Flying tick – this is what the deer louse fly (Liptotena cervi) is called. It belongs to the lice fly family and is a type of biting fly. These are those annoying little insects that fly right at you in the forest, crawl into your hair and bite your neck or head. How do you recognize flying ticks? Are the insects dangerous for humans and animals, where can you find them and how do you get rid of them? Read on to learn all about the begging insect.
The deer louse fly has a brown to black flat body, two long transparent wings and six feet. It is about half a centimeter tall.These insects stingAnimals and people and are active in summer and autumn. The deer louse fly usually bites animals. The parasite bites and sucks the animal's blood, just like normal ticks. The parasite stays on its host for about 20 minutes and bites hard several times.
In humans, the deer louse fly usually bites in the neck area and head. Dogs are typically bitten on the anus, stomach, and inner thighs. Most often, several parasites land on the host at the same time and sting him. The female deer louse fly lays the eggs on the host, and later the larvae fall to the ground and pupate.
Where can you find ticks with wings
The insects live mainly on the edges of forests, but they can also be found in pastures. The deer louse fly is most active in late summer, but can also be found in the early summer months. The adult animal looks for a host primarily through warmth.
How dangerous are deer louse flies for people and animals
The flying tick transmits bacteria when it bites and thus brings diseases with it. It is the bacterium “Bartonella schoenbuchensis”, which causes inflammatory skin rashes as well as edema or suppuration in humans. It can also cause high temperature and fever. The bite of the deer louse fly also causes purulent skin diseases in animals.
The bite sites can become severely inflamed. At first the bite may be barely noticeable, but within 3 days the bite site may develop into a hard, reddened wheal. The itching lasts 14 to 20 days.
Dermatitis caused by deer lice fly consists of small red papules ranging in size from a few mm to 1-2 cm, mostly occurring on the scalp, neck and upper back. The papules usually appear 6-24 hours after the bite and they can persist for several weeks and, in some people, up to a year.
What symptoms occur when bitten?
Some people are allergic to the bites and need to be careful, but many just find them unbearably annoying. In general, the consequences of a bite can look like this:
- The bite site swells and hurts for several days.
- Itching in the bite wound.
- Hematomas form in the affected area.
- Fever may occur.
- Rashes, hives, edema, pustules and suppurations.
- Panic reactions, especially in animals, due to the pain.
What to do if bitten
How do you get rid of the flying tick? First, the bite site needs to be cooled, and then you shouldin case of a biteIt's best to see a doctor - or, if your pet has been bitten, see a vet. Obligatory visit to the doctor if symptoms such as fever, rash or suppuration.
If your pet is bitten, you can simply remove the flying tick. Be careful and use a fine comb, such as a flea comb, to remove the parasite from your pet's fur. An alternative is an adhesive tape or a lint brush. A shower can also help. Always check your animals for ticks after a walk.
Effective remedies against flying bitches
Some people recommend camphor drops as a deer lice repellent, although this has not been scientifically proven. When you go for a walk you can use mosquito net hats or jackets and cover yourself, but the vicious little creatures always somehow crawl through the protective clothing. And then it is even more difficult to remove them from the skin when they are under the mesh.
Formic acid can act as a defense agent. Garlic can also be effective against flying ticks. Use antihistamines and resin cream in case you are bitten.
