But the series of reports of bugs has turned out to be just static electricity which has caused people to feel like they had been bitten.

Worried workers across the borough have been contacting the Doncaster Council to report what they thought to be infestations of invisible insects in their offices.

Reports focused around itchy "bites" which seemed to have a particular liking for computer rooms and offices that contain a high volume of paper.

But while insecticide sprays worked for a short time, the strange bites soon returned.

Experts at the council say the occurrences - known as cable bugs - are not a new super-breed of insect – they're not even insects at all.

The 'bites' are caused by static electricity, which can easily build up in an office environment due to the large amount of electrical equipment, paper and synthetic carpets.

Experts say a static charge can build up in the body when the workers are walking on synthetic carpets.

And as they return to their metal-framed desk or filing cabinet, this is discharged into the metal, giving them a tiny electric shock, which feels like an insect bite and leaves an itchy mark on the skin.

Coun Stuart Exelby, cabinet member for neighbourhood environment and housing, said: "We're getting increasing numbers of reports about insect infestations that turn out to be static electricity.

"If the 'bites' don't have puncture marks and nobody has seen any insects, your office could be suffering from cable bugs.

"Insecticide sprays can seem to work at first, because they dampen the area, reducing static, but long-term treatments include using anti-static solutions or mats, installing humidifiers, ensuring good ventilation and encouraging staff to wear non-rubber shoes."

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