Introduction to Horse Flies (Tabanidae)
Horse flies can be found in most areas of the United States with more than 160 species. They can grow up to 1 ¼ inches long and are generally black and gray in color. Female horse flies have blade-like mouthparts used for blood feeding which slash tissues and blood vessels in order for blood to flow to wounds. After which, they use their sponge-like mouthparts for sucking up blood. Male horse flies have weaker mouthparts compared to females and only feed on pollen and nectar. Horse fly females usually bite large mammals on the legs or body. Female horse flies must consume a blood meal in order to yield fertile fly eggs. Horse flies have a wide range of hosts which includes livestock, humans, pets and birds. Larvae feed on midges, crane flies and even …show more content…
Chemical and source reduction control of horse flies is challenging because they develop in natural habitats where insecticides offer short-term degree of effectiveness. Additionally, the extent of their developmental habitat is extremely wide-spread. One method of pest management is the use of traps; however their effect is limited to a small scale. Insect repellents are helpful but they are not overly effective. A better prevention option is to clothe and protect exposed parts of the body to reduce the likelihood of horse fly bites. The symptoms and bite reactions include localized swelling and irritation. Persistent itching and scratching of bite wounds can cause secondary bacterial infections if the bite is not properly disinfected. Horse flies inject anticoagulant-containing saliva during blood feeding and this may lead to serious reactions in people that are highly allergic to the anticoagulant compounds. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to the compound include rashes, swelling around the eyes, swelling of the lips and
Horse flies can be found in most areas of the United States with more than 160 species. They can grow up to 1 ¼ inches long and are generally black and gray in color. Female horse flies have blade-like mouthparts used for blood feeding which slash tissues and blood vessels in order for blood to flow to wounds. After which, they use their sponge-like mouthparts for sucking up blood. Male horse flies have weaker mouthparts compared to females and only feed on pollen and nectar. Horse fly females usually bite large mammals on the legs or body. Female horse flies must consume a blood meal in order to yield fertile fly eggs. Horse flies have a wide range of hosts which includes livestock, humans, pets and birds. Larvae feed on midges, crane flies and even …show more content…
Chemical and source reduction control of horse flies is challenging because they develop in natural habitats where insecticides offer short-term degree of effectiveness. Additionally, the extent of their developmental habitat is extremely wide-spread. One method of pest management is the use of traps; however their effect is limited to a small scale. Insect repellents are helpful but they are not overly effective. A better prevention option is to clothe and protect exposed parts of the body to reduce the likelihood of horse fly bites. The symptoms and bite reactions include localized swelling and irritation. Persistent itching and scratching of bite wounds can cause secondary bacterial infections if the bite is not properly disinfected. Horse flies inject anticoagulant-containing saliva during blood feeding and this may lead to serious reactions in people that are highly allergic to the anticoagulant compounds. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to the compound include rashes, swelling around the eyes, swelling of the lips and