Brits warned over summer invasion of ‘Dracula’ horseflies that can ‘bite through clothes’

When it’s hot – like this week – many just want to sunbathe.

But apart from common flies, and now mosquitoes, there’s flying horror that Brits need to worry about this summer.

Experts have warned of a rise in ‘Dracula’ horseflies, which are immune to most repellents.

Generally seen in Mediterranean countries, the mix of warm weather and sudden downpours in Britain so far this summer has proven to be the perfect breeding ground for these quiet bloodsuckers.

Pictured is a gadfly bite on the back of the ankle. Other effects of vampire bat bites include swelling of limbs, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a painful, itchy skin rash (File image)

They can spread dangerous infections and cause painful bites and pose a potentially serious threat to public safety.

Female vampire horseflies feed on blood, leading to infections and painful swellings that may not be fully treatable with current antibiotics.

Vampire horsefly bites generally take longer to heal compared to most other insect bites, and have a high risk of becoming infected, especially if scratched.

Other effects of vampire bat bites include swelling of extremities, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a painful, itchy skin rash.

Talking to the Daily starAlice Duvall, from Amesbury, Wiltshire, revealed she suffered an ‘excruciating’ bite that left a ‘huge red mark that immediately started to swell’.

She added, “They’re really sneaky too — I never felt it on me, I just knew it when it bit me.” It didn’t buzz or anything like a wasp or bee would.’

Another victim, Dean Collins from Brighton, said: ‘I was in the park with my girlfriend and was bitten on the leg by a horsefly.

“Man, it’s so painful, much worse than a wasp sting.”

Another victim said, “I am devastated by horsefly bites. One got infected. Horrible’.

If bite victims go into anaphylactic shock, they may find that their throats swell, meaning they could suffocate and possibly die without urgent medical treatment.

The British Pest Control Association has placed the horsefly at the top of its ‘bites to avoid’ list, along with those of the black widow spider and mosquitoes (File image)

According to Antibiotic Research UK, the rapid increase in their population only increases the importance of developing new antibiotics as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the British Pest Control Association has put the horseflies on its top list of ‘bites to avoid’, along with those of the black widow spider and mosquitoes.

It warns: ‘Literally designed to eat a horse, their bite is both impressive and painful.

‘The horsefly is a blood-eating insect and therefore wants to bite you.

“They can pursue you persistently at about 15 mph flying speed, and it bites right through clothing.

“It has jaws that can rip and tear flesh apart.”

The BPCA advises removing standing water near homes and paddling pools and hot tubs to help ward off horseflies.

The NHS says horsefly bites ‘can be very painful and make the bitten area of ​​skin red and raised’.

It is important to know that symptoms include skin rash, dizziness, weakness and wheezing, shortness of breath and swollen limbs.

And if you are bitten, it is recommended to dab the bite with antiseptic and cover the wound with an ice pack to prevent infection and swelling.

If you are scratched, the bites may take longer to heal because they are very itchy.

What to do if you are bitten or stung by an insect

Bites can lead to painful swellings as the females feed on blood (File image)

According to the NHS, there are a number of steps to take if you are bitten by a horsefly or stung or bitten by another insect:

• If possible, remove the stinger or tick if it is still in the skin
• Wash the affected area of ​​skin thoroughly with soapy water
• Apply an ice pack or other form of cold compress for at least ten minutes
• If possible, elevate the bitten or stung part of the body to reduce swelling
• Avoid scratching the bitten or stung area
• Avoid using traditional home remedies such as vinegar
• See a doctor immediately if the stung or bitten area appears painful, swollen, red, or filled with pus, as any of these symptoms could indicate an infection

The NHS adds: ‘Bites can take time to heal and can become infected.

“See your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection, such as pus or increasing pain, redness and swelling.”