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HiFor over 40 years each summer horse flies bite me.

Sent to Health Experts July 26 06:02 AM

Hi
For over 40 years each summer horse flies bite me. One bite on my arm will cause the entire arm to swell from fingeres to shoulder. A bite near my mouth will cause my mouth, all one side of my face and down my neck to my chest to swell. It takes some two weeks to abate and will itch for months. Alcohol exacerbates the itching. The remedy is Periton Spandits that I obtain on perscription. One sort makes me sleep for 18 hours at a time for several days. But they work.
The question is, is it possible to grow something in the garden that has an adverse effect on horse flies. That is one wiff of the plant and they leave immediately. The only other instance I have heard of is where onions are planted between rows of carrots. The smell keeps away the carrot fly.
Look forward to hearing from you
Kind Regards
Hilary

 

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Age: 61

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Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Answer
July 27 1:25 AM (19 hours and 23 minutes and 31 seconds later)
         
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The only thing I can offer you on this issue is the use of a plant called pyrethrum. This is a plant used to make insect repellents, but is very difficult to grow. It is especially toxic to horse flies. If you were successful in growing it, I believe it would definitley serve as a deterant for horse flies. The gray-green leaves of the plant are pungent, producing a smell which common insects do not like. For more info on this plant, refer to this website: http://www.taoherbfarm.com/herbs/herbs/pyrethrum.htm
Hope this helps! Good luck!
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Nancy -- Nurse (RN) -- No feedback on 2 Health accepts
RN with many years experience in all areas; Mother; Movie/Music Lover
Reply
July 27 6:13 AM (4 hours and 47 minutes and 9 seconds later)
         
Reply to Nancy's Post: Hi Nancy
Thanks for your reply. Pyrethrum. I shall give this a try and plant it in the garden. Interesting isn't it. I am quite sure I have the same sort of smell as everyone else but I can be out for a walk with my family and horse flies actualy zero in on me. No one else, just me. In the past I have actualy taken to my heels and run like a maniac when being persued by a cloud of them. Insect repellent is not all that effective either. Thanks again for your help.
Kind Regards
Hilary
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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