🚨 Botfly Maggot Removal – Not for the faint of heart!🚨 
The botfly is a tropical insect with a bizarre way of reproduction. Also known as warble flies, heel flies, and gadflies, they belong to the family Oestridae. Unlike most flies, the female botfly doesn’t lay eggs directly on humans or animals. Instead, it uses other insects, such as mosquitoes, to carry its eggs. When the mosquito bites, the eggs hatch and the tiny larva burrows under the skin. This condition is called myiasis – and it can be both painful and disturbing.
🔎 Symptoms
A botfly infection usually looks like a small bump that resembles an insect bite but doesn’t heal. It can cause itching, throbbing pain, and even the creepy sensation of something moving under the skin. A small central hole is often visible – this is the larva’s breathing point. 
🛠️ How it’s removed
Removing a botfly larva must be done carefully to prevent infection or leaving parts inside the skin:
Medical extraction – A doctor uses sterile instruments (often with local anesthesia).
Suffocation method – Covering the breathing hole with petroleum jelly, fat, or tape forces the larva to move upward, making it easier to pull out.
Minor surgery – In more difficult cases, a small incision is made to remove it completely.
⚠️ Risks
If the larva stays too long, it may cause secondary infections, severe pain, or deep wounds. In rare cases, complications occur in people with weak immune systems.
🛡️ Prevention
The best protection is avoiding mosquito bites in tropical regions:
✔️ Use insect repellent
✔️ Wear protective clothing
✔️ Sleep under mosquito nets
âś… Conclusion
Botfly removal is an essential procedure. While rarely life-threatening, the presence of a larva under the skin causes intense discomfort. Seeking professional medical help is always the safest option.
