Find out how to prevent and treat bites from sand flies, small mosquito-like insects whose bite can have unexpected consequences
And pappataci or sand flies are small insects similar to mosquitoes, widespread in tropical and subtropical countries and in the Mediterranean area. They live mainly in flat and hilly areas and prefer a hot and humid climate. During the day they hide in cool, well-ventilated and shaded environments, such as cellars, caves, stables or animal dens.
In the dark they are activated, indiscriminately stinging men and animals in the evening and at night. Their bite can produce even very serious consequences, as with saliva they can transmit leishmaniasis, an infectious disease that can be lethal for dogs and, in very rare cases, also for humans.
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What are sand flies?
Sand flies (Phlebotomus) are nematocerous dipters of the Psicodidae family, similar, as mentioned, to small mosquitoes: they reach a maximum length of 3-4 millimeters. Seen under a microscope, they are colored straw yellow, rusty yellow or grayish. They have the body completely covered with hair and the chest embedded in the abdomen at an angle of nearly 90 degrees.
The eyes are large, voluminous and dark in color, placed on the sides of the head, which has an elongated shape. Their mouthparts plays functions stinging and sucking, and consists of a short, downward-facing proboscis.
They have long antennae and oval wings, much larger than the body.
Sand flies, differences with mosquitoes
As mentioned, sand flies are very similar to mosquitoes in appearance, with which they also share other characteristics. First of all, both species are dipteran insects, that is, with only one pair of wings, since the rear ones have transformed over time into balancers, organs capable of maintaining balance in flight.
Also, just like mosquitoes, only females are hematophagous, that is, they feed on blood, be it human or animal, to survive. The males instead feed on sugary substances and are therefore called glicifagi.
On average, however, sand flies are much smaller, as their length reaches about 1/3 size of mosquitoes.
The characteristics of parrots
As mentioned, sand flies are insects that prefer twilight or night hours. They hate light and are extremely photosensitive, to the point that some insects die if exposed to the sun's rays for a few seconds.
During the day they hide in crevices, sewer pipes, animal dens and kennels, or in any case in all shaded and ventilated spaces. They proliferate in all humid environments rich in organic debris, which the larvae feed on.
Precisely because they act in the dark, they are very difficult to spot.
Furthermore, recognizing them is almost impossible due to the small size and above all for the noise that distinguishes them. In fact, this insect stings silently, without emitting the typical hiss that for example heralds the arrival of mosquitoes.
Why are they called sand flies?
The name pappataci derives from this characteristic: this insect jelly and silent, that is, it feeds silently.
It is also called velvet bug, both because it turns out almost impossible to spot both why sometimes its bite does not cause any discomfort.
Finally, sand flies do not have a marked propensity to fly. Rather than gliding over their prey, they leap forward. Generally, the males do not move from the place where they flicker, while the fasting females reach a maximum distance of 2 km.
Consequences of the bite of parrots
Sand flies sting out of necessity, because they need certain proteins contained in the blood to complete their life cycle and lay fertile eggs.
Their saliva, injected through the bite of the proboscis, releases an anticoagulant substance, which causes our body to activate the immune system, releasing histamine. It is precisely the histamine produced to defend against an external agent to determine the characteristic reactions of:
- redness
- swelling
- pruritus
Pappataci fever
Other times the bite of this insect can cause the so-called "Pappataci fever", which usually disappears within 3-4 days. Similar to the flu syndrome, it produces an increase in body temperature and other characteristic symptoms such as:
- widespread chills
- headache
- abdominal pain
Pappataci and human leishmaniasis
In other cases, the sting of these insects can have more serious consequences. First, the sand flies bite can trigger real ones allergic reactions. In such an event, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Finally, if their saliva is contaminated, the parrots become vectors of leishmaniasis, a very serious and rarely fatal infectious disease for humans, which can take two forms:
- cutaneous leishmaniasis, which causes skin lesions and ulcers
- visceral leishmaniasis, affecting the liver, spleen, bone marrow and other internal organs
There is currently no vaccine for humans.
