Like any insect bite, a bite from a horsefly can be a highly unpleasant experience. Most pests that bite, such as ticks and mosquitoes, simply puncture the skin to feed on blood. Horseflies, on the other hand, use scissor-like mouthpieces to cut the skin. This can leave a very painful welt behind.
In Idaho, horseflies can be rampant – especially in rural areas near livestock. Here are some care tips if you’re suffering from Payette horsefly bites.
Tips
- Don’t scratch the bite. Horsefly bites are especially at risk of infection. Scratching the wound will not only make it hurt worse, but doing so with unclean fingers can increase the chance of infection.
- Using a soft, clean cloth, clean the wound with soap and warm water.
- To reduce pain, apply a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes. This can reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Be sure not to put anything else on the bite besides water and soap. You may find home remedies online that claim to reduce pain and speed up the healing process, but these remedies range from unhelpful to dangerous. The best course of action is to keep the wound clean and give it time to heal.
- If you see evidence of infection – such as redness spreading on the skin, pus or discharge coming from the cut, or increased pain or swelling over time – visit a doctor. They will likely prescribe antibiotics to get the infection under control.
The best way to prevent painful Payette horsefly bites is to use proper pest control methods in your yard and property. Unfortunately, horseflies do not respond to insect repellents, so wearing one before going outside is not enough to keep horseflies from biting you. It’s best to have a licensed pest control agency treat your home and property on a quarterly basis to ensure that your pest control is up to date.
Here in Idaho, Get Lost Pest Control offers no-contract pest control services. Our friendly technicians will not only quickly and effectively service your home, but can aid you in resolving horsefly infestations on your property. If you’re struggling with pain from Payette horsefly bites, you don’t need to suffer any longer. Call Get Lost Pest Control today.
