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Post by mangetout on Jun 17, 2023 12:40:14 GMT 1
Beware horsefly season is upon us. I am very allergic to insect bites but horseflies are the worst. Once they (she) latches on they are very difficult to get off. I was bitten 2 years ago and ended up in A&E. Just been bitten today whilst cutting a bush and I literally had to pull the damn thing out of my skin. I have taken an antihistamine, plus 80 mg of Prednosolone , cleaned the wound with alcohol and now have an ice pack on it, fingers crossed it won't affect me as bad this time. Although judging by the swelling I think I'm in for a bumpy ride. Long sleeves from now on. Beware.
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mysty
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Post by mysty on Jun 17, 2023 12:49:21 GMT 1
You need to find a good repelant they can still bite your face the last time we were in Portugal she had a bite on her face not much smaller than a golf ball size
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Post by mangetout on Jun 17, 2023 13:00:41 GMT 1
Apparently insect repellant is no good against horseflies. I use the tropical grade repellant already but it's not really that effective even against the normal insects.
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Veem
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Post by Veem on Jun 17, 2023 14:07:39 GMT 1
There's nothing I have ever found effective to repel horseflies. When I used to ride a lot, at this time of year (horsefly time) I would always carry a plastic fly swat down my boot so I could quickly take it out to swat the darned things. It also made swatting several flies at once on otherwise unreachable parts of the horses fairly simple - they enjoy being bitten as much as we do.
I hope you get away without serious repercussions mangetout.
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Post by mangetout on Jun 17, 2023 15:25:06 GMT 1
There's nothing I have ever found effective to repel horseflies. When I used to ride a lot, at this time of year (horsefly time) I would always carry a plastic fly swat down my boot so I could quickly take it out to swat the darned things. It also made swatting several flies at once on otherwise unreachable parts of the horses fairly simple - they enjoy being bitten as much as we do. I hope you get away without serious repercussions mangetout. Thank you Veem. The last time the bite between my fingers led to a hand and complete arm blown up like a balloon, with bp 200/140, so I was sent to A&E. The worry was that it would reach my heart which is not that good at the best of times. My MT prescribed Prednisolone which is an anti-inflammatory which he said to take immediately, then seek medical help. I did what he said, plus took an antihistamine and used an ice pack, and it seems to have kept the severe reaction at bay. Still a bit swollen but not terrible. Really don't fancy our local A&E at the weekend, especially now I'm on my own. So I'll sit tight and hope. |
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Post by limousinlady on Jun 17, 2023 15:57:03 GMT 1
They are an utter nuisance and worse when you are sweaty from gardening. Sounds like they are even worse for you, so hope you do not suffer too much this time. Take care.
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Post by jackie on Jun 17, 2023 16:05:26 GMT 1
Sounds like the meds are working mangetout, thank goodness you had them to hand. Look after yourself
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Post by Nutty on Jun 17, 2023 16:13:22 GMT 1
I sympathise with you Mangetout 100%. Had a camping holiday at Vogüé in the Ardèche in 1970 and I discovered I was a prime target for the darn things. I'd get a red patch on me the size of a plate that itched or burned or both (can't remember now). You couldn't feel them land on you - just the bite. Fortunately we don't get them here - but we do get mosquitoes..  Nutty |
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Post by another on Jun 18, 2023 18:45:59 GMT 1
Got bit many times by the blighters, high on the list of things I don't miss about France!
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