If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve already come across some fascinating (albeit disgusting) images of a bot fly infestation. It’s one of those things where you just can’t look away, despite how horrifying it is. If you’re seeking more information about this insidious insect—including where it comes from, signs of an infection, and how to treat an infection—you’ve come to the right place. This article encompasses everything you need to know about the bot fly.
The first thing you should know is that the bot fly is native to Central and South America. In other words, unless you live in this region or plan on visiting in the near future, you don’t really need to worry about it.
But let’s just say that you’re vacationing in Peru and worried about the bot fly laying eggs in you. First off, you should know that the bot fly itself doesn’t burrow beneath human skin. Rather, it lays eggs on ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects that then transmit the eggs when they bite humans. Human body heat acts like an incubator for these eggs, which then hatch into larvae inside the host. Gross, eh?
Unfortunately, it can take days, even weeks, before signs of an infection occur. That’s because it takes an average of six weeks for the larvae to complete development on its host.
Symptoms of infestation include a tender and painful lesion, which can resemble a pimple or a bug bite. There will be a small hole in the center of the lesion, which provides oxygen to the larva. During the more advanced stages, it’s possible to feel a squirming sensation beneath the skin, as the larvae move about.
As far as treatment options go, the best method is to coat the wound in a substance like petroleum jelly or camphor oil. This cuts off the larva’s oxygen supply. You will need to leave the substance on for 8-10 hours before removing it. Once removed, the larva will exit the hole as it searches for oxygen.
The number one way to prevent a bot fly infection is to wear bug spray. Other recommendations include wearing shoes and sleeping with a bug net.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, bot flies don’t generally carry diseases. In fact, their larvae are actually pretty harmless. Mosquitoes and ticks, on the other hand, do carry diseases; so make sure to lather on that bug spray!
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