Health & Lifestyle A sting in the tail

WASPS

Wasps – and their larger brethren hornets – have retractable stingers so are able to sting multiple times. Most insect-sting allergic reactions in the UK are due to wasps.

“Avoid attracting them in the first place,” advises Professor Hart. “Keep food covered up outside and be careful about forgotten drinks.” Don’t wave your arms around if wasps come near – this just increases your chances of being stung.

Never disturb a wasp nest: Contact your local council to have it removed professionally.

If you do get stung: Wash and apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce the soreness and swelling. “Taking an antihistamine is a good idea for a sting, as is applying some topical sting and bite cream,” says Professor Hart. Seek medical attention if the swelling doesn’t go down. also have a barbed stinger that they leave in the victim’s skin along with the venom sack.

As with wasps: Avoid attracting bees and be aware they are attracted to bright colours and strong smells.

If stung by a honey bee: Remove the sting by scraping it out using a hard, flat surface, such as a bank card, or a fingernail. Treatment is the same as for wasp stings.

HORSEFLIES

These large, hairy flies like warm, sunny weather and hover around marshland and fields with livestock, and near streams and woodland. “They have aggressive biting mouths that cut a hole,” explains Professor Hart. Bites can be very painful and leave you susceptible to developing an infection.

“Stay vigilant,” he warns. “Keep skin covered. Again, they’re less attracted to light coloured clothing.”

A wheal (or hives) may develop around the bite area, which can be eased with hydrocortisone cream. Keep the area clean, and if it becomes very inflamed, ask a pharmacist for advice. You may need antibiotics if the bite becomes infected.

MIDGES

These small creatures – also known as gnats – fly around in swarms and love damp, cloudy weather. Midges also prefer dark clothes, so light clothing may help.

Bites cause tiny red lumps that can be painful, itchy and swollen, and may develop into blisters. Treat in the same ways as mosquito bites.

MOSQUITOES

Mosquitoes are simply small flies, and UK varieties don’t usually carry unpleasant viruses, such as malaria.

They breed in the stagnant water in plant pots, drainpipes or buckets, and are more active at dawn and dusk.

They are drawn to dark colours and perfume: Applying an insect repellent containing 50 per cent DEET (diethyltoluamide) – 10 per cent or less for children – to exposed skin can repel them .

Bites can be sore and itchy: Clean, avoid scratching and apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to reduce the itching.

Wasps, the scourge, of many a picnic, are just one insect which could bring misery this summer Ticks don’t hurt when they bite, so you may not know you’re carrying one until you undress. Some transmit Lyme disease, a serious bacterial infection, so you must remove them promptly.

Cover up, urges Professor Hart. “Wear trousers and long sleeves when walking through long grass, and stick to paths. Tuck trousers into socks and wear light-coloured clothes so ticks are easier to spot. Apply DEET to skin and clothes.

Using ordinary tweezers risks separating the tick’s head from its body – leaving it embedded in the skin. Use pointed tweezers or a special tick remover (available from pharmacies and pet shops).

See a doctor if you develop a rash that looks like a bullseye on a dartboard or you develop a fever.