6 insect bites and stings to watch out for
But while barbecues and picnics are summer highlights, all that fresh air can sometimes come with unwanted side effects – insect bites.
Most insect bites are harmless and will clear up within a few days, according to the NHS, but some can trigger allergic reactions, infections or – in rare cases – more serious complications.
From ticks to horseflies, here's what you need to know about the bites to watch out for – and when it's time to get medical help.
Ticks are small, spider-like creatures that live in grassy areas and woodland and feed on the blood of animals and people. It doesn't hurt when a tick bites you, so you might not realise you've been bitten until you find one attached to your skin.
The biggest concern with tick bites is Lyme disease. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates between 4% and 10% of ticks in the UK carry this bacterial infection, which can lead to flu-like symptoms, fatigue and, in some cases, serious long-term complications like arthritis and nerve problems.
If you're bitten by a tick, you should remove it as soon as you see it.
How to treat:
To remove the tick safely, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible
Pull upwards slowly without twisting or crushing it
Wash the area with soap and water
Keep the tick in a container to show your GP if needed
Never burn the tick off or cover it with chemicals, as this can increase infection
When to see a doctor: A circular rash that looks like a bullseye around a tick bite can be an early symptom of Lyme disease. This usually appears within one to four weeks of being bitten, according to the NHS.
If you notice a rash or feel unwell after a tick bite, contact your GP straight away.
Horseflies are large, dark flies with powerful mouthparts that saw into the skin. Only female horseflies bite but the bite can be painful and quickly causes redness, swelling and itchiness. In some cases, horsefly bites can lead to fluid-filled blisters or infection.
How to treat:
Wash the area and apply antiseptic
Cover up with clothing if you're near fields
Horseflies are attracted to dark colours, so opt for light clothing
Use insect repellent that specifically mentions horseflies on the label
When to see a doctor: If the bite becomes increasingly swollen, warm or oozes pus, speak to a pharmacist or GP as you may need antibiotics.
Most bee or wasp stings cause redness and pain, but in rare cases they can trigger a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Hornet stings are similar but can be more painful because hornets inject more venom. Unlike bees, hornets and wasps can sting repeatedly.
How to treat:
Remove the sting if visible by scraping sideways with a credit card
Wash with soap and water
Apply a cold compress for swelling
Take painkillers if needed
When to see a doctor: Call 999 or got to A&E straight away if you have difficulty breathing, dizziness or swelling in your face or throat, or you develop a rash that spreads rapidly.
While UK mosquitos generally don't transmit diseases like malaria (the risk is currently very low), their bites can still cause red, itchy bumps that sometimes blister.
Children can react more strongly, developing large, inflamed areas.
How to treat:
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
Apply an antihistamine cream or take an antihistamine tablet
Avoid scratching to lower the risk of infection
Wear long sleeves and trousers if mosquitos are about
Avoid scented products that can attract them.
When to see a doctor: Most bites and stings improve within a few days, but you should get medical help if You were bitten near your eyes, throat or mouth, the swelling is severe or spreading rapidly, you have symptoms of infection (redness, pus, warmth) or if you feel dizzy or nauseous.
If you or someone else develops severe symptoms of an allergic reaction, like difficulty breathing, tight chest or swelling in the mouth or throat, call 999 immediately.
Harvest mites are tiny red or orange mites that are most active in late summer and early autumn. Their bites often appear as clusters of small, intensely itchy red bumps, typically around the ankles, waistline or under tight clothing.
Most bites are harmless, but severe reactions can occur if they become infected through scratching.
How to treat:
Wash skin with soap and water
Apply cold compresses to reduce itching
Use an antiseptic cream to lower infection risk
When to see a doctor: If the bites become swollen, ooze pus, or you feel generally unwell, speak to your GP.
Red ants (including flying red ants) can bite or sting, releasing formic acid that causes a sharp, burning pain and local swelling.
While most reactions are mild, some people develop large areas of redness and swelling that last days, and rarely, a severe allergic reaction.
How to treat:
Wash the area with soap and water.
Apply a cold pack for 20 minutes.
Take an antihistamine if it's very itchy.
When to see a doctor: Call 999 or go to A&E if you have trouble breathing, feel faint or develop swelling in your mouth or throat.
Read more about insects:
The truth about flying ant day and the best way to get rid of the pesky insects (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
If you've been bitten by a tick, follow these 5 steps (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
Not All Garden Bugs Are Bad—Here's a Guide to the Insects That Actually Benefit Your Plants (RealSimple, 4-min read)
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