biting flies - the worst bites I've ever had (reaction, itchy, medical)
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So I've been in the Southeast US my entire life. I've been eaten alive by ants, spiders, mosquitoes, chiggers, sea lice, etc....but nothing comes close to the bites I got in the last couple of days while in Florida. I was attacked by several huge aggressive biting flies that weren't just opportunistic like mosquitoes - but like an attack dog that would not stop and would not stop chasing, and biting my legs.
I was up all night unable to get a minute of sleep because these huge swollen red sores are the itchiest things I have ever dealt with. Imagine the worst itch you've ever had and multiply it by 100. Just doesn't stop. I've tried everything and it looks like hell - like my legs have been blasted with a shotgun. Deep dark red spots the size of quarters. I slathered on 1% hydrocortisone but that doesn't do much.
My question is - is there something to keep these awful things away from me and is there something to put on these bites to make them heal and/or stop itching so badly?
Just another reason to stay the heck out of Florida.
The hurricane's last year I believe are responsible for the recent surge in bugs, especially the noseeums which is probably what got you. Use bug spray with deet and for the itch I found that taking a weeks worth of Allegra twice a day then go to Walmart, CVS or Walgreens and pick up CeraVe for itch relief. I live in Florida and am allergic to the noseeums.
The green headed horse flies by me are the worst. They don’t give up until you kill them.
Yeah, I think that is what they were here. Insanely huge and insanely aggressive. And they definitely were not noseeums - these things were huge. thanks for the suggestions. I think I will be wearing long sleeves and long pants even though it is 90 and like a sauna outside.
So I've been in the Southeast US my entire life. I've been eaten alive by ants, spiders, mosquitoes, chiggers, sea lice, etc....but nothing comes close to the bites I got in the last couple of days while in Florida. I was attacked by several huge aggressive biting flies that weren't just opportunistic like mosquitoes - but like an attack dog that would not stop and would not stop chasing, and biting my legs.
I was up all night unable to get a minute of sleep because these huge swollen red sores are the itchiest things I have ever dealt with. Imagine the worst itch you've ever had and multiply it by 100. Just doesn't stop. I've tried everything and it looks like hell - like my legs have been blasted with a shotgun. Deep dark red spots the size of quarters. I slathered on 1% hydrocortisone but that doesn't do much.
My question is - is there something to keep these awful things away from me and is there something to put on these bites to make them heal and/or stop itching so badly?
Just another reason to stay the heck out of Florida.
An antihistamine might help with the itching. At least it will take the swelling out of the welts.
sounds like maybe you were being attacked by horseflys. Those things are viscious! OFF! or Repel Insect repellent sprayed on your legs and clothes would help keep them away.
"My question is - is there something to keep these awful things away from me..."
yes.
"....and is there something to put on these bites to make them heal and/or stop itching so badly?"
yes.
Yeah, flies hurt, sure. Just wait till you get stung by a female ant with wings. That HURTS.
Yup! Those are alates.
The ant will grab your skin with its pinchers and release a chemical called formic acid into your skin. Some people are allergic to formic acid and could experience an allergic reaction from the ant bite. Some ants will sting and inject venom into your skin. Ant stings can be very painful.
Horse flies! One of my last beach days was brutal because I forgot to put bug spray on and there was no breeze It was so bad I went back to the car and rummaged through it to discover I didn't have any bug spray! Made for a short day.
But I was bit by chiggers once and I remember that as being the worst itch ever!
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It was so bad I went back to the car and rummaged through it to discover I didn't have any bug spray! Made for a short day. 
