Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think bug bites are particularly bad this year?

43 replies

AliceNotInChains · 05/07/2026 00:08

I feel like I’m being eaten alive at the minute with bug bites, they look like mosquitoes bites - legs, arms, latest one is on my boob! I was panicking that the house was infested with something but my sister says she is also suffering much more bites this year than normal! Anyone else?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
redboxer321 · 11/07/2026 09:57

I'm having to take antihistamines because I've reacted quite badly to a bite. I think it's deer fly, similar to horsefly but smaller. Evil things.
What with the bites and the weather and dog walks being squeezed into small windows meaning I can't avoid inconsiderate, irresponsible dog owners with breeds that should never have been created, I can't wait for winter when it rains everyday.

Original poster
AliceNotInChains · 11/07/2026 09:40

It’s just been on Sky News that there is a record number of mosquitoes in the UK this year !

OP posts:
Cakeymauve · 10/07/2026 20:15

Me!! It’s horrid. In the SE. Bought some incognito and going to try that

MargaretThursday · 05/07/2026 19:13

Dh who reacts to bites but never puts anti midge on, hasn't been bitten this year, which is unusual.

I got my 2nd tic bite, although it did result in an A&E trip, as I knocked the body off when I didn't realise it was there leaving the jaws behind. I do an outside thing that some people are picking several tics of each day so I reckon 2 in 5 years isn't bad.
I haven't had any horsefly bites (which I react to quite dramatically) or Blandford Fly (which I react even more to).

So actually this year I think is on the less bites than normal (SE).

BeMintFatball · 05/07/2026 19:01

Me absolutely eaten alive! Live in Essex. I made the mistake of falling asleep on the sofa that is under the (open) window and the electric light was on.

Foolish of me as I am always a feast for biting bugs . I have a blood condition called MGUS.

sanityisamyth · 05/07/2026 19:00

I haven’t had any? South Wales

Yellowpapersun · 05/07/2026 18:59

Yes, I rarely get bitten but I got two nasty ones last week, one on each arm. One developed a nasty red line coming from it and I was thinking of going to the walk in centre next morning but it started to improve overnight. I'm in Lancashire.

MyGlassMenagerie · 05/07/2026 18:56

No bites at all here (Yorkshire), but then I can’t recall a time I’ve ever been bitten. Apparently for people who frequently are it can be a sign of B vitamin deficiency.

Chattanoogachoo · 05/07/2026 18:54

For the first time I've had a histamine reaction after returning from a holiday where I got mosquito bites.They were healing up well until I got bitten by midges at home and each mosquito bite flared up and returned.It's been a nightmare, thankfully they're starting to heal up but I'm a bit concerned about my reaction to any further bites.

ScrambledEggs12 · 05/07/2026 18:49

AliceNotInChains · 05/07/2026 06:17

We’re north east

Interesting! North-West here, my partner and son are suffering.

LittleMissLateForWorkAgain · 05/07/2026 18:30

I m in Hertfordshire

SinnerBoy · 05/07/2026 18:23

AliceNotInChains · 05/07/2026 06:17

We’re north east

Are you rural, or in town? I'm coastal Newcastle and I think I've had 2 this year. I tend to get them if I go into the sticks

LittleMissLateForWorkAgain · 05/07/2026 18:20

I have horrendous big bites on one leg and arm after sitting outside in the evening with adult ds. He hasn't got any

To think bug bites are particularly bad this year?
ErrolTheDragon · 05/07/2026 12:57

We’ve got off quite lightly this year - so far. Only one real horsefly attack (on DH) and it didn’t come to much because we always carry repellent spray and antihistamine cream when we’re out in summer.

Pickledonions12 · 05/07/2026 12:55

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

smallglassbottle · 05/07/2026 12:50

Loads of horseflies this year, I've never really noticed them before. This year I'm seeing more insects in general, which is good because they need to be encouraged. The bitey ones are annoying, but just apply repellant.

Someonenewagain · 05/07/2026 12:31

we have a farm, the horseflies are seriously bad this year and they’re so ANGRY.

literally swarms of them chasing you out of the fields. Hung my washing out the other day I got bitten 5 times

Toddlerandthecat · 05/07/2026 12:17

I'm in the north east too, and noticed the same. DH doesn't seem bothered by them though which is (selfishly) annoying

OrsolaRosso · 05/07/2026 12:11

I usually get bitten lots by mozzies, but am keeping them at bay with Smidge. It's not DEET, smells good, and keeps the nasty buggers away. I spray it on exposed skin last thing at night.

https://amzn.eu/d/02RMnPRH

Amazon

Amazon

https://amzn.eu/d/02RMnPRH?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-am-i-being-unreasonable-5550581-to-think-bug-bites-are-particularly-bad-this-year

MalcomVexx · 05/07/2026 12:06

East mids. I have the craziest bites I’ve ever seen. They might be a horsefly but also have no idea. Didn’t see any bugs, came out of nowhere and am having to cover my arm and shoulders for fear of looking like a leper.

RumAndCola · 05/07/2026 09:01

Interesting I got bitten yesterday and was just thinking it was unusual as I’d usually have been bitten multiple times by now.

ExquisiteSocialSkills · 05/07/2026 08:50

Loads including spider bites. Anthisan cream is great and smells nice.

Santasbigredbobblehat · 05/07/2026 08:48

Yes loads here in East London. Really big ones that have still left a mark two weeks later. My children and those I teach are covered too.

Ilovemyshed · 05/07/2026 08:45

Not really although loads on the car.
Get an afterbite stick.

Mermaidsarereal · 05/07/2026 08:37

Yes I have a huge bite on my arm and I hardly ever get bitten in the UK!