The five most common insect bites and how you can protect yourself against them this summer

Mosquito 
Insect bites are on the rise this summer Credit: Getty

They’ve always been the scourge of a typical British summer. But the current heat wave has led to calls to the NHS 111 helpline about insect bites and stings double this summer.

The news also comes as families are warned to drain their paddling pools properly because stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground - and food source - for insects, which increases the likelihood of bites.

“After a prolonged period of hot weather, insect numbers may see an increase and infestations can develop if left alone,” says Natalie Bungay from The British Pest Control Association (BPCA), who issued the warning. “Horsefly bites are particularly painful because their main food source is livestock, which have a limited ability to move the fly away. This means they can take their food without having to worry about delivering a painful bite, as the animals are generally powerless to stop them.”

Woman's legs
Horseflies love bare arms and legs Credit: Getty

“Our pharmacists have seen a spike in people seeking help for horsefly bites this summer," says Aileen Bryson from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. "Firstly, because there are a lot around at the moment and also because they can be quite nasty bites and more likely to become infected than other bites.

“Horseflies tend to gather around water, horses and open grassy areas and they bite in the day. We see a lot of golfers seeking help after a day on the course, and they especially love bare arms and legs.”

If you are bitten, Aileen says your bite may take one of three forms: “The bite may be small and localised, or affect a larger area of the limb. In both cases keep it clean, use a cold compress on it and keep an eye on any swelling. If a blister forms, don’t pop it because it’s keeping the area clean - if it bursts, clean with an antiseptic wipe and dress it. If you’re worried the rash is getting bigger, draw a ring around it and monitor it. If the rash spreads outside the lines, or becomes very hot, fiery and appears infected, see your pharmacist who may give you an antihistamine, steroid, or refer you to your GP for an antibiotic.

“Lastly - and more rarely - you may suffer an extreme anaphylactic shock, in which case see your GP or seek medical help as soon as possible.”

According to the BPCA the five most common bites this summer are from false black widow spiders, mosquitos, horse flies, wasps and hornets. “But the same advice applies to most bites,” says Aileen. “Remove any stings, keep it clean, use a cold compress if it hurts or itches and keep an eye on any redness and swelling.”

The only exception is tick bites, which are also on the rise this summer: “Ticks are more prevalent in wooded areas, and if you do find one on your skin - an unfed one is the size and shape of a sesame seed - don’t brush it off or try to pick it out with regular tweezers," says Aileen. "But rather go straight to your pharmacist for some finely tipped tweezers, which you can also buy at camping shops. Pull it out slowly and firmly so the entire thing comes out. If you do it too quickly, or with regular tweezers, you may leave remains of the tick in the skin which can lead to infection and Lyme disease, which can be very serious.”

Early symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headaches, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes, and long term ones can include severe headaches, neck stiffness, rashes, memory problems, nerve damage and joint pain.

So how can you bite-proof yourself this summer? “Drain your paddling pool every evening, cover up arms and legs in loose, cool clothing, and to avoid ticks, always wear proper shoes in wooded areas,” says Aileen. “So no walking through woods or fields in flip flops or sandals. And use an insect repellent - the ones described as having 50% DEET are most effective - and light citronella candles if you’re sitting in your garden. If you are bitten, avoid itching (a cold compress helps) as this can increase your risk of infection.”

How to soothe a bite

Boots Pharmaceuticals Insect Cooling Spray, £3.99

Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream, £3.99 

Science of Skin Solution for Bites, £8.99

Boots Pharmaceuticals Bite & Sting Relief Antihistamine Cream, £3.69 

Zap-It Mosquito Insect Bite Relief Device, from £4, available at Amazon. 

 

 

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