During the summer months insect activity peaks.
Bug sightings tend to increase during this period because their winter hibernation is over.
Alternatively, some of them migrate to warmer climates to wait out the colder weather, and then return in to Britain in the summer.
As a result, during June, July and August, you may see an influx of insects and creepy crawlies in your home and garden.
We've rounded up 13 insect bites and stings to watch out for, with expert advice on what to do from the NHS.
A bee's sting can often be left in your flesh once it has stung you. To remove, the NHS advises that you scrape it out sideways, with something with a hard edge, such as a bank card.
Don't pinch the sting with your fingers, or use tweezers on the affected area, because you may spread the bee's venom.
A bee sting can cause pain, redness and swelling for a few hours. Some people may have a mild allergic reaction that lasts up to a week.
Serious allergic reactions can also occasionally occur, causing breathing difficulties, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth.
Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you have these symptoms.
Mite bites cause itchy red lumps to develop on the skin, and can sometimes result in blisters.
They usually bite uncovered skin, but you may be bitten on your tummy and thighs, if your pet has mites and has been sitting on your lap.
Some mites burrow into the skin and can cause scabies.
These cause red lumps on your skin, which are usually very itchy. Some people may also develop blisters - filled with fluid - on the skin.
Mosquitoes don't cause major harm in the UK, but in some parts of the world they can spread serious illnesses such as malaria.
Get medical help right away if you develop worrying symptoms such as a fever, chills, and headaches and vomiting after getting a mosquito bite abroad.
They can be very painful and the skin in the affected can become raised and red in colour.
People may also experience a raised rash (called hives), dizziness, feelings of weakness, wheezing and swelling.
Horsefly bites can take a while to heal and can become infected.
See your GP if you have symptoms of an infection, such as pus or increasing pain, redness and swelling.
You might not even realise you have been bitten by a tick, because it's usually painless.
Symptoms can include a small red bump on the skin, swelling, itching, blistering and bruising.
Ticks in the UK can sometimes carry a potentially infection called Lyme disease, so they should be removed as soon as possible if you find one attached to your skin.
See your GP if you develop symptoms of Lyme disease such as a rash - which resembles a bull's eye on a dart board - a high temperature, feeling hot and shivery, headaches, muscle and joint pain or tiredness or loss of energy.
Midge or gnat bites
They usually cause small, red lumps - that can be painful and very itchy - and can sometimes swell up.
Some people may also develop fluid-filled blisters.
Bed bug bites
These kind of bites can occur on the face, hands, arms or neck.
They aren't usually painful - and if you've not been bitten by one before you may not have any symptoms.
If you have been bitten before, you may develop itchy red bumps that can last for several days.
Flea bites cause itchy red bumps to form on the skin, these can sometimes group together in a line or in clusters. Blisters may also occasionally develop.
Fleas from cats and dogs often bite below the knee, commonly around the ankles. You may also get flea bites on your forearms if you've been stroking or holding your pet.
Ant stings and bites
The most common ant in the UK, the black garden variety, doesn't sting or bite, but red ants, wood ants and flying ants sometimes do.
Ant bites and stings are generally harmless, although you'll probably feel a nip and a pale pink mark may develop on your skin.
Sometimes the bitten area may be painful, itchy and swollen.
Bites from spiders in the UK are uncommon, according to the NHS. However some native ones - like the black widow - can give you a nasty nip.
Spider bites leave small puncture marks on the skin - these can be painful, as well as cause redness and swelling.
Some spiders in the UK are venomous and their bites can cause nausea, vomiting, sweating and dizziness.
Bites can also become infected or cause a severe allergic reaction in rare cases.
Get medical help immediately if you have any severe or worrying symptoms after a spider bite, the NHS advises.
All ladybirds can bite, but a type called the harlequin ladybird - found throughout much of the UK - is more aggressive and tends to bite more often.
The harlequin ladybird can be red or orange with multiple spots. Look out for a white spot on its head – other ladybirds don't have these patches.
Ladybird bites can be painful, but usually aren't anything to worry about.
Flower bug bites
Flower bugs are common insects that feed on aphids and mites. You can identify the common flower bug by its tiny oval body, reflective wings and orange-brown legs.
Flower bugs bites can be painful and very itchy, and are often slow to heal.
Wasp or hornet stings
This type of sting initially causes a sudden, sharp pain and results in a swollen red mark which may last a few hours. It can also be painful or itchy to touch.
Sometimes a larger area around the sting can be painful, red and swollen for up to a week. This is a minor allergic reaction that isn't usually anything to worry about, the NHS says.
Wash the area with soap and apply a cold pack to the sting. Keep it clean to prevent infection and cover it with a bandage if desired.
Some people may experience a serious allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis). This causes breathing difficulties, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth.
The NHS advises people immediately dial 999 for an ambulance if they have these symptoms.
When should I seek medical advice?
Contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice if:
- You're worried about a bite or sting
- Your symptoms don't start to improve within a few days or are getting worse
- You've been stung or bitten in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes
- A large area (around 10cm or more) around the bite becomes red and swollen
- You have symptoms of a wound infection, such as pus or increasing pain, swelling or redness
- You have symptoms of a more widespread infection, such as a fever, swollen glands and other flu-like symptoms
When should I seek emergency medical help?
Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you, or someone else, has symptoms of a severe reaction, such as:
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- A swollen face, mouth or throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- A fast heart rate
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of consciousness
Emergency treatment in hospital is needed in these cases.