Yellow Flies and severe allergic reactions

**KHorne** · 05-19-2008, 07:25 PM

Has this happened 'all of the sudden' to anyone else?

(i'm not talking about just some swelling, I'm talking about chills, heart pounding, nausea, dizziness, sweating, the shakes and being down and out for hours after a single bite) Having to take Benadryl Immediately or yikes!

I'm reading up on anything I can find but any input, opinion, experience, etc.. would be appreciated.

By the way, Beware- They are on the way! one got me today! boo hiss....

sadface,
Kendall

**NoHall** · 05-19-2008, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by KHorne

Has this happened 'all of the sudden' to anyone else?

(i'm not talking about just some swelling, I'm talking about chills, heart pounding, nausea, dizziness, sweating, the shakes and being down and out for hours after a single bite) Having to take Benadryl Immediately or yikes!

I'm reading up on anything I can find but any input, opinion, experience, etc.. would be appreciated.

By the way, Beware- They are on the way! one got me today! boo hiss....

sadface,
Kendall

About 5 years ago I was able to spend a couple of weeks down there. The first bite I had was like a mosquito bite. The second was worse. By the end of the two weeks, I was staying at a friend's house and my entire hand swelled up and got hot like a bee sting.

Apparently, the effect of the bites builds. The only advice I could find on the internet was, "If you are allergic to yellow flies, you should stay indoors during May and June."

Not very practical. But if you're having increasing allergic reactions, I think you should see your doctor. You might need an Epi-pen.

Skunky?

**Smiling JOe** · 05-19-2008, 08:15 PM

Kendall, it happened to my former neighbor, two years ago at ArtsQuests. They ended up taking him to the emergency room, and he recovered, without problems, but I'm not sure what they gave him. They told him that the bites have a cumulative effect, so the more bites you get, the more it builds up in your system. Not everyone is allergic, but those who are, should take caution. I'm not sure if something like Benedryl works for that. My neighbor was fairly scared by the end of that day, but the next day, he was back to normal.

Are you alone, or is there someone who can help you out? If you need a ride to the ER, call me or send me a text message, and I'll come get you. Dr Skunky might be able to help you online if he reads this.

Sorry to read that you got attacked. I noticed the first one of the season when she bit me on the leg yesterday. I about jumped off the dock, it scared me so bad. They silently land on your skin and you cannot feel it, until they bite.

Call or text me if you need a run to the ER, and I'll come grab you. Don't be scared to call 9-1-1 if you need to.

**Minnie** · 05-19-2008, 08:16 PM

As NoHall stated you definitely need to see a doctor for a reaction that severe. The thing with allergies, is you can be fine for years, then suddenly it changes.

See the doctor.

**Smiling JOe** · 05-19-2008, 08:20 PM

I sent Dr Skunky a pm requesting online advice.

**30A Skunkape** · 05-19-2008, 08:38 PM

Sorry, I was on the golf course

It sounds like a pretty serious allergic reaction. Are you certain the bite is what set you off? Benadryl is OK for now but it might be a good idea to have an epi-pen on hand for the future.

**NoHall** · 05-19-2008, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

I sent Dr Skunky a pm requesting online advice.

You're a good 'un, SJ!

Hop was all for running me to the ER when my hand swelled up. But I wasn't having any respiratory problems or the issues you describe--just superficial symptoms.

I'll be stocking up on DEET before I come down this weekend. I know some folks don't approve of DEET, but I prefer it to swollen, painful extremities. I have also noticed that running the ceiling fans on high on the porches keep them from hanging out there so much.

**SWGB** · 05-19-2008, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

Kendall, it happened to my former neighbor, two years ago at ArtsQuests. They ended up taking him to the emergency room, and he recovered, without problems, but I'm not sure what they gave him. They told him that the bites have a cumulative effect, so the more bites you get, the more it builds up in your system. Not everyone is allergic, but those who are, should take caution. I'm not sure if something like Benedryl works for that. My neighbor was fairly scared by the end of that day, but the next day, he was back to normal.

Are you alone, or is there someone who can help you out? If you need a ride to the ER, call me or send me a text message, and I'll come get you. Dr Skunky might be able to help you online if he reads this.

Sorry to read that you got attacked. I noticed the first one of the season when she bit me on the leg yesterday. I about jumped off the dock, it scared me so bad. They silently land on your skin and you cannot feel it, until they bite.

Call or text me if you need a run to the ER, and I'll come grab you. Don't be scared to call 9-1-1 if you need to.

Benadryll is quite effective, but it is like taking an aspirin when you have a heart attack or stroke, you still have to follow up with medical attention.

Originally Posted by NoHall

You're a good 'un, SJ!

