Sandflies confirmed in Eastern Iceland, ending long period of absence
The presence of sandflies has been confirmed in Eastern Iceland, a region that has remained free from this pest for a significant period of time. This confirmation comes even as the flies have been biting people in other parts of the country.
The sandflies were identified in Eiðaþinghá, not far from Egilsstaðir. A local biologist suggests that the flies might have been present in Eastern Iceland last summer as well, but this is the first time their presence has been confirmed. The flies that were caught this summer have been analyzed and confirmed as sandflies.
Sandflies feed on human blood and can cause various itching pains. However, most people develop a tolerance to their bites over time.
Sandflies are typically found in polluted water bodies, which serve as their breeding grounds.