Mediterranean heat fosters plague of biting horse flies
THE heatwave has resulted in an invasion of biting horse flies, wildlife experts have said. Reports of painful bites have risen dramatically throughout the country, prompting claims Britain’s population of the insects is now as large as those in Mediterranean countries.
The plague of horse flies, which thrive in balmy summer conditions, has led to people being admitted to hospital for treatment of their bites. Residents in Sheffield, Rotherham and Devon are among those who reported serious bites in the past few weeks.
With temperatures reaching up to 86F (30C) following a warm, wet spring, reports of people being bitten by the horseflies are expected to continue into this month.
Ben Keywood, of the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, said: “In the UK this year we are seeing similar levels of horse flies to those found in Eastern Europe and parts of the Mediterranean.”
Horse flies are more common in rural areas because they reproduce by biting larger mammals and lay their eggs in standing water. Experts advise that anyone bitten should keep the wound clean and apply a cold compress.
As the heatwave continued, Severn Trent Water handed out bottled water in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, as supplies were interrupted. A reservoir pump failure in Hampshire also led to water being distributed. Forecasters say today will be a rather cloudy day for central regions, though there will be sunny spells for many. Tomorrow will be a bright and mostly dry day, with the chance of a shower across southern England and Scotland.