Horsefly Season Is Peaking Across UK — Here's How to Stay Safe from Painful Bites
With summer temperatures rising and more people spending time outdoors, health advisers are urging Brits to be vigilant about horseflies — large blood-sucking insects known for delivering an exceptionally painful bite that can become infected if not properly treated.
Horseflies, also known as clegs, are large dark flies measuring between 1cm and 2.5cm in length.
They are most active between May and September, placing the UK firmly in the peak of horsefly season right now.
Unlike midges or mosquitoes, which pierce the skin with a fine needle-like proboscis, horseflies use razor-sharp jaws to slice open skin before releasing an anti-coagulant that prevents blood from clotting while they feed.
The result is a more traumatic wound that takes longer to heal and is more susceptible to bacterial infection.
A bite typically causes redness, swelling and a raised welt.
The affected area should be cleaned with antiseptic soap and warm water to prevent infection, and scratching should be avoided as it increases the risk of the wound becoming infected.
While most bites are unpleasant but manageable, in rare cases they can trigger serious allergic reactions with symptoms including dizziness, difficulty breathing, a blotchy skin rash and severe facial swelling.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Horseflies are most commonly found near horses, cattle, stables, water bodies, woodland edges and grassy meadows.
Wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent are the most effective preventive measures.
Horseflies, also known as clegs, are large dark flies measuring between 1cm and 2.5cm in length.
They are most active between May and September, placing the UK firmly in the peak of horsefly season right now.
Unlike midges or mosquitoes, which pierce the skin with a fine needle-like proboscis, horseflies use razor-sharp jaws to slice open skin before releasing an anti-coagulant that prevents blood from clotting while they feed.
The result is a more traumatic wound that takes longer to heal and is more susceptible to bacterial infection.
A bite typically causes redness, swelling and a raised welt.
The affected area should be cleaned with antiseptic soap and warm water to prevent infection, and scratching should be avoided as it increases the risk of the wound becoming infected.
While most bites are unpleasant but manageable, in rare cases they can trigger serious allergic reactions with symptoms including dizziness, difficulty breathing, a blotchy skin rash and severe facial swelling.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Horseflies are most commonly found near horses, cattle, stables, water bodies, woodland edges and grassy meadows.
Wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent are the most effective preventive measures.