Bloodsucking Blandford fly is back (From Hereford Times)

Bloodsucking Blandford fly is back

4:00pm Thursday 14th June 2012 in County

THE Blandford fly is back and NHS Herefordshire has issued a fresh warning about the bloodsucking insect.

Covering up is still the best way to beat the biter that likes to go low but insect repellent will also work against its attack.

April to June is the usual season for the biting larvae, but calls to NHS Herefordshire suggest there has been an increase in attacks after the recent warm weather.

The Blandford fly is a two to three millimetre-long bloodsucker which lives near watercourses and gives a particularly nasty, painful bite, usually to the legs as it flies low to the ground.

Dr Arif Mahmood, consultant in public health, said the risk of a bite can be reduced by covering up and using insect repellent, while avoiding – or at least taking precautions around – rivers and streams.

“If you’ve been bitten by one of these flies it can feel very uncomfortable, with swelling, blistering, joint pain and sometimes a high temperature for a few days,” he said.

“However, there will generally be no need to visit a GP.”

Further advice on Blandford fly bites can be obtained by calling NHS Direct on 0845 4647.