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.

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