The first horsefly bites of the summer 2018 have been reported. The silent scourge of haymakers, turfmakers, shed erectors and outdoor love-makers appeared earlier than normal this June, pumped up on the strong sunshine.
Farmers in the midlands report that these first clegs were small and easy to spot. By next week it’ll be a different story – they’ll be meaner, hungrier, as big as small rats, landing on unprotected necks and arms.
When you see someone jump and wave their arms violently you know it’s too late.
ADVERTISEMENT
Itchy lumps
By mid-July, they’ll be gone. But the itchy lumps will linger on. Exactly how big and how itchy depends on who or what the horsefly bit last. They’re a great discomfort for cattle, too.
Horseflies are members of the Tabanidae family. They like strong sunshine and are inactive at night. It’s the female that bites – the male is harmless and friendly.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
The first horsefly bites of the summer 2018 have been reported. The silent scourge of haymakers, turfmakers, shed erectors and outdoor love-makers appeared earlier than normal this June, pumped up on the strong sunshine.
Farmers in the midlands report that these first clegs were small and easy to spot. By next week it’ll be a different story – they’ll be meaner, hungrier, as big as small rats, landing on unprotected necks and arms.
When you see someone jump and wave their arms violently you know it’s too late.
Itchy lumps
By mid-July, they’ll be gone. But the itchy lumps will linger on. Exactly how big and how itchy depends on who or what the horsefly bit last. They’re a great discomfort for cattle, too.
Horseflies are members of the Tabanidae family. They like strong sunshine and are inactive at night. It’s the female that bites – the male is harmless and friendly.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS