What causes insect bites to welt. How to identify different types of bug bites. What are the symptoms of various insect and arachnid stings. How to treat common bug bites and stings at home. When to seek medical attention for insect bites.

Common Insect Bites and Their Characteristics

Insect bites are a common occurrence, especially during warmer months. Understanding the characteristics of different bites can help with identification and proper treatment. Let’s explore some of the most frequent culprits:

Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites typically appear as small, round, puffy bumps shortly after being bitten. These bumps often become red, hard, swollen, and itchy. It’s not uncommon to find multiple bites clustered in the same area.

Fire Ant Stings

Fire ants are aggressive insects that both bite and sting. Their attacks result in swollen red spots that develop a blister on top. These stings are known for their burning sensation and intense itching, which can persist for up to a week.

Flea Bites

Flea bites are usually found in clusters on the lower legs and feet. They appear as itchy, red bumps surrounded by a red halo. One distinctive feature of flea bites is that symptoms begin immediately after the bite occurs.

Bedbug Bites

Bedbug bites cause an itchy rash due to an allergic reaction. These small rashes have red, swollen areas with dark red centers. They often appear in a line or grouped together, typically on areas of the body not covered by clothing, such as hands, neck, or feet. In some cases, very itchy blisters or hives may develop at the bite site.

Arachnid Bites and Their Identifying Features

Arachnids, including spiders, ticks, and scorpions, can also deliver painful bites or stings. Here’s what you need to know about some common arachnid encounters:

Spider Bites

Spider bites can vary in appearance depending on the species. Some may cause only minor redness and swelling, while others can lead to more severe symptoms. Black widow and brown recluse spider bites, for instance, can cause significant pain, swelling, and in some cases, systemic symptoms.

Tick Bites

Tick bites often go unnoticed initially. They may cause pain or swelling at the bite area and can sometimes lead to a rash, burning sensation, or blisters. Unlike many other insect bites, ticks often remain attached to the skin for an extended period. It’s crucial to remove ticks properly to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Recognizing Severe Allergic Reactions to Insect Bites and Stings

While most insect bites and stings cause only minor discomfort, some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Swelling of the throat or tongue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea and vomiting
• Widespread hives or rash

If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms following an insect bite or sting, call emergency services immediately.

Treatment Options for Common Insect Bites and Stings

Most insect bites and stings can be treated at home with simple remedies. Here are some effective treatment options:

1. Clean the affected area with soap and water
2. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain
3. Use over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve itching
4. Apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation
5. Take pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed

For more severe reactions or bites from potentially dangerous insects or arachnids, seek medical attention promptly.

Prevention Strategies to Avoid Insect Bites and Stings

Preventing insect bites and stings is always preferable to treating them. Here are some effective strategies to minimize your risk:

• Use insect repellent when outdoors, especially in wooded areas or during peak insect seasons
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in areas known for high insect activity
• Avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented lotions that may attract insects
• Keep food covered when eating outdoors
• Regularly inspect your living spaces for signs of bedbugs or other pests
• When hiking or camping, stay on designated trails and avoid disturbing insect habitats

Understanding the Importance of Proper Tick Removal

Ticks pose a unique challenge among biting insects due to their ability to transmit various diseases, including Lyme disease. Proper tick removal is crucial to minimize the risk of disease transmission. Here’s how to remove a tick safely:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick
3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water
4. Dispose of the tick by submersing it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag, or flushing it down the toilet

If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your doctor. Be sure to mention your recent tick bite, when it occurred, and where you most likely acquired the tick.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Insect Bites and Stings

While most insect bites and stings can be managed at home, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Signs of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or dizziness
• A large area of swelling and redness that continues to expand after 24-48 hours
• Signs of infection, including increased pain, redness, warmth, or pus
• Flu-like symptoms or a rash following a tick bite, which could indicate Lyme disease
• A bite from a potentially dangerous spider, such as a black widow or brown recluse

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potentially serious insect bites or stings.

The Impact of Climate and Geography on Insect Populations

The types of biting and stinging insects you’re likely to encounter can vary greatly depending on your location and the time of year. Understanding these factors can help you better prepare and protect yourself:

Regional Variations

Different regions of the world are home to various species of biting and stinging insects. For example, fire ants are more common in the southern United States, while certain species of ticks are more prevalent in the northeastern states. When traveling to new areas, research the local insect populations and take appropriate precautions.

Seasonal Changes

Insect activity often peaks during warmer months. Mosquitoes, bees, and wasps are typically most active during summer. However, some insects, like ticks, can remain active even in cooler weather. Be aware of seasonal patterns in your area to better protect yourself throughout the year.

Climate Change Impact

Climate change is affecting insect populations worldwide. Warmer temperatures are allowing some species to expand their habitats, potentially exposing new regions to certain insect-borne diseases. Stay informed about changing insect patterns in your area and adjust your prevention strategies accordingly.

By understanding these factors, you can better predict and prepare for potential insect encounters, enhancing your ability to prevent bites and stings effectively.

Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The initial contact of a bite may be painful. It’s often followed by an allergic reaction to venom deposited into your skin through the animal’s mouth or stinger. The appearance can vary.

Whether you’re in the water, on a mountain trail, or in your backyard, wildlife you encounter have ways of protecting themselves and their territory.

Insects, such as bees, ants, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and wasps, and arachnids, such as spiders, ticks, and scorpions, may bite or sting if you get close. Most of these animals won’t bother you if you don’t bother them, but knowing what to look for is key.

Most bites and stings trigger nothing more than minor discomfort, but some encounters can be deadly, especially if you have severe allergies to the animal’s venom.

A severe allergic reaction can happen with any bug bite or sting, depending on the person. Venom allergies may cause a dangerous, severe allergic reaction in some people, resulting in swelling, generalized itching, and difficulty breathing.

Signs of an emergency

Anaphylaxis can be a life threatening emergency. If someone experiences signs of a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or your local emergency services. Anaphylaxis can cause symptoms, including rash, low pulse, and anaphylactic shock. This can be fatal if it isn’t treated immediately.

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Prevention is the best medicine, so knowing how to recognize and avoid biting and stinging insects or arachnids is the best way to stay safe.

The animals you should recognize and understand depend very much on where you live or where you’re visiting. Different regions of the United States are home to many of these creatures.

The season also matters. For example, mosquitoes, stinging bees, and wasps tend to come out in full force during the summer.

The form a bite takes depends on what type of animal bit you. Take a look at the photos below to help identify which animal may have caused your bug bite.

Warning: Graphic images ahead.

Mosquito bites

• A mosquito bite is a small, round, puffy bump that appears soon after you’ve been bitten.
• The bump will become red, hard, swollen, and itchy.
• You may have multiple bites in the same area.

Read full article on mosquito bites.

Fire ant stings

• Fire ants are small, aggressive, red or black venomous ants that bite and then deliver painful stings.
• Stings appear as swollen red spots that develop a blister on top.
• Stings burn, itch, and last up to a week.

Read full article on fire ant stings.

Flea bites

• Flea bites are usually located in clusters on the lower legs and feet.
• The itchy, red bumps are surrounded by a red halo.
• Symptoms begin immediately after you’re bitten.

Read full article on flea bites.

Bedbug bites

• The itchy rash is caused by an allergic reaction to the bedbug bite.
• The small rashes have red, swollen areas and dark red centers.
• Bites may appear in a line or grouped together, usually on areas of the body not covered by clothing, such as the hands, neck, or feet.
• There may be very itchy blisters or hives at the bite site.

Read full article on bedbug bites.

Fly bites

• Painful, itchy rashes are caused by an inflammatory reaction at the site of the fly bite.
• Though usually harmless, they may lead to severe allergic reactions or spread insect-borne diseases.
• Take precautions when traveling to endemic countries by wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants and by using bug spray.

Read full article on fly bites.

Lice bites

• Head lice, pubic lice (“crabs”), and body lice are different species of parasitic lice that affect humans.
• They feed on blood and cause an itchy immune reaction at the site of their bites.
• Adult lice are gray/tan six-legged insects about the size of a tiny sesame seed.
• Nits (eggs) and nymphs (baby lice) can only be seen as very tiny specks that may look like dandruff.

Read full article on lice.

Chigger bites

• Painful, itchy rashes may be caused by an immune response to the bites of tiny mite larvae.
• Bites appear as welts, blisters, pimples, or hives.
• Bites will generally appear in groups and are extremely itchy.
• Chigger bites may be grouped in skin folds or near areas where clothing fits tightly.
• Chiggers tend to jump from grass, so bites are usually on legs near the tops of socks.

Read full article on chigger bites.

Tick bites

• Bites can cause pain or swelling at the bite area.
• They may also lead to a rash, a burning sensation, blisters, or difficulty breathing.
• The tick often remains attached to the skin for a long time.
• Bites rarely appear in groups.
• Ticks can transfer diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis.

Read full article on tick bites.

Scabies

• Symptoms caused by scabies mites may take 4 to 6 weeks to appear.
• The extremely itchy rash may be pimply, made up of tiny blisters, or scaly.
• They may cause raised, white, or flesh-toned lines.

Read full article on scabies.

Spider bites

Share on PinterestEzytyper and added inset by B Kimmel/GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0 from Wikimedia Commons

This condition is considered a medical emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted. Urgent care may be required.

• Most spiders don’t pose a threat to humans, and in such cases, their bites are harmless or mildly irritating like a bee sting.
• Dangerous spiders include the brown recluse, black widow, funnel web spider (Australia), and wandering spider (South America).
• A single raised papule, pustule, or wheal may appear at the site of the bite followed by redness and tenderness.
• The bite will appear as two small puncture marks.
• Severe allergic reactions to a spider bite may require medical attention.

Read full article on spider bites.

