Insects in the UK that may bite include:
- midges (small flying insects)
- gnats (small flying insects)
- mosquitoes
- flies
- fleas, which usually live on an animal or person
- bedbugs, which live inside mattresses or furnishings, or behind skirting boards or paintings (they cannot fly)
- ticks, which live in areas with long grass, moorland and in forests where deer are found, and are about the size of a poppy seed
- mites, which are found in stored products, such as flour or grain, or on cats and dogs
Risk factors
Some risk factors that can make insect bites more likely are discussed below.
- Pets, such as dogs and cats, are a common cause of persistent flea bites. You may have pets of your own, or you may be bitten if you frequently visit someone who has pets.
- Living environment. Infestations of human fleas often occur in overcrowded communities that have low hygiene standards.
- Birds nesting on or near the house. Household infestations of bird fleas can occur if bird boxes are positioned too close to your house.
- Recent house move. If you have recently moved house and you have bites, they may be caused by fleas. Fleas can survive for a few months without a host (an animal or person that fleas live on in order to survive).
- Old houses, furniture and upholstery can contain bedbugs, which can travel a considerable distance to find a suitable host.
- Occupation. People who work outdoors, such as forestry workers, are at increased risk of being bitten by ticks or midges. People who handle products, such as dockworkers, warehouse workers or shopkeepers, are most at risk of being bitten by mites.
- Travel. Bites may be caused by a foreign insect, such as a botfly, which is found in certain parts of South America.
- Pregnancy. Mosquitoes are attracted to pregnant women, possibly because they produce more carbon dioxide and give off more heat, which mosquitoes find attractive.
- Ulcers. If you have ulcers (open sores) on your skin, this may attract flies, as they like to lay their eggs in rotting flesh.
