What is it with insect bites this summer?

[bogeyface]

There are several threads about them, one started by me as I have been bitten to pieces and the bites are large, angry and itchy. They seem to be far worse this year.

Have we been invaded by a new species of biter?

forrin bugs!

Dunno, but even I've been bitten this year and normally they don't bother with me. I've 2 massive bites on my knee and they're taking ages to go.

All the wet followed by some nicer sunny days, it only takes mozzies 4 days to hatch and start feeding, empty all standing water. Even dog bowls outside should be drained and filled daily to avoid all the biters

crispy you dont mean that the DM is right about the forriners invading?! :o

Heath thats another thing, mine are taking ages to go too, which hasnt happened before.

"California* we dont have any water in our garden or in those near to us afaik, but worth bearing in mind, thanks.

I am just wondering if there is a new bug, as these bites do seem to be more numerous, more painful and longer lasting.

Went round to a friends on Monday night and we were sitting outside under a very luxuriant grape vine. I could feel myself getting bitten but I always attract critters. The next day my arm was the size of my thigh! couldn't drive and was in quite bad pain.Had a mouthful of hayfever tablets and it is still quite swollen now. Bites are weeping welts still. The last time I got bitten like this was in China...am currently in North Yorks.

Weeping welts is interesting, as I have blistery tops to some of my bites.

Seems very odd

Yep - just waiting for the first outbreak of British malaria.

:o Dame

Dont talk to my eldest who has a couple of these bites too and googled whether you can get malaria over here!

I am just wondering if there is a new biter that is a bit more vicious, no scaremongering from me I assure you!

I live near a river; got bites on my legs mainly; except for 1 irritating bite on my hand!
They're red blisters, containing clear pus; so attractive!
Some people like me get constantly bitten & often have reactions; other annoying people never get bites!!

But it's nothing new here - my nan lived in this area 20yrs ago & would get bites all over her legs that turned into massive inflamed blisters. I got lots of bites last year; & approx 4 yrs ago got bad cellulitis from a fly bite.
A friend's husband used to play golf near the river but has had 3 anaphylaxis reactions to fly bites over 2 years; he needed his epipen, then ambulance & hospital stays.

We get the Blandford Fly; clouds of midges or whatever they are, & the mosquitoes seem bigger than ever this year. Mild winters mean that flies, mozzies & wasps survive longer.

I can't find an adequate insect repellent - any tips would be great please!
I can't take any anti-histamines but ibuprofen (3 x 400mg a day max, taken after food) reduces itching.
Most important is that (although tempting) you must not itch, squeeze or pick at bites or you risk cellulitis, other infection, & scars that take months to go.

Have noticed lots of horse flies about this year.. Now they are mean biters.

Have just been very very bitten in China and bites are still not gone 2 weeks later, but not noticed anything here yet... Shall get the mozzie swatter out!