Brown recluse spider bite

• This is a shy, brown- or tan-colored spider with a violin-shaped patch and six paired eyes, two in the front and two sets of two on either side of the head.
• It likes to hide in quiet, dark places like closets and bookshelves and is native to the South and South Central regions of the United States.
• Nonaggressive, it will only bite humans if it’s being crushed between skin and a hard surface.
• Redness appears with a central, white blister at the site of the bite.
• Moderate to severe pain and itching at the site of the bite occurs 2 to 8 hours after the spider has injected its venom.
• Rare complications include fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting, hemolytic anemia, rhabdomyolysis, and kidney failure.

Read full article on brown recluse spider bites.

Black widow spider bite

Share on Pinterest© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology/NCBI

This condition is considered a medical emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted. Urgent care may be required.

• This spider is plump, black, and shiny, with an hourglass-shaped red mark on its abdomen.
• It’s nonaggressive and will only bite if it’s being crushed.
• Bites cause muscle pain and spasms in the arms, legs, abdomen, and back.
• Tremor, sweating, weakness, chills, nausea, vomiting, and headache are other symptoms.
• The bite area is red with a white center.

Read full article on black widow spider bites.

Hobo spider bite

• The venom of this common household spider isn’t considered toxic to humans.
• Bites are generally harmless and cause only minor pain, swelling, and sometimes muscle twitches.
• A single red area appears with a tender central nodule.
• Itching, burning, or stinging may occur at the site of the bite.

Read full article on hobo spider bites.

Wolf spider bite

• This large (up to 2 inches long), fuzzy, gray/brown spider is native to many parts of the United States.
• Nonaggressive, it will bite if it feels threatened.
• A tender, itchy red bump appears that heals in 7 to 10 days.

Read full article on wolf spider bites.

Horsefly bites

• These large (1-inch long) blood-sucking flies are most active in the daylight hours.
• An instant, sharp burning sensation occurs when a horsefly bites.
• Itchiness, redness, swelling, and bruising may also occur at the bite location.

Read full article on horsefly bites.

Bee stings

• Pain, redness, swelling, or itching occurs at the site of the sting.
• A white spot appears where the stinger punctured the skin.
• Unlike bumblebees and carpenter bees, honeybees can only sting once due to their barbed stinger that can remain in the skin.

Read full article on bee sting allergy.

Yellow jacket stings

• These thin wasps have black and yellow stripes and long dark wings.
• Aggressive, a yellow jacket may sting multiple times.
• Swelling, tenderness, itchiness, or redness may occur near the area that’s been stung.

Read full article on yellow jacket stings.

Wasp stings

• Sharp pain, redness, swelling, and itching or burning occurs at the sting site.
• A raised welt appears around the sting site.
• Wasps can be aggressive and are capable of stinging multiple times.

Read full article on wasp stings.

Scorpion stings

• Scorpions are eight-legged arachnids with large pincers and long, segmented, stinger-tipped tails carried in a forward curve over their backs.
• Many species with variable levels of toxicity can be found all over the world.
• Intense pain, tingling, numbness, and swelling occur around the sting.
• Rare symptoms include breathing difficulties, muscle twitching, drooling, sweating, nausea, vomiting, an increased heart rate, restlessness, and excitability.
• Severe symptoms are more likely in infants and children than adults.

Read full article on scorpion stings.

Puss caterpillar stings

• Puss caterpillars may also be known as asp caterpillars, fire caterpillars, woolly slugs, or opossum bugs, and are the larvae of the flannel moth.
• They have venomous barbs on their bodies.
• They typically reside in the Southeast United States but have been found as far west as Florida and Texas.
• A string can cause skin irritation and itchiness, severe pain, and headache.

Kissing bug bites

Share on PinterestHorizons WWP / Alamy Stock Photo & Curtis-Robles et al., CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Triatomine bugs, also called kissing bugs, tend to bite people on the face or near the mouth.
• These bugs tend to reside in Mexico, Central America, South America, and parts of the United States.
• They carry a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi and can T. cruzi infection and Chagas disease.
• While there are different varieties of kissing bugs, they typically have a cone-shaped head and a long, oval-shaped body with antennae and six legs. They can be light brown to black in color and may have yellow, red, or tan markings.
• Bite reactions may include mild itching, redness, and swelling. With a T. cruzi infection, a small hard area may form at the bite site.

Read full article on kissing bug bites.

Deer fly bites

Share on PinterestBruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons & juhat/Istock

• Deer flies have small, round heads, brownish-black bands on their wings, and gold or green eyes.
• Their bites can be painful and cause bumps or welts.
• Their bites can sometimes cause a rare bacterial disease known as rabbit fever (tularemia) that may cause skin ulcers, fever, and headache.

Read full article on fly bites.

Here are some bugs that can be more dangerous than others.

Biting insects, arachnids, and other bugs

Many bugs bite, but only a few do so intentionally. Most bites are relatively harmless, leaving just an itchy patch of skin behind. But some bites can carry disease. Deer ticks, for example, typically carry Lyme disease.

Intentional biters include:

• ticks
• chigger mites
• scabies mites
• bedbugs
• fleas
• head lice
• pubic lice
• horseflies
• black flies
• mosquitoes
• pus caterpillars
• kissing bugs
• deer flies

Many larger insects and other bugs won’t seek you out but will bite if handled.

Spiders

Some spiders have venomous fangs. Venomous spiders found in the United States include:

• brown recluse spiders
• black widow spiders
• mouse spiders
• black house spiders

Stinging insects

Insects will sting humans only to defend against a perceived threat. Typically, a sting from a bee or stinging ant will be accompanied by a small amount of venom.

When injected into your skin, the venom causes most of the itching and pain associated with the sting. It can also cause an allergic reaction.

Common stinging insects in the United States include:

• bees
• paper wasps (hornets)
• yellow jackets
• wasps
• fire ants

Scorpions

Scorpions have a reputation for stinging. Many species have barbed tails equipped with venom, some strong enough to kill a human.

The most venomous species of scorpion native to the United States is the Arizona bark scorpion.

The venom injected into your body from the bite or sting of an insect or arachnid will cause your immune system to respond. Often, your body’s immediate response will include redness and swelling at the bite or sting site.

Minor delayed reactions include itching and soreness.

If you’re very sensitive to an animal’s venom, bites and stings can cause a potentially fatal condition called anaphylactic shock. This can cause the throat to tighten and make breathing difficult or cause low blood pressure.

Anaphylactic shock is considered an emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted.

Some bites and stings may cause illnesses when venom contains infectious agents.

Anyone can be bitten or stung by an insect or arachnid, and bites and stings are very common. You’re at greater risk if you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural or wooded locations.

Children and older adults may have more severe reactions to bites and stings.

If you’re bitten or stung, you may see or feel the animal on your skin during the attack. Some people don’t notice the animal and may not be aware of a bite or sting until one or more of the following symptoms emerge:

• swelling
• redness or rash
• pain in the affected area or in the muscles
• itching
• heat on and around the site of the bite or sting
• numbness or tingling in the affected area

Symptoms of a severe reaction requiring immediate medical treatment include:

• fever
• difficulty breathing
• nausea or vomiting
• muscle spasms
• rapid heart rate
• swelling of the lips and throat
• confusion
• loss of consciousness

If you feel ill or experience flu-like symptoms in the days following an insect or arachnid bite, see a doctor for tests to rule out infections or diseases you may have contracted from the animal.

While not every insect bite or sting can cause an infection or disease, some insects can transmit diseases this way.

These insects and the diseases they may transmit can include:

• Mosquitos: insect-borne diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, dengue fever, yellow fever, and several viruses that cause encephalitis
• Fleas: bacterial infection, rarely
• Flies: insect-borne diseases
• Sand flies: leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease, though cases occur tropical and subtropical environments
• Lice: epidemic typhus, Bartonella quintana infection, and epidemic relapsing fever
• Chiggers: scrub typhus, though most cases occur in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India, and northern Australia
• Ticks: tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis
• Kissing bugs: Chagas disease
• Deer flies: tularemia

Many people are aware they’ve been bitten or stung because they see the insect or arachnid shortly after the attack.

Although you shouldn’t further provoke an attacking insect or arachnid, try to preserve the animal if it dies following the bite or sting. Its identity may help a doctor properly diagnose your symptoms.

This is especially important for a spider bite, as some species have dangerously potent venom.

The majority of bites and stings can be treated at home, especially if your reaction is mild.

To treat a bite or sting:

• Remove the stinger if it’s lodged in your skin.
• Wash the affected area.
• Apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.

Topical anti-itch creams, oral pain relievers, and antihistamines may be used to combat uncomfortable symptoms.

You may also want to consider applying a thin paste of baking soda and water to the sting to calm the itching.

Call 911 or your local emergency services number immediately if symptoms of a severe reaction are present.

First aid instructions while waiting for paramedics to arrive include:

• loosening the victim’s clothing
• laying them on their side
• performing CPR if breathing or the heartbeat stops

If you believe a spider of the black widow or brown recluse variety has bitten you, contact 911 or local emergency services immediately even if symptoms seem minor or haven’t emerged.

Scorpion bites also should be treated as an emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted, regardless of symptoms.

Most bites and stings heal by themselves after several days of mild discomfort.

Monitor the affected site for signs of infection. Contact a doctor if the wound appears to be getting worse or hasn’t healed after several weeks.

Bites and stings that cause severe reactions can be fatal if they aren’t treated immediately.

Once you’ve experienced a severe allergic reaction, a doctor will likely prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. Epinephrine is a hormone that can prevent anaphylactic shock.

Carry the auto-injector with you at all times to reverse the reaction immediately following a bite or sting.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Use caution when near nests or hives containing aggressive insects. Hire professionals who have the proper safety equipment to remove a nest or hive.

