Common Biting and Stinging Insects in the UK

Wasps

Wasps and hornets can give a painful sting that often leads to redness, itching and swelling. In some people repeated stings can trigger serious allergic reactions.

How to reduce wasp stings

• Do not swat at wasps. Move away calmly and slowly.
• Avoid bright clothing and strong perfumes when eating outside.
• Keep food and drink covered outdoors.
• Arrange safe removal of any wasp nest you find in or around your property.

If you notice difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or feel very unwell after a sting, seek urgent medical help.

Bees

Bee stings feel similar to wasp stings. The difference is that a bee usually leaves the sting in the skin and then dies. The sting should be removed as soon as possible to limit irritation.

How to reduce bee stings

• Stay calm and still if a bee flies near you.
• Avoid strong perfumes and scented body products in areas with many bees.
• Keep windows and doors screened where possible.

If you have an allergic reaction to a bee sting, follow any advice given by your doctor and seek urgent help if symptoms are severe.

Ticks

Ticks are small spider like parasites that attach to the skin and feed on blood. Some ticks in the UK can carry Lyme disease.

How to reduce tick bites

• Wear long sleeves and trousers when walking in woods, moorland or long grass.
• Use an appropriate tick repellent on skin and clothing.
• Check your skin and your pets after walks in risk areas and remove ticks promptly using a proper tick remover.

If you notice a spreading circular rash or feel unwell after a tick bite, contact your GP for advice.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito bites cause itchy red swellings that can be very uncomfortable. In the UK they rarely spread serious disease, but they can still cause infection if scratched.

How to reduce mosquito bites

• Avoid scented creams, perfumes and bright jewellery when outdoors in the evening.
• Use insect repellent on exposed skin.
• Keep windows closed or use fine mesh screens when lights are on at night.

Flower Bugs

The common flower bug is a tiny predatory insect that feeds on aphids and mites but can also give a sharp bite to human skin. The area often becomes very itchy and can take time to heal.

How to reduce flower bug bites

• Wear gloves, long sleeves and long trousers when gardening in summer.
• Use insect repellent on exposed skin if you react strongly to bites.
• Avoid broad insecticides in the garden. Flower bugs help control plant pests.

Midges and Gnats

Midges and gnats are common near water, damp ground and in the Scottish Highlands. They often bite in swarms which leads to lots of itchy, swollen bumps.

How to reduce midge bites

• Use a proven insect repellent on skin and clothing.
• Cover exposed skin, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Consider fine mesh head nets in areas with heavy midge activity.

Ladybirds

Native ladybirds rarely cause problems, but the larger harlequin ladybird can bite more often. Bites usually cause mild discomfort only.

How to reduce ladybird bites

• Wear gloves when working in areas with many ladybirds.
• Avoid crushing or handling them directly.

Ladybirds are useful natural predators in the garden so avoid using treatments that may harm them and other beneficial insects.

Bedbugs

Bedbugs feed on blood at night and leave clusters of itchy red bites on exposed skin. They hide in cracks, mattresses and furniture and can spread quickly through a property.

Signs of bedbugs

• Itchy bites in lines or groups on arms, legs or torso.
• Small dark spots or smears on bedding and mattresses.
• Live bugs or shed skins in mattress seams, bed frames or nearby furniture.

Bedbugs are very difficult to treat with DIY products. Professional heat and insecticidal treatments are usually required.

Horseflies

Horseflies are large flies with a painful bite that cuts the skin. Bites can swell, stay sore for several days and sometimes become infected.

How to reduce horsefly bites

• Cover arms and legs when near fields, livestock or water on warm sunny days.
• Use insect repellent that is suitable for biting flies.
• Clean any bites and avoid scratching to reduce the risk of infection.

Ants

Black garden ants in the UK do not sting, but red ants, wood ants and some flying ants can. Their sting is usually mild and leaves a small pale mark.

How to reduce ant stings

• Use ant bait or treatments around nests and entry points.
• Keep food stored in sealed containers and clear up spillages promptly.
• Seal cracks and gaps where ants enter the property.

Spiders

Several UK spiders can bite if handled or trapped in clothing. Most bites cause minor pain, redness and swelling. False widow spiders are the species most often linked with stronger reactions.

How to reduce spider bites

• Shake out clothing, shoes and gloves that have been stored.
• Avoid handling spiders with bare hands.
• Vacuum around windows, corners and undisturbed areas to remove webs and egg sacs.

Caterpillars

The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth have tiny hairs that can cause rashes, eye irritation, sore throat and breathing problems if touched or inhaled.

How to reduce problems from caterpillars

• Do not touch caterpillars, nests or webbing on affected oak trees.
• Keep children and pets away from infested trees.
• Report any suspected oak processionary moth nests to your local council or Forestry Commission.
• Do not attempt removal yourself. Use a qualified pest control professional.

When to Seek Medical or Professional Help

You should contact a doctor or NHS 111 if you develop strong swelling, signs of infection, breathing problems, dizziness or feel very unwell after any bite or sting.

For ongoing problems with insects around your home or business, professional pest control is the safest and most reliable option.

Insect and Bug Control in the Forest of Dean

Forest Of Dean Pest Control can help with:

• Wasp and hornet nest removal.
• Bedbug inspections and treatments.
• Ant, flea and other crawling insect problems.
• Advice and control for spiders and stored product insects.

If you think you have an insect infestation, contact Forest Of Dean Pest Control today for a survey and treatment plan tailored to your property.