Protect Yourself from Tsetse Flies in Africa
Don't Let Tsetse Flies Ruin Your African Adventure
Learn how to identify and avoid these dangerous insects and protect yourself from sleeping sickness.

Africa
Tsetse flies are large, blood-sucking insects found in Africa. They are known for their painful bite and their ability to transmit sleeping sickness, a potentially fatal disease. They can be identified by their honeybee-like appearance, the long proboscis with its onion-shaped bulb at the base, and the unique wing venation with the characteristic cleaver- or hatchet-shaped cell in the center of the wing. They are typically brown or black in color and have a wingspan of about 1-2 inches. Protecting yourself from tsetse fly bites is crucial when traveling to affected areas.
Painful Bites
Tsetse fly bites are notoriously painful.
Sleeping Sickness Transmission
These flies transmit the potentially fatal disease, sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis).
Wide Distribution in Africa
Tsetse flies are prevalent in many parts of Africa, so awareness is key for travelers.