When spending time outside, take preventive measures, such as:

• wearing hats and clothing that provide full coverage
• wearing neutral colors and avoiding floral patterns
• avoiding perfume and scented lotion
• keeping food and drinks covered
• using citronella or insect repellent
• using permethrin on clothing to prevent black-legged tick bites

Article Resources

• Ellwanger JH, et al. (2021). Variability in human attractiveness to mosquitoes. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X21000522
• Bites and stings: Insects. (n.d.). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bites-and-stings-insects
• Body lice: Disease. (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/body/disease.html
• Goldman BS, et al. (2022). Caterpillar and moth bites. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539851/
• McKeown N, et al. (2014). Verified spider bites in Oregon (USA) with the intent to assess hobo spider venom toxicity. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041010114000920
• Parasites – American trypanosomiasis (also known as Chagas disease). (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/
• Powers J, et al. (2022). Insect bites. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537235/
• Preventing tick bites. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html
• Typhus fevers. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/typhus/index.html

Bites & Stings | OHSU

Bees and Wasps – Hymenoptera­­

A sting from a bee or wasp appears red and swollen. It often looks like a welt with centered white spots. The main difference between the two hymenoptera insects has to do with their stingers. Most bees will die after stinging and a wasp does not.

First Aid:

To treat a bee sting, avoid squeezing the stinger or venom sac which can release more venom into the skin. If the stinger remains in the skin, remove it by gently scraping over it with a piece of gauze. Wash the sting area with soap and water. Once cleansed, thoroughly dry the area with a towel and apply a cold pack to relieve discomfort.

To treat a wasp sting, wrap the area with a cold compress for 20 minutes every hour. Wasps are routinely exposed to tetanus—a bacterial toxin that lives in the soil—through their living environment and may infect an individual when stinging them. A tetanus booster may be needed if it has been greater than 10 years since a person’s last injection.

If a bee or wasp sting becomes infected, it may become more red and swollen several days after the bite.  Most stings do not become infected, but if they do, they may require treatment with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor to prevent or stop the spread of infection.

If a person is allergic to these insects, seek medical attention immediately. If left untreated, the effects can be life threatening. Symptoms of severe allergic reaction include hives, itching, flushed skin, and difficulty breathing.

Fire Ants – Hymenoptera

Fire ants are another type of insect belong to the hymenoptera order of insects. These creatures are red, brown, and black in color, and found in dirt mounds. Their bites and stings appear red and swollen resembling blisters after 1-2 days. These stings can cause itching and pain that can last for up to 8 days. When a fire ant stings, it attaches to the skin and stings multiple times leaving a circular pattern of wounds.

First Aid:

The wounds from fire ants should be cleansed with mild soap and water to reduce risk of infection. Applying cold compresses can help alleviate discomfort. Scratching a wound from this insect should be avoided to prevent scarring. An over-the-counter antihistamine may be used to relieve itching. 

If an individual is allergic to these insects, seek medical attention immediately. If left untreated, the effects can be life threatening. Symptoms of severe allergic reaction include hives, itching, flushed skin, and difficulty breathing.

Fleas – Siphonaptera

Fleas are well known for pestering furry friends, but they can also bite humans. These creatures are about 2.5 millimeters long and reddish, brown in color. They target warm areas of the body. Flea bites appear in groups of 3-4. The bite leaves behind small, red, bleeding bumps. If the wound left behind develops pus from scratching (which should be avoided), it’s important to consult a doctor.

First Aid:

Flea bites can be treated with over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.

To prevent fleas from flourishing in living areas, vacuum daily, carefully use insecticides that are approved for inside use, and apply insecticide to pets.

Flies – Diptera

Mosquitos                                                                  

Mosquitos are found throughout North America. These insects can infest stagnant water such as ponds and swamps where they lay eggs. Their peak season begins in the summer and continues through the fall. After mosquitos bite, they leave behind raised, hard bumps on the skin. These hard bumps also have a puffy red dot in the middle resembling a blister.

Mosquitos can transmit more serious diseases like Zika virus or West Nile virus (WNV).

Common Zika symptoms include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes) and muscle pain that last for several days to a week. Most people infected with Zika won’t have symptoms at all or will experience only mild symptoms. Zika infection can be risky for some people, especially couples planning to conceive and pregnant women as Zika virus can cause severe birth defects. CDC recommends women and their partners trying to become pregnant should talk with their doctor before traveling to areas with a Zika virus outbreak or other areas with risk of Zika and taking steps to plan for travel.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no Zika virus transmission by mosquitoes has ever been reported in Alaska.

WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Symptoms of WNV range from mild to severe. Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

First Aid:

Mosquito bites are usually harmless and can be treated with topical hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine cream to reduce itching.

Seek medical attention if you or a loved one experience symptoms of severe illness.

More information on Zika Virus from CDC

More information on West Nile Virus from CDC

Deer flies

Deer flies are prevalent in the Western United States. They are sun-loving insects commonly found around water bodies, with black and yellow striped wings. A deer fly bite results in an itchy, painful wound that appears red and swollen.

First Aid:

Clean the wound with soap and water and apply a cold compress to ease discomfort.