Hop was all for running me to the ER when my hand swelled up. But I wasn't having any respiratory problems or the issues you describe--just superficial symptoms.

I'll be stocking up on DEET before I come down this weekend. I know some folks don't approve of DEET, but I prefer it to swollen, painful extremities. I have also noticed that running the ceiling fans on high on the porches keep them from hanging out there so much.

Supposedly bags of water with a single penny hung from a string works too. I believe that falls under "old wives tales".

**NoHall** · 05-19-2008, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by sowalgayboi

Benadryll is quite effective, but it is like taking an aspirin when you have a heart attack or stroke, you still have to follow up with medical attention.

Supposedly bags of water with a single penny hung from a string works too. I believe that falls under "old wives tales".

The air from the fans is what keeps them away. Works for most flying insects. Something about aerodynamics (which might be a wives tale to you...did you go to UGA or something?) Or maybe you're referring to the DEET. It's a chemical insect repellent, genius...

**SWGB** · 05-19-2008, 09:21 PM

Originally Posted by NoHall

The air from the fans is what keeps them away. Works for most flying insects. Something about aerodynamics (which might be a wives tale to you...did you go to UGA or something?) Or maybe you're referring to the DEET. It's a chemical insect repellent, genius...

I was referring to ways of keeping flies away. This was just one that I had heard of and seen (Wild Olives in Rosemary).

**NoHall** · 05-19-2008, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by sowalgayboi

I was referring to ways of keeping flies away. This was just one that I had heard of and seen (Wild Olives in Rosemary).

Oh. I thought you were saying my advice fell in that category. My bad!

I still don't get those big black balls that hang from trees down there. (And suddenly the door was open for this serious thread to become yet another reference to OMBs.)

**SWGB** · 05-19-2008, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by NoHall

Oh. I thought you were saying my advice fell in that category. My bad!

I still don't get those big black balls that hang from trees down there. (And suddenly the door was open for this serious thread to become yet another reference to OMBs.)

No problem.

Before this devolves into OMB madness.

Those black balls are disgusting and useless. Run into one late at night after drinking. It leaves a really gross stain on your pillow.

**Beach Runner** · 05-19-2008, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by sowalgayboi

Supposedly bags of water with a single penny hung from a string works too. I believe that falls under "old wives tales".

We saw that at Wild Olives last summer.

**NoHall** · 05-19-2008, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by sowalgayboi

No problem.

Before this devolves into OMB madness.

Those black balls are disgusting and useless. Run into one late at night after drinking. It leaves a really gross stain on your pillow.

I...

...can't

...BREATHE!!!

**SWGB** · 05-19-2008, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Runner

We saw that at Wild Olives last summer.

Yes, Mr. SWGB saw them and swears by them. He started explaining that it worked for his grandmother and I casually pointed at the swarm of flies on his plate.

**SWGB** · 05-19-2008, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by NoHall

I...

...can't

...BREATHE!!!

Neither can I after realizing what I posted. That was not meant to be funny.

**scrltbegonya** · 05-19-2008, 09:35 PM

reading this post freaked me out so i called khorne, who is fine and in bed watching a movie.

**Ocean Lover** · 05-19-2008, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by scrltbegonya

reading this post freaked me out so i called khorne, who is fine and in bed watching a movie.

That's good. I had a similar reaction but it was a yellow jacket sting and then a sweat bee sting. The yellow jacket stung me on the finger and my whole hand swelled up.Several months later, a sweat bee stung me on the inside of my forearm and my hand and my arm swelled double it's size. Benedryl is the only thing my Dr told me to take. it does help. I do have an epi-pen now just in case.

K, call your doctor to see what he thinks you should do in the future.

**scooterbug44** · 05-19-2008, 09:56 PM

I have a severe reaction to yellow fly bites (and horseflies - the midwestern/canadian version of yellowflies). My doctor gave me a hydrocortizone based cream to put on the bite. Keeps the welt to the size of a quarter or half dollar instead of a baseball so I don't have bruises and misshapen limbs from the welts.

Mine is just a severe reaction at the bite site, respiratory issues and sweating at the level you describe sounds like a severe allergy that means you need to see a doctor.

Mosquito Control will bring out a free black ball and hang it for you (one per residence per year) if anyone still wants one after SWGB's graphic description!

**KHorne** · 05-19-2008, 09:58 PM

Yep thanks ya'll. I'm Def. going to the DR for sure. Thanks all of you for posting your thoughts and stories and good advice. I am outside ALOT and have been bitten a million times. It seems to make sense to have a build up effect. Will discuss with Doctor though. Thanks.

