Horsefly

Deer flies and horse flies are closely related blood-feeding insects known for their painful bites. Deer flies are generally smaller, with patterned wings and yellow, brown or black bodies. Horse flies are larger and heavier, usually with clear or uniformly dark wings. Both are active during the day and breed around moist environments, but deer…

A horse fly bite usually causes immediate sharp pain, followed by a raised red mark, itching, tenderness and swelling. Unlike mosquitoes, horse flies cut the skin instead of piercing it with a needle-like mouthpart. This creates a small wound that may bleed and take several days to heal. Most bites can be treated at home,…