Laura Kyle moved to Ballykelly six years ago but said insect bites had become more apparent in recent years.

“It’s absolutely horrible,” she said.

“Sometimes I can’t even walk to the car without using insecticide.

“My legs really swell a lot. It makes my life very complicated in the summer.

“My husband can’t even go out to cut the grass and my children are also being targeted. It’s horrible.”

The Public Health Agency (PHA) said insect bites or stings were usually not serious and improved within a few days.

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

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

“A pharmacist can advise you on medications that may help relieve the symptoms of a bite or sting, such as antihistamines, steroid cream or painkillers.”