We can name our kikball team The SoWal YellowFlies.

bzzz,
Kendall

**NoHall** · 05-19-2008, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by KHorne

Yep thanks ya'll. I'm Def. going to the DR for sure. Thanks all of you for posting your thoughts and stories and good advice. I am outside ALOT and have been bitten a million times. It seems to make sense to have a build up effect. Will discuss with Doctor though. Thanks.

We can name our kikball team The SoWal YellowFlies.

bzzz,
Kendall

Stay safe...

**DuneLaker** · 05-19-2008, 10:43 PM

SWGB. I'll try to hang our Black Ball where you won't run into it.

**Smiling JOe** · 05-19-2008, 11:15 PM

Originally Posted by NoHall

I'll be stocking up on DEET before I come down this weekend.

DEET doesn't seem to repel Deer Flies and Dog Flies.

Originally Posted by sowalgayboi

No problem.

Before this devolves into OMB madness.

Those black balls are disgusting and useless. Run into one late at night after drinking. It leaves a really gross stain on your pillow.

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a lady (tourist) showing her little 2 year old son, how to punch one of those black balls, covered in dead bugs. Good for her that it needs new glue this year. I guess she didn't see all of the bugs.

**NoHall** · 05-20-2008, 05:55 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

DEET doesn't seem to repel Deer Flies and Dog Flies.

Works for me...

**drunkkenartist** · 05-20-2008, 06:55 AM

bees, hornets, wasps! OH MY!! They don't bother me a bit.

But a yellow fly will leave a huge welt. Even after all these years down here. No immunity.

I just stay indoors every May and June and work on my fabulous un-tan.

**TreeFrog** · 05-20-2008, 06:58 AM

I don't expect it would help a severe allergic reaction, but I know several folks who have found that squeezing the juice of a freshly cut onion on a yellow fly bite will prevent the serious swelling and lasting whelp from the bite.

**seagrovegirl** · 05-20-2008, 08:00 AM

Amonia counteracts the poison. Those bug pens that you rub on a bite are amonia. I didn't know that until I saw an old timer refill his pen with it. I tried it and it worked for me.

**seagrovegirl** · 05-20-2008, 08:02 AM

If anyone sees the construction going on at my house, it is a SCREENED in porch...just in time for the yellow flies!! Poor guys working on it are getting chewed up, though.....

**seagrovegirl** · 05-20-2008, 08:15 AM

Yes it does.......it beats the other alternative!!!

**sunspotbaby** · 05-20-2008, 10:43 AM

Yellowflies are here? I haven't seen any...yet. My little girl gets huge bites from mosquitos. I hate to think of what a yellowfly would do.

Does the fabric softener
sheet have to be Bounce or will any kind work?

Lemongrass oil? This is for yellowflies? does it work for mosq. too?

**scooterbug44** · 05-20-2008, 10:47 AM

My benchmark is that when the magnolia's bloom, it's yellow fly time!

FYI, I've yet to see the fabric softener sheets repel a bug.

**SWGB** · 05-20-2008, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by drunkkenartist

bees, hornets, wasps! OH MY!! They don't bother me a bit.

But a yellow fly will leave a huge welt. Even after all these years down here. No immunity.

I just stay indoors every May and June and work on my fabulous un-tan.

Mmm pasty.

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

My benchmark is that when the magnolia's bloom, it's yellow fly time!

FYI, I've yet to see the fabric softener sheets repel a bug.

Another good reason to hate those trees.

**Beach Runner** · 05-25-2008, 11:09 AM

We're leaving in an hour or so to drive to Seagrove. Are the yellow flies still there?

**sunspotbaby** · 05-25-2008, 11:19 AM

I'm not in Seagrove...I'm north of 98 and I've only seen one so far. My yellow fly radar is constantly on when we are outside. Been lucky ...waiting on the rest of them to show up.

**seagrovegirl** · 05-25-2008, 11:24 AM

Outside yesterday about 6PM we were carried off by the puckers. Hate DEET but glad to have it. Hubby got his first bite on the bottom of his foot...had to ice it down.

**NoHall** · 05-25-2008, 11:29 AM

I'm usually a magnet, but I haven't seen any of the little bat-turds yet. (Thank GAWD!)

However, I was on the beach this morning and kept feeling tiny little stings/bites/whatever. I never saw the perpetrators in the act, but saw tiny (gnat or flea-sized) critters hovering around.

**Beach Runner** · 05-25-2008, 11:42 AM

Thanks, everyone. I'd officially thank you, but there's no "Thanks" button in the lounge.

**avalon** · 05-25-2008, 01:37 PM

The idea behind the black ball thing is that the flies are attracted to dark colors. So wear light ones with your "Off" spray.

**organicmama** · 05-25-2008, 08:33 PM

Our middle child was bitten by a yellow fly 2 days after we moved down here, right below her eye. It swelled so bad and scared the crap outta me. None for us since then, but I was told they were out and about. Little man was bitten by mosquitos (again under eye & on ear) 2 weeks ago. Not pretty.

