Have you ever been walking in the woods, near a waterfall, or on the edge of a rice field and suddenly felt a large fly bite you in excruciating pain, as if someone had cut you with a knife? Then there is a good chance that you have also encountered this so-called 'stag fly'. These flies are very annoying (annoying), and when they bite, they leave you itching and hurting for days. So today, let's talk about these stag flies.
Who are these Deer Flies?
Simply put, a deer fly is a parasite that sucks blood from humans as well as animals like cows, horses, and dogs. But the special thing here is that only the females suck blood . This is to get the nutrition they need to develop their eggs. Male flies live on things like pollen from flowers.
Some people describe the pain of a female deer fly sting as being like a bee sting. The fly's saliva then causes the bite site to become very itchy and painful. Some people can have severe allergic reactions.
Imagine, these flies are much larger than the average housefly. Their eyes are large, sometimes colored. Their wings have purple or green stripes. Their mouthparts are prominently displayed on their heads. These flies are often found in moist ecosystems such as swamps, forests, waterways, and rice fields . This is because the larval stage of their life cycle requires an aquatic environment.
These deer flies and horseflies belong to the family of flies called `(Tabanidae).` There are more than 4,000 species of this type of fly worldwide.
What is the life cycle of these flies like?
The life cycle of a stag fly consists of four main stages. It will be easier for you to understand this if you look at a table.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Eggs | They lay between 100 and 1000 eggs at a time. They lay their eggs on objects such as leaves, rocks, or trees that are above the water or on moist ground. After about a week, the eggs hatch and the larvae fall to the moist ground below. |
| Larvae | This stage can last several months or a year. The larvae feed on small insects found in moist environments. |
| Pupae | The larva then pupates. It is brown in color. It is during this stage that wings and legs develop. This takes several weeks. |
| Adult | After hatching, the nymph becomes a midge. The female then goes looking for a host to suck blood from. |
If you get bitten by a deer fly... Things you need to know
There's a special reason why a female deer fly stings so painfully. Strictly speaking, these flies don't bite our skin and suck our blood, but rather they cut our skin with two sharp, knife-like parts in their mouths and suck the blood that flows from there. That's why it hurts so much.
Can you get sick from a bite?
This is a problem that many people have. In fact, unlike other insects, there have been no reports of dangerous diseases being transmitted by deer flies in Sri Lanka . However, in the western parts of America, a disease called `(tularemia),` also known as "deer fly fever", has been found to be transmitted by these flies. But it is a very rare occurrence.
The main risk we face is the possibility of germs entering the bite site and causing infection. Because the fly cuts the skin, the wound opens up.
First aid for bites
Okay, now let's see what we should do if we get bitten by a deer fly. Follow these steps in order.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Withdrawal | First, leave the area where the flies are. |
| 2. Cleaning | Gently wash the bite area with soap and water. |
| 3. Reducing swelling and pain | Soak a clean cloth in cold water and place it on the wound (cold compress). |
| 4. Elevation | If the bite is on an arm or leg, elevating the area slightly can help reduce swelling. |
| 5. Cosmetics | You can apply something like a baking soda paste, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and pain. |
| 6. Medicines | You can take an antihistamine for itching or a painkiller for pain. However, it is best to consult a doctor . |
Usually, the pain, itching, and swelling subside within a few days.
Most importantly, if symptoms do not improve after a few days, if the wound becomes infected (redness, pus, warmth), or if you develop severe allergic symptoms such as nausea, hives, or difficulty breathing, see a doctor immediately. If necessary, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
How do you avoid these flies?
To be honest, controlling deer flies in a large area is a very difficult task. Even insecticides cannot easily control them. While insect traps can provide some control in a small area, such as a garden or a swimming pool, they are not a complete solution.
Even the insect repellents we use are not very effective against these flies.
So what's the best thing to do?
The best protection is to create physical barriers. That is, if you are going to a wooded, wet area where deer flies are likely to be present:
- Wear thick, long pants .
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt .
- Wear a hat that covers your head well .
- Wear shoes and socks if possible.
By covering your body well in this way, you can protect yourself to a great extent from bites.
Take-Home Message
- Deer flies are large flies that live in humid environments and have painful stings.
- Although no serious diseases have been reported from these flies in Sri Lanka, there is a risk of infection at the site of the bite.
- If you are bitten, clean the area, apply something cold, and apply an ointment to reduce itching.
- When traveling to areas where these flies are present, the best protection is to wear thick, long clothing and cover your body well.
- If the wound becomes infected after being bitten or if you develop severe allergic symptoms such as difficulty breathing or hives, seek medical advice immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
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