A NUMBER of people have reported being bitten by the dreaded Blandford fly in recent weeks. Here's what you need to know:

  • The insect, also known as blackfly, strikes mainly during May and June, near rivers or streams.
     
  • Bites often occur on the legs and can be very painful. 
     
  • Reactions to these bites can include swelling, blistering, high temperature and joint pain.
     
  • Bites usually clear up within several hours, but if the area around the bite becomes swollen seek medical advice.
     
  • The Blandford fly got its name after an outbreak of residents being bitten around Blandford Forum in the 1960s and 1970s.
     
  • In a four-week period, during 1972, around 600 people in the Dorset town visited doctors to be treated for insect bites.
     
  • Treatment of the River Stour, which was put under review in 2014 because of funding cuts, recommenced this year

Following that decision, North Dorset District Council community safety and health portfolio holder Cllr Andrew Kerby said: "I am pleased that spraying will continue for 2016 - as a local resident, I have first-hand experience of a bite.

"There are, however, many misconceptions and myths associated with the Blandford fly that need to be addressed.

"The fly certainly has an image problem, it is only prevalent at limited times during the spring and is found in close proximity to a watercourse.

"Miss-attributing bites to the Blandford Fly have implications for medical treatment and could unnecessarily deter visitors to the area."

But there are some experts who believe that the Blandford fly could be behind some of the bites attributed to the false widow spider.