**Bobby J** · 05-26-2008, 12:44 AM

Skin so soft by avon works well for Yellow flies and gnats. I also just heard listerine works well.

**organicmama** · 05-26-2008, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by Bobby J

Skin so soft by avon works well for Yellow flies and gnats. I also just heard listerine works well.

Listerine.... I wouldn't wanna smell like that all day!

**scooterbug44** · 05-26-2008, 01:23 PM

I've had yellow flies bite me 2' from my front door when I've doused myself w/ deep woods OFF and am standing in lighter fluid/charcoal fumes!

Hate those things!

**NoHall** · 05-26-2008, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by Bobby J

Skin so soft by avon works well for Yellow flies and gnats. I also just heard listerine works well.

WhatEVER. Skin So Soft only keeps people away from me.

I got lucky this weekend--not a single Yellow fly sighting. That made me very happy...

**scooterbug44** · 05-26-2008, 04:41 PM

I'm calling it - I've got 2 throbbing calves that say it's the start of yellow fly "season"!

GAWD I hate those things!

**NoHall** · 05-26-2008, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I'm calling it - I've got 2 throbbing calves that say it's the start of yellow fly "season"!

GAWD I hate those things!

Dudette...I'm sorry. I hate them for you...

**KHorne** · 06-09-2010, 01:03 PM

Does anyone know of an Allergist/Doctor who is familiar with this insect and treatment?

I am having trouble finding one. Please let me know if you have any leads. The trouble is finding the serum. I have found most allergists deal with bees, ants, wasps, etc...rarely yellow flies. Over time I have become highly allergic to Yellow Flies and currently in the process of dealing with it. It is the only thing in the world I am allergic to. (that I know of) I will be happy to share info with you if you are in this predicament as well. Please let me know if you know of a Doctor / Allergist who is familiar with this fly. Everyone Take Care,

THanks!!! Kendall 850-585-9078

**Murray Balkcom** · 06-09-2010, 05:44 PM

KHorne, did you get bitten again? R was bitten the other day and had major allergic reaction. They bite me and don't even swell. From everything I read, it sounds like the allergic reaction is to the anti-coagulate which the female deer flies inject when they are biting, to keep the blood flowing.

They are very bad this year, all over the Gulf coast of FL. DEET doesn't seem to prevent them from buzzing you, but it might help keep them from biting. I have created a formula which seems to work very well at repelling them.

Use a spray bottle and fill almost full with white vinegar. Add essential oil of lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Not only do they cut the smell of the vinegar, but they are natural insect repellents. Shake well before spraying. Also seems to work well to keep the flies off the dogs. This formula also works fairly well in fighting dog flies and mosquitos.

I suppose you could also make a salve using bee's wax, olive oil along with the three essential oils, to make it last longer.

**Jdarg** · 06-09-2010, 05:52 PM

One made it in the house, and got my back while I was sleeping. Looks like several bites n the same area- and a very interesting welt. I have never reacted much to them until this one.

**Douglas the Intrepid** · 06-09-2010, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by Bobby J

Skin so soft by avon works well for Yellow flies and gnats. I also just heard listerine works well.

Listerine only works if you light it on fire after applying it! Some will still get through, but it will take care of the worst of them.

This is also the first I have seen SWGB's drunken run in with black balls and I have to say I am still LMAO!!

**KHorne** · 06-09-2010, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Murray Balkcom

KHorne, did you get bitten again? R was bitten the other day and had major allergic reaction. They bite me and don't even swell. From everything I read, it sounds like the allergic reaction is to the anti-coagulate which the female deer flies inject when they are biting, to keep the blood flowing.

They are very bad this year, all over the Gulf coast of FL. DEET doesn't seem to prevent them from buzzing you, but it might help keep them from biting. I have created a formula which seems to work very well at repelling them.

Use a spray bottle and fill almost full with white vinegar. Add essential oil of lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Not only do they cut the smell of the vinegar, but they are natural insect repellents. Shake well before spraying. Also seems to work well to keep the flies off the dogs. This formula also works fairly well in fighting dog flies and mosquitos.

I suppose you could also make a salve using bee's wax, olive oil along with the three essential oils, to make it last longer.

Thanks! No bites yet, I'm taking a Dr. prescribed anti histamine everyday

to hopefully prevent
trouble if I were to get bit? bitten? Allergist in Crestview is checking to locate some serum. I am Just trying to be preventative since it's "season" and
staying on top of it! Thanks. I have also found that rubbing a dryer sheet on your skin HELPS keep them from landing on you. I dunno how that is for your skin though. Thanks for the great info! You are great!