We all love a heatwave, lying in the sun and getting a tan, but what about the insects that also like the warmer weather?

The horsefly is a nasty insect with a painful bite, so here is some advice if you are bitten by one.

Some people have very dramatic reactions to horsefly bites so it’s best to stay vigilant as the temperature rises.

What is a horsefly?

You cannot miss a horsefly because they are pretty huge. The females bite animals and humans for their blood. They have razor sharp teeth and you will definitely notice if you are bitten because they are very painful.

What do they look like?

They are large and dark flies around 1 to 2.5cm in size. They are usually found near cattle, horse stables and woodlands.

What happens if I am bitten?

If you are bitten you will probably notice a raised area of skin around the bite. Symptoms include a rash, dizziness, weakness and wheezing. You may also experience swelling around the lips or eyes.

You should wash the bite immediately and add a cold compress. Do not scratch it, instead take the maximum dosage of antihistamine.

For more information on medicine, you should visit your local pharmacist.

What should I do if the symptoms aren’t going away?

The symptoms should ease within a couple of hours, but if you think the site has been infected then you should seek emergency help.