Arts & Entertainment
Biting fly season in Big Sky
Published
8 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Dr. Jeff Daniels EBS Medical Columnist
This is the time every summer in Big Sky when it can hurt to be outdoors, because we’re in the season of the biting flies. These pesky creatures are part of the blood-sucking legion of flying insects, and include black flies, horse flies and deer flies. They all feed on the blood of mammals, including humans.
Outdoor activities can become intolerable, especially when summer temperatures encourage us to wear as little clothing as possible. Diseases spread by fly bites are much less common than those spread by mosquitos—including West Nile in this area— but the bites of these flies can cause allergic reactions that often need medical attention.
These flies are part of the family Simuliidae, of which there are nearly 2,000 different species worldwide. Like mosquitos, only the female bites to acquire a blood meal; the males feed on the nectar of flowers.
Black flies are stealthy, and persistent. When they land on an animal, the first thing they do is gently stretch the skin, and then insert their mouthparts to disrupt the tiny blood vessels so they can begin feeding. To prevent the blood from clotting, there are anticoagulants in their saliva. The saliva also has an anesthetic property so that you won’t feel the pain of the bite or the fly on your skin. That saves the fly from being swatted, and allows for a nice long mealtime.
Itching, localized swelling and inflammation often occur at the site of a bite. Swelling can be very intense, depending on the species of the fly and the individual’s immune response, and irritation may persist for weeks.
I’ve never seen a case, but I’ve read that multiple bites of black flies can cause “black fly fever,” with headache, nausea, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and aching joints. This is probably a reaction to a compound from the fly’s saliva. Less common severe allergic reactions, which may result in anaphylaxis, require hospitalization.
I’ve found that the best treatment for the itching and swelling is the application of a strong (i.e. prescription) steroid cream or ointment, and sometimes we have to resort to systemic steroids in order to relieve symptoms. Benadryl can help with itching. I’ve never found Claritin or Zyrtec to be of much use for fly bites.
Insect repellents provide some protection against biting flies. Products containing the active ingredients DEET or picaridin are most effective. Off! and other common repellants offer limited effectiveness, so protecting yourself against biting flies requires taking additional measures. Avoid areas inhabited by the flies and peak biting times, and wear heavy-duty, light-colored clothing, including long-sleeve shirts, long pants and a hat.
Luckily our biting fly season in Big Sky is a bit shorter than in other parts of the country, so you have a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and not provide a blood feast for a ravaging fly.
Dr. Jeff Daniels was the recipient of the 2016 Big Sky Chamber of Commerce Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement Award and has been practicing medicine in Big Sky since 1994, when he and his family moved here from New York City. A unique program he implements has attracted more than 700 medical students and young doctors to train with the Medical Clinic of Big Sky.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm