Mystery insects leave victims bitten and baffled

It is thought midges could be the cause of the increase in bites

A council is to investigate a spike in the number of people reporting being bitten by insects.

Hundreds of people of Ballykelly in County Londonderry have taken to social media expressing their frustration at being bitten by unknown bugs, leaving them with large itchy red spots and rashes.

Experts told BBC News NI it would be difficult to pinpoint one particular insect but said the spike could be related to the nearby forest, waterways and climate change.

Council officers believe it is unlikely that mosquitoes are behind the bites as they go into hibernation in the winter.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said it had received reports of the biting insects in Ballykelly and was investigating.

Sinn Féin councillor Dermot Nicholl added that he had been in touch with environmental health officers in the council, who had been contacted by Ballykelly residents.

"The officers believe that it's not mosquitoes as they go into hibernation around now and only bite when laying eggs," he said.

"The officers initially think it may be bird fleas or midges but are currently waiting on test results to actually confirm what is the source."

The bites leave a red itchy rash or spot, residents say

Clare Smyth, who lives in Ballykelly, told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme it had been "particularly bad over the past five years".

"Things have got worse," she added.

"We all get bitten but my eldest daughter Kaleea would get it the worst and her spots would swell up to the size of closed fist.

"She had to go to doctors after getting 15 mosquito bites and was on medication."

Ms Smyth described the bites as "an intense nip" followed by "a severe itch".

"It destroys your valuable time in the garden and it was particularly bad in the summer months," she said.

"We need experts out to investigate because whatever they are need eradicated and done away with soon."

Hundreds of people have been sharing their stories on social media

Laura Kyle moved to Ballykelly six years ago but said insect bites became more apparent in the past few years.

"It's absolutely horrendous," Mrs Kyle said.

"I can't even walk to the car at times without having the bug spray.

"My legs swell out really bad. It's makes my life a misery in the summer.

"My husband can't even go out to cut the grass and my children get targeted too. It's awful."

'Not usually serious'

A Public Health Agency spokesperson said: "Insect bites or stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days."

However, the spokesperson added that sometimes bites or strings can become infected or cause an allergic reaction or illness.

"If bitten you can often treat an insect bite or sting without seeing a GP," the spokesperson said.

"A pharmacist can advise you about medicines that can help ease the symptoms of a bite or sting, such as antihistamines, steroid cream or painkillers."