Deer flies can transmit Tularemia, a bacterial infection. Tularemia can be fatal to humans and animals. Seek medical attention if you or a loved one experience a fever, chills, diarrhea, joint pain, and/or weakness after being bitten by a deer fly.

More information on Tularemia from CDC

Lice – Phthirapetra

Lice exist in various forms. Head lice are 2.1-2.2 millimeters in length, cannot fly or jump, and attach their eggs to the shaft of the hair. Body lice are 2.3-3.6 millimeters in length, lay eggs on clothes, and move along the skin to feed. Pubic Lice, also known as crabs, are 1.1-1.8 millimeters in length and are not solely found in the pubic region. Pubic lice can also be found on eye lashes and in beards, mustaches, and chest and armpit hair.

First Aid:

Lice treatment involves screening individuals who have made close contact with initially infected persons. After screening, all infested persons should apply pediculicide, a medication that kills lice, and use nit combs to remove lice eggs from all areas. Application of pediculicide should be repeated as deemed necessary.

Wash all items used by infested persons including linens and clothing. If an inanimate object cannot be washed, then it should be sealed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks. Routine house cleaning and vacuuming of carpet, and other fabric covered items used by the infested person may help control lice.

How to identify and treat spider bites – Drink-Drink

07/11/2022 DrinkDrinkAdmin

Contents

• Are most spiders poisonous?
• What do spider bites look like?
• How to treat a spider bite at home
• Brown recluse
• Black widow
• Tramp spider
• Tarantula
• Brazilian wandering spider

9000 9 Wolf spider

• Camel spider
• Horse spider
• When to see a doctor

Are most spiders poisonous?

The majority of the 3,000 spiders in the United States aren’t dangerous. Even if most spiders did bite, their fangs are too small or weak to puncture human skin. Their bites may leave itchy, red wounds that heal within a week or so.

Spiders that manage to bite through our skin and inject toxic venom can cause serious health problems.

Read to find out:

• what spider bites look like
• what types of spiders leave certain bites
• how to treat spider bites

what do spider bites look like?

It is easier to identify a spider bite if you have seen the spider that has bitten you, but it is possible that you will not notice the wound until several hours have passed.

Look for things like:

• swelling
• red welt
• Skin lesions
• any warning signs associated with a bite

Other possible symptoms that may accompany a spider bite include:

• itching or rash
• pain in the area of ​​the bite
• muscle pain or spasms
• blister that’s red or purple in color 9001 0
• sweating
• shortness of breath
• Headache
• nausea and vomiting
• fever
• chills
• anxiety or restlessness
• rashes
• swollen lymph nodes
• high blood pressure

Spider bites often take longer to heal than other insect bites, and they may affect skin tissues. It’s important to keep the bite clean to reduce the risk of infection.

How to treat a spider bite at home

In some cases, you can treat spider bites at home. For nonvenomous spider bites, follow these steps:

• Apply an ice pack to the bite site for 10 minutes at a time.
• Elevate the area to reduce swelling.
• Take an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to relieve itching.
• Clean area with soap and water to prevent contamination.
• Apply antibiotic ointment to the area if blisters develop.

Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms of a spider bite or if the symptoms do not improve with time.

Always seek medical attention if you suspect you’ve been bitten by one of the following species:

• brown recluse
• black widow
• hobo spider
• tarantula
• Brazilian wandering spider

Find out where these spiders are hiding and what they look like below.

Brown Recluse

The Brown Recluse is about 1 inch long and is generally non-aggressive. He usually hides in dark, secluded places. It only bites if it is pressed against your skin. It is also called the violin spider because of the dark markings on its back. 9O klahoma

Brown recluse’s initial bite may be painless, but within 8 hours, he will begin to itch, hurt and blush. A red or purple ring forms around the bite site, resembling a target or target.

The bite can blister and grow progressively worse without treatment to the point where it may kill surrounding tissue and cause fever, chills, and headache.

Rarely it can cause:

• Coma or convulsions
• Jaundice
• Blood in the urine
• Kidney failure

There is no antidote for brown recluse bites , but keeping the area clean can promote faster healing.

Your doctor will examine the bite site and prescribe antibiotics. In extreme cases, such as tissue death, you will need surgery and hospitalization.

Black Widow

Black widow spider shiny and black with a distinct reddish hourglass mark on the belly.

The black widow, found mainly in the warm southern and western regions of the United States, lives in secluded places such as: 2 Only the female black widow is toxic. Black widow bites may feel like a little pinprick or nothing at all, but your skin will react immediately. You will be able to see two puncture marks on the skin.

Black widow bite symptoms include:

• muscle cramps
• pain and burning at the puncture site
• Headache
• high blood pressure
• increased saliva and sweating

90 009 nausea and vomiting

• numbness
• restlessness

Prompt treatment is best, especially in children and older adults. In some cases, a healthcare provider will prescribe antinom to remove the venom from your body.

