Horse Bot Fly

What is Horse Bot Fly?

Horse bot flies (Gasterophilus spp.) are parasitic insects that lay their eggs on the skin of horses. These eggs hatch into larvae that migrate into the horse's digestive tract, where they develop. While these flies do not typically affect humans, they can sometimes cause irritation when they come into contact with people or animals.

Why do I have an intolerance?

Although humans are not the natural hosts, contact with horse bot flies or their larvae can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and eye irritation. In some cases, individuals working closely with horses may experience sensitivity to the flies or allergic reactions due to the hairs and particles they shed.

What can I do about it?

If you experience irritation from horse bot flies, avoid direct contact with horses that may have bot fly larvae. Wearing protective clothing and using fly repellents around horses can reduce the chances of exposure. Regular grooming of horses and applying veterinary treatments can help control bot fly populations and reduce human exposure.