Grow Your Own Magazine

Ah my poor hubby was digging over our latest plot and was bitten on his chin by an insect. His lip and chin formed a hard red swollen lump what on earth could it be? I thought maybe a horse fly but I don't really have a clue.Anyone know?

It certainly could be a horsefly. The first time they bit me, it caused quite a nasty swelling and a doctor confirmed that it was a horsefly bite. I have been bitten by them again, but the reaction is a lot less severe - I presume the first gave me some immunity.

I had the same experience when on Mull staying in a tent. The Midges were thick one evening and I was getting bitten alive on legs and face. Half of my bottom lip started to swell up and when having my evening Dram the whisky was running through my beard.

The worst that get me are not the big horse flies but fat little black ones. I don't know what they are but come dusk on my allotment they come out in force. Normally you sense them before they get chance to bite but when one bites it really hurts. Its like getting jabbed by a needle and the bite always draws blood like its taken a great chunk out of your leg

The flies are only 1mm big so the bite is nearly the same size as them. They fly really slow too. Repellent seems to do the trick and keep them away but if you do get a bite its swells really bad and itches like mad for at least three days. Does anyone know what these are?

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http://plot62.blogspot.com/

No, but they sound like what bit my foot last year.

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A simple dude trying to grow veg.

http://haywayne.blogspot.com/ - Tuscany update - 27th September

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Dealing with Horse Fly bites

The description of the injury here is just as it is.

I to am an insect ready meal they just love me....talking to a few people on lottie and they told me they all use avon skin so soft dry oil spray before they go to the gardens (yes blokes too) seems to do the trick ,ive tried it and so far so good!!!!!!! so not only are we keen gardeners but we all smell nice too!!!!!!!!

I was bitten at the allotment last year, two nasty bites on top of my wrist, which bled and itched like crazy, I still have the scars. I have been told eating marmite before you go out helps, your blood is not sweet apparently.

Liz

I am also a magnet for horse flies, and once bitten they usually give me grief for at least three weeks. Usually my initial reaction is like a white blister the size of a 50 pence piece. I usually suck on the bite till I draw blood and this will usually reduce the recovery time to about ten days.

Ian

Being in need of a syrup, i inherited this condition from my Old Dad. I also am i magnet fo the dreaded horse fly or as they say tupnorth, Clegg fly. They always seem to bite me on the shiniest part of my bonce producing a nipple affect so i have to walk around for the next couple of days looking like a Tit.

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good Diggin, Chuffa.