Insect bites in Britain aren't usually much to be worried about.
Apply some calamine lotion, avoid scratching the swollen area and you can leave nature to take its course.
But there are some insects which have a nasty bite which can be painful and even make you ill.
Such bugs include the Blandford fly, a species of low flying black fly which can attack your legs and ankles in its quest to feed.
As well as painful, a Blandford fly bite can cause blistering, swelling, joint pain and even a fever.
So what is a Blandford fly?
The bloodsucking pests are most commonly found in the South of England around June but they have been found elsewhere.
Swarms of the flies bit numerous villagers in Blandford Forum, Dorset, in the 1960s and 70s giving the insect its name.
What to do if you are bitten by a Blandford fly
If you are unlucky enough to get bitten by a Blandford Fly, there are certain things you must do in order to treat the bite quickly.
Clean the bite area and dry it gently, Somerset Live reports.
Do not under any circumstances scratch the bite, as it could become infected.
Apply a cold compress or calamine lotion to cool it down, but don't use antihistamine creams as they can sometimes cause skin reactions.
Cover large blisters with a dry dressing, and rest with your feet supported on a stool if you are bitten on your legs or ankles.
Swelling often lasts for days, so it's important to reduce the pressure.
Seeking medical advice
You should seek immediately medical advice if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Discomfort, swelling or red lines in the groin or armpit
- A fever
- Blistering
- A spreading redness or hotness around the bite, which lasts longer than three days
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