How to Treat Greenhead Bites

Greenhead horseflies (Tabanus nigrovittatus) are a specific type of horsefly so named for their large green eyes. They often have purple or red stripes across the eye and are about an inch long; they have a razor- sharp mouth that easily cuts through skin. You usually will find them around swamps, lakes or rivers because they need to lay their eggs on specific marsh grasses. They are carnivorous, and the females feed on blood for extra nourishment when they are getting ready to lay eggs. Their sheer size makes it hard to control them with over-the-counter pesticides, so the best bet is to use a personalized bug spray containing Deet.

Things You'll Need

• Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Cold compresses or ice in a washcloth
• Calamine lotion
• Antibacterial soap
• Adhesive bandage (Band-Aid)

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash the bite area with antibacterial soap. The horsefly secrets an anticoagulant in its saliva that hinders healing so it can feed from the same area on multiple occasions. Although rare, the Greenhead horsefly bite may become infected and swell, causing added discomfort.

• 2

  Cover the area with calamine lotion if it begins to itch.

• 3

  Place an adhesive bandage over the open wound to prevent infection.

• 4

  Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for any pain or discomfort.