Warning as 'Dracula' horseflies that bite through clothes and tear flesh are on their way to Britain
24 June 2023, 21:43 | Updated: 24 June 2023, 21:49
Brits have been warned about a rise in so-called Dracula horseflies which are immune to most insect repellants and whose bite can induce severe allergies.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
Symptoms include swelling, dizziness, shortage of breath and anaphylaxis.
This summer's hot weather and sudden downpours have produced the perfect conditions for mass breeding in Britain, MailOnline reported.
The British Pest Control Association placed the dangerous creatures on their 'Top Ten Stings and Bites to Avoid List'.
Read more: UK thunderstorm warning issued despite forecast for 'Spanish plume' bringing searing weather
It warned: "Literally designed to eat a horse, their bite is both impressive and painful.
"The horsefly is a sanguivorous insect and therefore wants to bite you.
"They can persistently chase you at a flying speed of around 15mph, and it'll bite right through clothes.
"It has mandibles that can rip and tear flesh apart."
The NHS also warns about potential symptoms.
Its information page says horsefly bites can be "very painful and leave the bitten area of skin red and raised".
Retail sales rise unexpectedly thanks to falling petrol prices and warm weather
