BITING insects in grassy and woodland areas can cause disease, NHS Devon has warned.

BITING insects in grassy and woodland areas can cause disease, NHS Devon has warned.

Ticks are found in such areas and a bit can lead to Lyme disease, which causes headaches, muscle pain, high temperature, joint pain and stiffness of the nexk.

The most common symptom of Lyme disease is a red skin rash that looks similar to a bull's eye on a dart board. It usually appears within three to 30 days after the person is bitten by an infected tick.

Precautions include: wearing long sleeve shirts and trousers tucked into socks in tick infested areas, using insect repellents, inspecting your skin at the end of the day, and making sure children's head and neck areas are properly checked.