Bug Bite Bumps: Identifying, Treating, and Preventing Common Insect Stings

25.01.202213.07.2023 by alexxlab

How do you identify different bug bites. What are the symptoms of common insect stings. How can you prevent and treat various bug bites effectively. What should you do in case of a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting.

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Common Types of Bug Bites and Their Characteristics

Bug bites are a common occurrence, especially during warmer months when insects are most active. Understanding the characteristics of different bug bites can help in proper identification and treatment. Here’s a breakdown of some common insect bites and their distinctive features:

Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites are perhaps the most familiar to many people. They typically appear as:

Small, round, puffy bumps
Red, hard, swollen, and itchy
Often occurring in multiples in the same area

Why do mosquito bites itch? The itching sensation is caused by an allergic reaction to the mosquito’s saliva, which is injected into the skin during the bite. The intensity of the reaction can vary from person to person.

Fire Ant Stings

Fire ants are aggressive insects known for their painful stings. Their bites are characterized by:

Swollen red spots with a blister on top
Burning and itching sensations
Lasting up to a week

How can you differentiate fire ant stings from other insect bites? Fire ant stings are unique in that they often appear in a circular pattern, as the ant pivots around its mandibles while stinging.

Flea Bites

Flea bites are often found on the lower legs and feet, and are recognizable by:

Itchy, red bumps surrounded by a red halo
Clustered appearance
Immediate onset of symptoms after being bitten

Can fleas transmit diseases to humans? While rare, fleas can potentially transmit diseases such as typhus and plague. However, in most cases, flea bites are merely a nuisance rather than a serious health concern.

Identifying and Managing Bedbug Infestations

Bedbug bites can be particularly troublesome, as they often indicate an infestation in your living space. These bites are characterized by:

Small rashes with red, swollen areas and dark red centers
Linear or clustered appearance
Occurrence on exposed areas of the body during sleep
Intense itching, sometimes accompanied by blisters or hives

How can you confirm a bedbug infestation? Look for these signs:

Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses
Dark spots (about this size: â€¢), which are bedbug excrement
Eggs and eggshells, which are tiny (about 1mm) and pale yellow
Live bedbugs in the folds of mattresses, bed frames, and other furniture

Dealing with a bedbug infestation often requires professional pest control services. In the meantime, washing all bedding in hot water and using a high-heat dryer can help reduce the bedbug population.

Flying Insects: Bites from Flies and Wasps

Bites and stings from flying insects can vary in severity and symptoms. Let’s examine two common types:

Fly Bites

Fly bites can cause:

Painful, itchy rashes
Inflammatory reactions at the bite site
Potential for severe allergic reactions in some individuals

Are fly bites dangerous? While usually harmless, fly bites can potentially spread insect-borne diseases, especially in endemic areas. Taking precautions such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent is crucial when traveling to such regions.

Wasp and Bee Stings

Stings from wasps and bees are characterized by:

Immediate, sharp pain at the sting site
Redness and swelling around the sting
Potential for severe allergic reactions in some individuals

How should you remove a bee stinger? If stung by a honey bee, remove the stinger as quickly as possible by scraping it out with a straight-edged object like a credit card. Avoid using tweezers, as they may squeeze the venom sac and release more venom.

Parasitic Infestations: Lice and Scabies

Parasitic insects can cause persistent and uncomfortable infestations. Two common examples are lice and scabies:

Lice Infestations

Lice are parasitic insects that can infest the head, body, or pubic area. Their bites cause:

Intense itching
Small red bumps on the scalp, neck, and shoulders (for head lice)
Visible eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts

How can you effectively treat a lice infestation? Treatment typically involves using over-the-counter or prescription lice-killing products (pediculicides), followed by thorough combing to remove nits. Washing all bedding and clothing in hot water is also crucial to prevent reinfestation.

Scabies Mites

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. Symptoms include:

Intense itching, especially at night
Pimple-like, blister-like, or scaly rash
Raised, white, or flesh-toned lines where mites have burrowed

Why does it take so long for scabies symptoms to appear? The incubation period for scabies can be 4-6 weeks because it takes time for the body to develop an allergic reaction to the mites. During this time, an infected person can still spread scabies to others.

Arachnid Encounters: Spider Bites and Tick-Borne Diseases

Arachnids, including spiders and ticks, can deliver bites that range from mildly irritating to potentially dangerous. Understanding these bites is crucial for proper treatment and prevention of complications.

Spider Bites

Spider bites can vary greatly depending on the species, but common characteristics include:

Pain or swelling at the bite site
Potential for rash or burning sensation
In some cases, blisters or difficulty breathing

Which spider bites are most dangerous? In North America, the black widow and brown recluse spiders are considered the most dangerous. Black widow bites can cause severe muscle pain and spasms, while brown recluse bites can lead to tissue death (necrosis) around the bite area.

Tick Bites

Tick bites are often painless initially, but can lead to:

Redness and swelling at the bite site
A distinctive “bull’s-eye” rash in cases of Lyme disease
Potential transmission of various diseases

How should you remove a tick? Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

Prevention Strategies for Bug Bites and Stings

Preventing bug bites and stings is often easier and more effective than treating them after the fact. Here are some strategies to minimize your risk of insect encounters:

Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially in wooded areas
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items
Use bed nets when sleeping outdoors or in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are common
Avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented products when outdoors
Keep your yard well-maintained by removing standing water and keeping grass short

Is natural insect repellent as effective as chemical repellents? While some natural repellents can be effective, they typically don’t last as long as chemical repellents. If you prefer natural options, look for EPA-registered products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus, which has been shown to provide protection similar to low concentrations of DEET.

Treatment Options for Common Bug Bites and Stings

Most bug bites and stings can be treated at home with simple remedies. Here are some general treatment guidelines:

Clean the affected area with soap and water
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
Use over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve itching
Apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation
Take pain relievers if necessary

For specific types of bites or stings, additional treatments may be necessary:

Bee and Wasp Stings

Remove the stinger if present, then apply a paste of baking soda and water to neutralize the venom.

Fire Ant Stings

Elevate the affected area and apply a cold compress. You can also apply a mixture of oatmeal and water to soothe the skin.

Tick Bites

After removing the tick, watch for signs of tick-borne illnesses such as fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms. Consult a healthcare provider if these symptoms develop.

When should you seek medical attention for a bug bite or sting? Seek immediate medical care if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, or dizziness. Also consult a healthcare provider if you develop signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, or pus at the bite site.

Recognizing and Responding to Severe Allergic Reactions

While most bug bites and stings cause only minor discomfort, some people may experience severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Signs of anaphylaxis include:

Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Swelling of the throat or tongue
Dizziness or fainting
Rapid or weak pulse
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Widespread hives or rash

How should you respond to signs of anaphylaxis? If someone shows signs of a severe allergic reaction:

Call emergency services immediately
If the person has an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), help them use it
Have the person lie flat with their legs elevated
Loosen tight clothing and cover them with a blanket
Turn them on their side if they are vomiting or bleeding from the mouth

Who is at risk for severe allergic reactions to insect stings? People who have had a previous severe reaction to an insect sting are at higher risk. If you know you’re allergic to insect stings, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector and wear a medical alert bracelet.

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.

Was this helpful?

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

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.

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.

Signs of an emergency

Was this helpful?

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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.

Minor delayed reactions include itching and soreness.

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.

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.

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.