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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
David Kent

Horsefly bites: What they look like and how to treat them as 30C heatwave sees increase in flying insects

Summer is slowly approaching it's end in Ireland but there are still a number of dangers to be aware of - particularly after the latest heatwave.

The country has been left sweating uncomfortably in the last week thanks to record-breaking temperatures and very little wind and rain.

Though a thunderstorm warning remains in effect on Monday, we are still seeing problems emerging for everyday life in Ireland.

READ MORE: Scenes from a 'horror movie' as Ireland's heatwave ends with incredible thunder and lightning

For example. did you know that we're smack in the middle of horsefly season.

Temperatures of over 30C have become regular in Ireland in the last few days and people have noticed that flies are absolutely everywhere.

Most of them can be harmless, but horseflies can be extremely dangerous.

What are horseflies?

The flying pesky insects - also known as clegs - have razor sharp teeth that can cause a very painful bite, which can take much longer to recover from than other bites because they cut into the skin rather than pierce it - which can also cause the wound to become infected.

Their bite is considered more painful than a mosquito bite, and some people can also suffer allergic reactions.

But it's only female horseflies that bite, with specially adapted mouths to enable them to slice flesh apart, because they need blood to reproduce.

What do they look like?

The horsefly is often able to land often without being detected.

They're lightweight, dark, but bigger than a regular housefly at around 1-2.5cm in size.

They get their name from generally being found near to cattle, horse stables, ponds, pools, woodlands, and grassy areas.

How do I know if I've been bitten by a horsefly?

Horsefly bites are painful and turn very red and itchy, which is why they can lead to infection.

They can develop into swollen bumps within minutes and can be extremely uncomfortable for a lot of people.

If you're a little squeamish, then you may want to scroll past how they look when infected, but they'll likely ooze.

Some people also report feeling hot, weak and nauseous, so get in touch with your GP if you're suffering from an infection.

In exceptional cases, some people can suffer an allergic reaction with symptoms including dizziness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, a blotchy skin rash and severe swelling that may be visible in your lips or tongue.

If you suffer any of these reactions, seek medical help immediately.

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