The flying tick: Dangers of the deer louse fly in our gardens!

The flying tick: Dangers of the deer louse fly in our gardens!

The most recent discovery in your own garden is causing a lot of conversation: the deer louse fly. This small pest, often referred to as a “flying tick,” is evolving earlier and earlier due to global warming and milder winters. As the az online reports, she is increasingly populating the gardens of Cologne residents. With a body size of just five to six millimeters and a preference for animals with fur, the deer louse fly particularly baits wild animals, horses or dogs. But even people are not immune to their bites.

The fly has a preference for being close to forests and is widespread in Germany. It feeds by sucking blood, which can cause hives in its hosts. Their bite can also lead to unpleasant consequences on humans, such as inflammation, pus wounds and even fever, as current research into the risk of disease transmission shows. An interesting detail: After a bite, the deer louse fly loses its wings and is then left with only six legs.

How do you deal with the little beasts?

Anyone who encounters a deer louse fly while walking should act quickly. The Onmeda recommends removing the fly with tweezers and disinfecting the bite site. Complaints after a bite are often expressed by redness and itching, which in most cases go away on their own after a few days. However, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is advisable to see a doctor.

Pet owners in particular should pay particular attention. Watch your dogs or horses for possible signs of infestation. Of course, the vet can quickly provide relief if any noticeable symptoms are noticeable. Defensive measures, such as special sprays against mosquitoes or ticks, could possibly help. For additional protection, it is interesting to wear light-colored clothing, which may be less attractive to deer lice flies - although this has not been clearly scientifically proven.

Fascination and caution at the same time

The deer louse fly belongs to the family of louse flies, which are widespread in the Palearctic. Their preference for certain species such as game - for example elk - has already caused high densities of infestations, which are sometimes perceived as pests. The Wikipedia also gives an interesting insight into the lifestyle of these flies. The female gives birth to live, pupate-ready larvae, which then pupate on the ground. Anyone who takes a closer look at these little flying parasites will find that they bring more than just discomfort - they are a fascinating example of our flora and fauna.

With a bit of caution and the necessary knowledge about the deer louse fly, a trip to the forest or park can be made safer. Watch out for the little critters and maybe your next walk will be exactly the adventure you've been looking for - without any unpleasant encounters.