Flies. Is there anything more annoying, especially when the weather warms up? They buzz around, land on your food, and generally make a nuisance of themselves. It’s natural to wonder, “Do house flies bite?”
While it’s a common misconception that all flies bite, the truth is more nuanced. Some flies bite, but others don’t. So, do house flies bite?
This article will explore the difference between biting and non-biting flies, the potential dangers of fly bites (when they do happen), and offer some helpful tips for fly prevention and control.
Fly mouthparts: biting vs. non-biting
To understand whether a fly can bite you, it helps to know a little bit about how they eat. Some flies have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to draw blood, while others have sponging mouthparts that they use to soak up liquids.
The common house fly, Musca domestica, has sponging mouthparts. That means they can’t bite you because their mouths are made for sopping up liquids.
Identifying biting flies
Even though the common house fly doesn’t bite, there are plenty of other flies that do. Stable flies, horseflies, deerflies, blackflies, sand flies, and biting midges are all examples of flies that can and will bite humans.
In most cases, it’s the female flies that bite. They need the protein in blood to help them produce eggs and reproduce.
Common Culprits: Types of Flies That Bite
While the common house fly isn’t likely to bite you, plenty of other fly species are known for their painful bites:
Stable Flies (Stomoxys calcitrans)
Stable flies are bloodsuckers that bite humans and animals, and they’re commonly found around livestock.
Horse Flies and Deer Flies (Tabanidae)
Horse flies are large, sometimes more than an inch long, while deer flies are smaller, about a quarter of an inch long. Both are known for delivering a particularly painful bite.
Biting Midges
Biting midges are very small — so small that they’re sometimes called “no-see-ums.” They’re most active around dawn and dusk.
Sand Flies
Sand flies are another tiny type of biting fly, measuring about one-eighth of an inch long.
Black Flies
Black flies are also about one-eighth of an inch long and known to bite.
What happens when a fly bites?
Most fly bites cause red, swollen, and itchy bumps on your skin. Some bites are more irritating than others.
In rare cases, people can have allergic reactions to fly bites that require medical treatment. Signs of an allergic reaction include:
- Hives
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling
Biting flies are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out, our body heat, our sweat, and our movements. They’re also attracted to light-colored clothing.
Health risks: Fly bites that spread disease
Some flies spread diseases through their bites. For example, deer flies can transmit tularemia, a bacterial infection that can cause fever, skin ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes.
Sand flies can transmit leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease that can cause skin sores or affect internal organs.
Of course, mosquitoes are also well-known for spreading diseases like malaria, Zika virus, and West Nile virus.
First Aid: What to Do If a Fly Bites You
If a fly bites you, here’s what you should do:
- Wash the bite with soap and water.
- Put a cold compress on it.
- Take an over-the-counter antihistamine or put calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream on the bite.
- Try not to scratch it.
- Keep an eye on it for signs of infection.
- See a doctor if you get a fever or headache, or if the pain and swelling get worse.
How to prevent biting flies
If you live in an area with biting flies, there are several steps you can take to avoid getting bitten:
- Wear insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Cover your skin as much as possible with long sleeves, pants, hats, and gloves.
- Stay inside when flies are most active.
- Make sure your windows have screens.
- Remove any potential breeding grounds for flies, such as wet hay, grass clippings, and manure.
- Ensure your property has proper drainage.
When to call a pest control professional
Sometimes, fly problems persist even after your best efforts. Pest control professionals can help. They’re experts at identifying fly breeding grounds and entry points. They also have access to specialized treatments. If you’re struggling with a fly infestation, contacting a professional is often the best solution.
Putting It All Together
Let’s be clear: the common house fly buzzing around your home is not going to bite you. However, other kinds of flies do bite, and they can spread disease. So, take steps to avoid fly bites and infestations. Prevention is key to protecting yourself and your family.