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

24.01.202213.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the most common types of bug bites and stings. How can you identify different insect bites based on their appearance. What are the symptoms and treatments for various bug bites. How can you prevent insect bites and stings.

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Common Types of Bug Bites and Stings

Encountering insects and arachnids is an inevitable part of outdoor experiences, whether you’re hiking a mountain trail or relaxing in your backyard. While most of these creatures won’t bother you unprovoked, it’s crucial to know what to look out for to ensure your safety. Let’s explore some of the most common types of bug bites and stings you might encounter.

Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites are perhaps the most ubiquitous of all insect bites. They appear as small, round, puffy bumps shortly after being bitten. These bumps typically become red, hard, swollen, and itchy over time. It’s not uncommon to find multiple bites in the same area, as mosquitoes often feed multiple times in quick succession.

Fire Ant Stings

Fire ants are small but aggressive insects known for their painful stings. Their bites appear as swollen red spots that develop a blister on top. These stings are characterized by a burning sensation and intense itching that can last up to a week.

Flea Bites

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

Bedbug Bites

Bedbug bites are caused by an allergic reaction to the insect’s bite. They appear as small rashes with red, swollen areas and dark red centers. These bites 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, they may cause very itchy blisters or hives at the bite site.

Identifying Bug Bites: A Visual Guide

Correctly identifying a bug bite is the first step towards proper treatment. Here’s how to recognize some common insect bites based on their appearance:

Mosquito bites: Small, round, puffy bumps that become red and itchy
Fire ant stings: Swollen red spots with a blister on top
Flea bites: Clustered red bumps with a halo, usually on lower legs and feet
Bedbug bites: Small rashes with red, swollen areas and dark centers, often in a line or group
Tick bites: Often a single bite with the tick still attached, may develop a bullseye rash
Chigger bites: Welts, blisters, or hives in groups, extremely itchy

Symptoms and Reactions to Insect Bites

The symptoms of bug bites can vary widely depending on the type of insect and individual sensitivity. However, some common symptoms include:

Redness and swelling at the bite site
Itching or burning sensation
Pain or tenderness
Formation of blisters or welts
In some cases, fever or flu-like symptoms

In rare cases, insect bites can trigger severe allergic reactions. Do you know the signs of a severe allergic reaction? They include widespread swelling, difficulty breathing, and a rapid pulse. If you observe these symptoms after an insect bite, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention as it could be a life-threatening situation known as anaphylaxis.

Treatment Options for Bug Bites and Stings

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

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Antihistamines can help reduce itching and swelling associated with many insect bites. Hydrocortisone cream applied directly to the bite site can also alleviate itching and inflammation. For pain relief, over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective.

Home Remedies

Several home remedies can provide relief from bug bites. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. A paste made from baking soda and water can soothe itching when applied to the bite. For bee stings, a mixture of water and meat tenderizer can help neutralize the venom and reduce pain.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most bug bites can be treated at home, there are instances when professional medical care is necessary. If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or widespread swelling, seek emergency medical care immediately. Additionally, if you develop a fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms after a bug bite, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider as these could be signs of a more serious infection.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Bugs at Bay

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to bug bites. Here are some effective strategies to minimize your risk of insect bites and stings:

Use Insect Repellents

Applying EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone can effectively deter many biting insects. Be sure to follow the product instructions for safe and effective use.

Wear Protective Clothing

When in areas with high insect activity, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tucking your pants into your socks can provide additional protection against ticks and chiggers.

Avoid Peak Insect Hours

Many biting insects, such as mosquitoes, are most active during dawn and dusk. If possible, limit outdoor activities during these times or take extra precautions.

Maintain Your Environment

Keep your yard free of standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Regularly mow your lawn and keep bushes trimmed to minimize tick habitats. Use protective screens on windows and doors to keep insects out of your home.

