Only the female horse flies suck blood. The males feed on nectar. A horse fly, which is about to suck blood, is almost impossible to get off, and is therefore easy to kill. Their eyes are well developed, and they often use their eyesight when finding their hosts. They move towards dark silhouettes in the landscape, and there is a greater risk of being bitten by them, when wearing dark clothes. The horse fly prefers to bite white people through dark colored clothing rather than the pale skin. Horse flies only bite in daylight. The risk of getting bitten is greatest near marshes and river valleys. They often stray into cars and houses, which can then act as traps. They do not bite inside; however, they just sit by the windows and wait to get out into the light again. Horse fly bite hurts , and it is quite bloody. The horse-fly pumps rather large amounts of saliva into the wound. For some people, this results in severe allergic reactions.
Meaning. Locally, horse-flies can be a serious nuisance because of their painful bite, and they can – at times – prevent a normal outdoor life for those who are allergic to the horse-fly saliva.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)