Tramp spider

Tramp spiders are found in the Pacific Northwest. They sit high on long legs and run fast. Be careful if you are cleaning window wells or sweeping the garage, as they can attack if provoked. Tramp spiders hide:

• behind furniture
• under baseboards
• in closets

At first, the bite of a hobo spider may not be noticeable, but after 15 minutes it will cause pain and numbness.

After 1 hour, the site will start to turn red. After 8 hours, it will harden and swell. After 24 to 26 hours, fluid may ooze from the wound and eventually turn black.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

• red or purple blister at the puncture site
• blurred vision or hearing
• weakness
• joint pain
• headaches

900 09 nausea

• sweating

Stings of hobo spiders heal slowly. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you have been bitten by a hobo spider.

Treatment is similar to brown recluse spider bites. This may include:

• corticosteroids
• antibiotics
• surgery

Treatment works best if it is given within 24 hours of the bite.

Tarantula

Tarantulas live in the southwestern desert climate states, but tarantulas can also be found as far east as the Mississippi River. They tend to hide under:

• logs or rocks
• tree trunks
• in tunnels or burrows

Tarantulas can usually be recognized by their appearance. They are:

• 3 to 5 inches long
• have hairy texture
• have visible fangs that hang down

Tarantulas are not aggressive. The venom of species native to the US is not considered dangerous. Their bite will be similar to a bee sting. The area will become warm and red.

Other potential symptoms include:

9immediately Seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

Brazilian wandering spider

Brazilian wandering spider lives in Central and South America. Moves quickly and aggressively. It can grow up to 5 inches in length. It is considered one of the most poisonous spiders in the world.

The bite of the Brazilian wandering spider is extremely painful. This can quickly lead to profuse sweating and salivation. The skin around the bite is usually swollen, red, and hot.

In severe cases, the bite can result in dead tissue or death.

Seek emergency care immediately. An antidote is available for this spider’s bite.

Wolf Spider

Common throughout the country, wolf spiders are 3 to 4 inches long and look like tarantulas. They love to chase their prey while hunting on the ground.

You will find them:

• in sand and gravel
• around the bases of doors and windows
• in houseplants

Find two large eyes in the middle of the face and six smaller eyes.

A bite from a wolf spider can tear the skin and cause pain, redness, and swelling. You may also develop swollen lymph nodes as a result of the bite.

Some people may take up to 10 days to heal. In rare cases, a bite can cause tissue damage.

Camel Spider

The sand-coloured camel spider is found in desert climates and has a powerful claw on its head.

A camel spider will always seek the coolest place around, which just may be your shadow. A fast runner (up to 10 mph), it may be only 2 to 3 inches long. In some locations, it grows up to 6 to 8 inches in length.

Because of its large jaws, the camel spider can leave a significant wound on human skin. These spiders do not produce venom, but an infection can be introduced through an open wound.

You may also experience swelling around the bite wound and light to heavy bleeding.

Jumping Spider

One of the most common house spiders, the jumping spider is found throughout the United States. Usually only 1/2 inch long, it has a robust, hairy body.

The most common type is black with white spots on top. It moves erratically and actually jumps as a method of moving between locations. You are likely to find it outside in gardens and next to other vegetation.

A sting from a jumping spider is usually no worse than a sting from a wasp. This can be dangerous if you are allergic to spider venom. Serious symptoms include:

• pain
• itching
• redness
• swelling
• headaches

They will attack if threatened, so wear gloves when gardening.

When to See a Doctor

Call 911 if you or someone you know is showing signs of full-body shock or having trouble breathing. Always seek medical attention if you suspect you’re feeling symptoms from a spider bite or if the symptoms don’t go away over time.

If you are not aware of this immunization, a tetanus booster is recommended.

For best results, seek spider bite treatment within 24 hours of the bite.

Health

How to identify and treat spider bites

Most of the 3000 spiders in the United States are not dangerous. Even if most spiders bite, their fangs are too small or weak to pierce human skin. Their bites can leave itchy, red sores that heal within a week or so.

Spiders that manage to bite through our skin and inject toxic venom can cause serious health problems.

Read on to find out:

• what spider bites look like
• what types of spiders leave certain bites
• how to treat spider bites

It is easier to identify a spider bite if you have seen a who bit you, but it is quite possible that you won’t notice the wound until a few hours have passed.

Look for things like:

• swelling
• red welt
• skin lesions
• any warning symptoms associated with a bite

Other possible symptoms that may accompany a spider bite include:

90 009 itching or rash
• pain in the area of ​​the bite
• muscular pain or cramps
• red or purple blister
• sweating
• difficulty breathing
• headache
• nausea and vomiting
• fever
• chills
• anxiety or restlessness
• rash
• swollen lymph glands
• high blood pressure

Spider bites often heal longer than the bites of other insects, and they can affect skin tissue. It is important to keep the bite site clean to reduce the risk of infection.

In some cases, you can treat spider bites at home. For bites from non-venomous spiders, do the following:

• Apply an ice pack to the bite site for 10 minutes at a time.
• Elevate the area to reduce swelling.
• Take an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to relieve itching.
• Clean area with soap and water to prevent contamination.
• Apply antibiotic ointment to affected area if blisters develop.

Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms of a spider bite or if the symptoms do not improve with time.

Always seek medical attention if you suspect you have been bitten by one of the following species:

• brown recluse
• black widow
• hobo spider
• tarantula
• Brazilian wanderer spider

Find out where these spiders and what they look like below.

The Brown Recluse is about 1 inch long and is generally non-aggressive. He usually hides in dark, secluded places. It only bites if it is pressed against your skin. It is also called the violin spider because of the dark markings on its back. 9O klahoma

• East Texas

Brown recluse’s initial bite may be painless, but within 8 hours, he will begin to itch, hurt and blush. A red or purple ring forms around the bite site, resembling a target or target.

The bite may blister and progress without treatment to the point where it can kill surrounding tissue and cause fever, chills, and headache.

In rare cases it can cause:

• coma or convulsions
• jaundice
• blood in the urine
• kidney failure

There is no antidote for brown recluse bites , but keeping the area clean can promote faster healing.

Your doctor will examine the bite site and prescribe antibiotics. In extreme cases, such as tissue death, you will need surgery and hospitalizationA reliable source.

Black widow spider shiny and black with a distinct reddish hourglass mark on the belly.

The black widow, found mainly in the warm southern and western regions of the United States, lives in secluded places such as: 2 Only the female black widow is toxic. Black widow bites may feel like a small prick or nothing at all, but your skin will react immediately. You will be able to see two puncture marks on the skin.

Black widow bite symptoms include:

• muscle cramps
• pain and burning at the puncture site
• Headache
• high blood pressure
• increased salivation and sweating 90 010
• nausea and vomiting
• numbness
• restlessness

Prompt treatment is best, especially in children and the elderly. In some cases, a healthcare provider will prescribe an antidote to remove the poison from your body.

Tramp spiders are common in the Pacific Northwest. They sit high on long legs and run fast. Be careful if you are cleaning window wells or sweeping the garage, as they can attack if provoked. Tramp spiders hide:

• behind furniture
• under baseboards
• in closets

At first, the bite of a hobo spider may not be noticeable, but after 15 minutes it will cause pain and numbness.

After 1 hour, the site will start to turn red. After 8 hours, it will harden and swell. After 24 to 26 hours, fluid may ooze from the wound and eventually turn black.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

• red or purple blister at the injection site
• blurred vision or hearing
• weakness
• joint pain
• headaches

9000 9 nausea

• sweating

Stings of hobo spiders heal slowly. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you have been bitten by a hobo spider.

Treatment is similar to brown recluse spider bites. This may include:

• corticosteroids
• antibiotics
• surgery

Treatment works best if given within 24 hours of the bite.

Tarantulas live in the southwestern desert climate states, but tarantulas can also be found as far east as the Mississippi River. They tend to hide under:

• logs or rocks
• tree trunks
• in tunnels or burrows

Usually tarantulas can be recognized by their appearance. They:

• 3 to 5 inches long
• hairy in texture
• visible fangs that hang down

Tarantulas are not aggressive. The venom of species native to the US is not considered dangerous. Their bite will be similar to a bee sting. The area will become warm and red.

Other potential symptoms include:

• rash
• Swimming
• Person
• Far -hearth0010
• low blood pressure

Get medical help right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

The Brazilian wandering spider lives in Central and South America. Moves quickly and aggressively. It can grow up to 5 inches in length. It is considered one of the most poisonous spiders in the world.

The bite of the Brazilian wandering spider is extremely painful. This can quickly lead to profuse sweating and salivation. The skin around the bite is usually swollen, red, and hot.

In severe cases, the bite can lead to tissue death or death.

Seek emergency care immediately. An antidote is available for this spider’s bite.

Distributed throughout the country, wolf spiders are 3 to 4 inches long and look like tarantulas. They love to chase their prey while hunting on the ground.

You will find them:

• in sand and gravel
• around the bases of doors and windows
• in houseplants

Find two large eyes in the middle of the face, as well as six smaller eyes.

A bite from a wolf spider can tear the skin and cause pain, redness, and swelling. You may also develop swollen lymph nodes as a result of the bite.

Some people may take up to 10 days to heal. In rare cases, a bite can cause tissue damage.

The sand-coloured camel spider is found in desert climates and has a powerful claw on its head.

Camel Spider will always look for the coolest place around, which just might be your shadow. A fast runner (up to 10 mph), it can be only 2 to 3 inches long. In some places it grows up to 6-8 inches long.

Due to its large jaws, the camel spider can leave a significant wound on human skin. These spiders do not produce venom, but an infection can be introduced through an open wound.

You may also experience swelling around the bite wound and light to heavy bleeding.

One of the most common house spiders, the jumping spider is found throughout the United States. Usually only 1/2 inch long, it has a robust, hairy body.

The most common type is black with white spots on top. It moves erratically and actually jumps as a method of moving between locations. You are likely to find it outside in gardens and next to other vegetation.