Summer is just around the corner here in Ireland – but that can lead to a number of problems, including being in the middle of braking season.
What are brakes, do we hear you ask?
Don’t worry, we’re here to explain what they are and why you need to be more careful with them than your average blowfly.
In Ireland, temperatures in excess of 27 ° C have become regular in the last few days and people have noticed that the flies are absolutely everywhere.
Most of them can be harmless, but braking can also be extremely dangerous.
What are brakes?
The flying pesky insects – also known as clegs – have razor sharp teeth that can cause a very painful bite that can take much longer to recover from than other bites as they cut into the skin instead of piercing it – which, too Wound can cause becoming infected.
Their bite is considered more painful than a mosquito bite, and some people may experience allergic reactions as well.
But it’s only female horseflies that bite, with mouths specially adapted to cut the flesh, because they need blood to reproduce.
How do you look?
The horsefly can often land without being detected.
They are light, dark, but with a size of about 1 to 2.5 cm larger than a normal housefly.
They get their name because they are generally found around cattle, horse stables, ponds, ponds, forests, and grassy areas.
How do I know if I’ve been bitten by a horsefly?
Horseflies can be especially nasty when bitten
Horsefly bites are painful and get very red and itchy, which can lead to infection.
They can develop into swollen bumps in minutes and can be extremely uncomfortable for many people.
If you’re a little squeamish, you might want to scroll past what they look like when infected, but they’ll likely ooze.
Some people also report feeling hot, weak, and nauseous. Therefore, contact your family doctor if you have an infection.
In exceptional cases, some people may experience an allergic reaction with symptoms such as dizziness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, a blotchy rash, and severe swelling that may be visible on the lips or tongue.
If you get any of these reactions, see a doctor straight away.
What should i do if i’m bitten?
It’s important to keep the bite clean because if bacteria get into the skin, it can become infected. It is best to clean the wound with antiseptic soap and warm water.
You can apply an ice pack to soothe the area and stop the itching.
Doctors usually recommend using an over-the-counter steroid cream that contains hydrocortisone. Ibuprofen gel can also help relieve pain and swelling.
