Had anyone been bitten yet?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by BB3, May 29, 2024.

  1. floralies

    floralies Gardener

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    The biting season has begun in earnest here, only have to put my nose outside the door and I'm bitten, i have a large one on the side of my face
     
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    • BB3

      BB3 Gardener

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      I'm not tempting fate by making any comment
       
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      • DiggersJo

        DiggersJo Head Gardener

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        Just wonder what it is going to be like in years to come with mozzies and the like? Already we seem to have lots in the south and I've spotted one or two here last year. Asian Hornets have overwintered and although they say they have nothing to predate them - bee eaters are arriving...
        This was 2010 Italy
        IMG_4496.JPG
        They were jumping off backwards to catch hornets and would bash them on the wire and then chuck them up 10-20cm and swallow them!
         
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        • cactus_girl

          cactus_girl Super Gardener

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          The horse flies can penetrate denim jeans! And they are silent. At least with mozzies you can hear them coming.
           
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          • DiggersJo

            DiggersJo Head Gardener

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            Only if near your ear, but they will not get through denim. Saying that I've never been bitten by a horse fly, or know anyone who has... Both children have been around horses all their life, ono has two on site... ?
             
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            • JWK

              JWK Gardener Staff Member

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              I've been bitten by horse flies in the past on the family farm, a very unpleasant experience. My Mum was regularly bitten by them and the bite came up as nasty red welts a couple of inches across, she reacted more than me.

              Despite their name they hang around cattle as well, poor cows go mad when bitten.
               
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              • DiggersJo

                DiggersJo Head Gardener

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                Yep I've sure seen them on the cows here...
                20220602_111907.jpg
                 
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                • cactus_girl

                  cactus_girl Super Gardener

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                  We have no horses, cows or farms near here, but the horse flies like the stream and wild area behind our garden. They come out of the conifer hedge and inflict a sharp bite, even through clothes. Then you get a big swelling etc.
                   
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                  • fairygirl

                    fairygirl Total Gardener

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                    I don't really get bitten, by anything, and never have - including horse flies and gnats [I worked with horses for many years] and the famous Scottish midge has to be really serious for it to bother me.
                     
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                    • Emerion

                      Emerion Gardener

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                      I’m O rhesus positive @Sheal.
                       
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                      • Logan

                        Logan Total Gardener

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                        I got bitten a few weeks ago at my friend's house doing some weeding, never know what they are but they must be very small, don't get a reaction until a few hours later.
                         
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                        • CarolineL

                          CarolineL Total Gardener

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                          I was digging out a new section next to the stream yesterday and got a horsefly bite on the elbow. Strangely, my ponies were just the other side of the stream and weren't troubled!
                           
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