Understanding Venomous Insects and Arachnids

While most insect bites are merely annoying, some can be potentially dangerous due to the venom injected. Let’s explore some of the more venomous insects and arachnids you might encounter:

Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps inject venom through their stingers. For most people, these stings are painful but not dangerous. However, for individuals with bee or wasp venom allergies, a single sting can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Scorpions

Scorpion stings can be extremely painful and, in some cases, dangerous. The bark scorpion, found in the southwestern United States, is particularly venomous. Its sting can cause severe pain, numbness, and in rare cases, more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing or muscle twitching.

Black Widow Spiders

Black widow spider bites are known for their potent neurotoxin. While rarely fatal, their bites can cause severe pain, muscle rigidity, vomiting, and sweating. Medical attention is typically required for black widow spider bites.

Brown Recluse Spiders

The venom of brown recluse spiders can cause necrosis or death of skin tissue. Their bites may initially go unnoticed but can develop into a painful sore with a characteristic bull’s-eye appearance. In severe cases, these bites can lead to systemic illness and require medical intervention.

Insect-Borne Diseases: What You Need to Know

Some insects are not just a nuisance but can also transmit diseases. Understanding these potential risks is crucial for protecting your health. Here are some common insect-borne diseases:

Lyme Disease

Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can cause a range of symptoms including fever, fatigue, and a characteristic bull’s-eye rash. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications affecting the heart, joints, and nervous system.

West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus. While many infected individuals show no symptoms, some may develop flu-like symptoms or, in rare cases, more severe neurological issues.

Zika Virus

Also transmitted by mosquitoes, Zika virus is particularly concerning for pregnant women as it can cause serious birth defects. Symptoms in adults are usually mild and include fever, rash, and joint pain.

Malaria

Although not common in the United States, malaria is a serious mosquito-borne disease that travelers to certain regions should be aware of. It causes flu-like symptoms and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Special Considerations for Outdoor Enthusiasts

If you enjoy spending time in nature, whether hiking, camping, or simply exploring the great outdoors, you’re more likely to encounter a variety of insects and arachnids. Here are some additional tips for outdoor enthusiasts:

Proper Gear and Clothing

Invest in insect-repellent clothing or gear treated with permethrin. This can provide long-lasting protection against a variety of biting insects. Light-colored clothing can also make it easier to spot ticks before they attach.

Campsite Selection

When camping, choose your site wisely. Avoid setting up camp near standing water or dense vegetation where insects are likely to be more numerous. If possible, camp on higher ground where there’s more likely to be a breeze, which can help keep flying insects at bay.

Post-Activity Checks

After spending time outdoors, especially in tick-prone areas, perform a thorough body check. Pay close attention to warm, moist areas like the groin, armpits, and scalp where ticks often attach. Taking a shower soon after coming indoors can also help wash away any unattached ticks.

Be Prepared

When venturing into areas known for venomous insects or where medical help might be far away, consider carrying a basic first aid kit that includes items specific to insect bites and stings. This might include antihistamines, hydrocortisone cream, and in some cases, an epinephrine auto-injector if you have known severe allergies.

The Role of Climate Change in Insect Populations

Climate change is having a significant impact on insect populations worldwide, which in turn affects human exposure to bites and insect-borne diseases. Here’s how climate change is influencing insect behavior and distribution:

Expanding Habitats

As temperatures warm, many insect species are expanding their geographical range. This means that people in certain areas may now be exposed to insects and the diseases they carry that were previously not a concern in their region.

Longer Active Seasons

Warmer temperatures are leading to longer active seasons for many insects. For example, tick season is starting earlier and lasting longer in many parts of the United States, increasing the risk of tick-borne diseases.

Increased Reproduction Rates

Some insects are able to reproduce more quickly in warmer temperatures, potentially leading to larger populations. This can result in more frequent human-insect encounters and a higher risk of bites and stings.

Changes in Disease Transmission

Climate change can also affect the transmission of insect-borne diseases. For instance, warmer temperatures can speed up the mosquito life cycle and the rate at which viruses replicate within them, potentially increasing the transmission of diseases like West Nile virus.

Understanding these changes can help individuals and communities better prepare for and adapt to changing insect populations and the associated risks.

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.