it is calm and overcast. They are a significant annoyance to people exploring the hills and to the animals that live there. There is no known disease transmission from midges to people in Ireland.

Where are horseflies usually found?

Horse flies can be found nearly anywhere, but they mostly occur in warm wet areas that are ideal for breeding. In general, larvae develop in wet soil close to bodies of water. Horse flies are found in most areas of the United States and North America with more than 160 various species.

What is biting me Ireland?

Horsefly, midge, and flea bites are among the most common in Ireland and can be treated in the same way. Mosquito bites are rarer here than in warmer climes but can also occur. Bees and wasps are the usual suspects in terms of stings, though some ants can both sting and bite.

Can you get mosquito bites in Ireland?

Mosquito bites
Some people may also develop fluid-filled blisters. Mosquitoes don’t cause major harm in Ireland. But in some parts of the world, they can spread serious illnesses such as malaria. After a mosquito bite abroad, get medical help right away if you develop worrying symptoms.

What to do if a horsefly bites you?

Horsefly Bite Treatment
Clean the bite site with soap and water. Do a cold press by placing an ice pack on the affected area for 10 minutes to ease the swelling. Raise the affected area (if possible) to try and manage the swelling. Try not to scratch the bite site, which could lead to infection or form a blister.

Why are there so many flies in Ireland?

The people of Ireland have been warned of the increased threat of flies this summer. Flies are traditionally a warm-weather pest so during the summer months when the weather improves and temperatures rise, they will breed and spread.

What months are horseflies active?

Deer flies and horse flies can be active from May until September. The adult females are daytime blood feeders that are most abundant near swamps and marshes, along pond and stream banks, and at the edge of wooded areas. Adults are extremely strong fliers that are attracted to dark moving objects and to carbon dioxide.

Can horse flies bite through clothes?

‘Horsefly females have such strong, powerful mouthparts that they can sometimes bite you through your clothes,’ he says. ‘But obviously they are more likely to go for bare skin. ‘ It’s probably best to opt for loose-fitting clothing.

What are horse flies scared of?

Burn Candles & Torches
If you’re having a backyard barbecue or other outdoor gathering, you can help stop horse flies from attacking your guests by burning citronella candles and lighting torches. The smoke and scent released from the citronella oil can help keep horse flies away.

How long do horsefly bites last?

If you’ve been bitten by a horsefly, the bite will generally heal in a matter of days. You typically will not experience any adverse side effects. If your bite has not healed within 1 week, or if you’re experiencing unusual symptoms such as dizziness or worsening pain, consult a doctor.

Does Ireland have midges?

However, as a result of our mild and humid climate, Ireland is home to some of the smaller creatures that may prove troublesome. In Connemara National Park two such creatures include the biting midge and tick. Visitors may encounter swarms of midges (small biting flies) on warm and humid days.

How do you stop insect bites in Ireland?

Preventing insect bites and stings:
Cover your skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers. Wear shoes when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective.

Can you get spider bites in Ireland?

Spiders rarely bite in Ireland and none of the indigenous spiders are considered dangerous. Most spider bites will have little effect on people but some species can on occasion cause a reaction due to the venom injected.

How do you stop horse fly bites from itching?

How do you treat a horsefly bite? If you have been bitten by a horsefly you should cleanse the bite immediately, using an antiseptic spray to decrease irritation and itchiness. In most cases, the horsefly bite will heal on its own, however always head to your local GP if you notice it has worsened.

What does a horsefly bite look like?

A bite from a horsefly can be very painful and the bitten area of skin will usually be red and raised. You may also experience: a larger red, raised rash (called hives or urticaria)

Why do horse flies chase you?

Besides determination to get blood, there are other reasons horseflies pursue people. For one, they are attracted to moving objects, especially dark moving objects that are warm. So if you start moving away, they follow you. Motion is a constant observed in most people that horseflies start chasing.

Will a horse fly bite for no reason?

The short answer is yes! While male horse flies feed on pollen and plant nectars, females aggressively feed on blood. Horse flies most often bite moving and dark objects. They are relentless and will continue to bite their host until they succeed in procuring their blood meal or are killed.

Should I squeeze a horsefly bite?

Horsefly bite treatment
Scratching it is likely to make the bite worse and increase the risk of bacterial infection developing. Do not use anything to clean the bite apart from soap and plain water.

Is there more flies this year 2022?

There’s currently no hard evidence to prove whether this year (2022) has more flies than previous years, but what we do know for sure is that winter 2021/22 in the UK was a relatively mild one, which most likely has affected fly numbers in 2022. Cold weather inhibits a fly’s ability to reproduce during the winter.

Are there black flies in Ireland?

The St Mark’s fly, or ‘hawthorn fly, is a very common, long, shiny, black fly that can be found in large numbers during the spring around woodland edges, fields and wetlands.