In the case of the cutaneous form, the course of the disease leads to the formation of real ulcers and swelling of some lymph nodes. Generally these ulcers disappear spontaneously, without the need for any therapy. But it can take months or even years, and in any case, skin lesions almost always leave scars on the skin.
La visceral leishmaniasis is the most worrying eventuality. People with this disease usually have an enlarged liver and spleen, altered blood values with significant decreases in red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
It is a subtle and difficult to diagnose disease, with a rather long incubation, the symptoms of which can manifest themselves within a few months or sometimes even within a few years. In severe cases, untreated leishmaniasis can lead to death.
Read also LEISHMANIOSIS, HUMAN CONTAGION IN BOLOGNA. HERE'S HOW TO PREVENT IT
Parrots and animal leishmaniasis
Generally the sting of sand flies affects animals in a more virulent way, especially dogs. When the saliva of these insects is infected, its subcutaneous inoculation can provoke very serious consequences for our 4-legged friends, to the point of leading them to death.
It often happens that the so-called Leishmania infantum is asymptomatic and the animal nightmares it for years before passing it on to humans or other animals.
Following a scrupulous prophylaxis and through the use of vaccination, it is possible to reduce the incidence of this dangerous disease.
Read also CANINE LEISHMANIOSIS: 4 FUNDAMENTAL RULES TO PREVENT IT
How to prevent parrot bites
Leg covered with parrot bites @Matyas Rehak / 123rf.com
To prevent the damage produced by sand flies, we can put in place suitable strategies to counteract its action.
First of all, as mentioned, these insects hate light. Therefore, it will be appropriate ventilate the premises and expose them as much as possible to the sun's rays. In this way, in addition to favoring the exchange of air, we will discourage the presence of these insects.
Traditional mosquito nets are not enough to keep sand flies away, which manage to slip inside their net. You need to use special mosquito nets, with smaller meshes, or sprinkle them with natural insecticides and repellents.
Furthermore, it is necessary avoid water stagnation both in the garden and in saucers and always keep both interiors and exteriors clean. Sand flies prefer organic debris to proliferate. So, eliminate any type of residue it is a good preventive method.
Finally, of course, particular attention should be paid to care and cleaning of the dog's kennel or cat's litter box.
There are also plants that act as natural repellents for sand flies, as their scent is particularly unwelcome to these insects. The main ones are the thyme, geranium and rosemary.
Parrot bites: natural remedies
If, despite these precautions, we are still stung by these insects, there are several natural remedies that can alleviate the consequences:
- Potassium alum: has properties calming, soothing and emollient. It counteracts skin irritations and burns, also favoring the process of scarring. It is sufficient to lightly moisten the mineral and rub it gently on the affected part to feel immediate relief.
- Tea tree oil : it's a natural antibiotic, able to perform both a soothing action of the burning that disinfects the wound. Just apply very few drops on the affected area and the benefits will be assured. Furthermore, the smell of tea tree oil is particularly unwelcome to sand flies, so this inguent will also act as an excellent repellent.
- Neem oil: equipped with property antibacterial, antifungal and insect repellent, this oil is an excellent natural remedy against sand flies bites. It can also be mixed with tea tree oil and diluted in water to be constantly sprayed on the skin in order to keep annoying insects away.
- Geranium oil: in addition to the plant, geranium oil also has insect repellent properties, as its scent is unwelcome to insects and manages to keep them away. It can be applied in small quantities directly on the exposed parts as a preventive function, or mixed with other essential oils to counteract the harmful effects of stings.
- Aloe vera: aloe vera is a fantastic antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. If you have the plant at home, just cut a small piece of pulp, squeezing the juice directly on the sting. Alternatively, you can use the aloe gel, which can be purchased in herbalist's shops or organic shops. Equally effective, provided that it is composed of a very high percentage of aloe, in the order of at least 90%. Applying it to the affected area, it will give immediate benefit, also favoring the cell regeneration.
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