My family and I recenlty came back from Bellize on 1/10/10. Soon after I came back 2 spots on my arm were itching and became a bump with a dot in the middle. I knew I was bitten by something but never dreamed it was a bot fly bite.I first went to a dermatologist who prescribed some anti-bacteral ointment but that did not help. Then an infectous disease doctor took a biopsy on one of the sores that came back somewhat inconclusive There were elements of a fly in there but they could not determine what. On the other sore I decided to put duc tape on it as recommended on the interment. The next morning I thought I saw puss but it was string like . I kept pulling on it and it was in fact a abot fly . Very disgusting. So beware of any bites on your body and try the duc tape method. I probably should have done that from the berginning instead of having biopsys with stiches!!

OMG!! WTF!!! You would think at least the infectuous disease doc would know what to look for. When we raised sheep here in No. California, they would sometimes get bot flies and sneeze the larvae out their noses! But not a threat to humans.

Your experience is even more alarming. Hope you heal up fast!

MY

Ew! Glad you survived and WHAT A GREAT STORY!

I heard a similar horror story about bot flies on my last visit to CR in December. Yuck is right! So, what's up with the duct tape? Does it basically suffocate it?!

Wow - super helpful advice. I wouldn't have a clue what to do. I too a curious about the duct tape!

plumboy- yes the duc tape suffocates it and then when you take it off they come up for air throufh the hole in the middle. I read you could use vaseline or peanut butter too!!! The whole thing is disgusting.

I've never had one, hopefully never will. But, if I do I'm going to make the best of it and name him 'Bob'......

JeanH- My friends have now nicknamed me "Bot"!!!! I earned it honestly!!!

rubriskin, I'm glad to see that you kept your sense of humor about the entire ordeal. Just one of the things that happen when you spend time in the tropics.....