What are the most common types of burning bites. How can you identify different insect and arachnid stings. What are the symptoms and treatments for various bites and stings. How can you prevent insect bites and stings. When should you seek medical attention for a bite or sting.

Common Culprits Behind Burning Bites and Stings

When venturing outdoors, encountering insects and arachnids is often unavoidable. While most of these creatures won’t bother you unless provoked, it’s crucial to recognize potential threats and understand how to handle encounters. Bites and stings from various species can cause discomfort, pain, and in some cases, severe allergic reactions.

The most common insects and arachnids responsible for burning bites and stings include:

• Mosquitoes
• Bees and wasps
• Fire ants
• Fleas
• Bedbugs
• Flies
• Lice
• Chiggers
• Ticks
• Spiders
• Scorpions

Understanding the characteristics of these bites and stings can help you identify the culprit and determine the appropriate course of action for treatment and prevention.

Identifying Different Types of Insect and Arachnid Bites

Recognizing the specific appearance of various bites and stings is crucial for proper treatment and potential medical intervention. Here’s a breakdown of common bite and sting characteristics:

Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites typically appear as small, round, puffy bumps that become red, hard, swollen, and itchy. You may notice multiple bites in the same area. These bites are often more annoying than dangerous, but in some regions, mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases like malaria, Zika virus, or West Nile virus.

Bee and Wasp Stings

Bee and wasp stings usually cause immediate, sharp pain followed by redness and swelling at the site. A small white spot may be visible where the stinger punctured the skin. In some cases, especially with multiple stings or in individuals with allergies, these encounters can be life-threatening.

Fire Ant Stings

Fire ant stings appear as swollen red spots that develop a blister on top. These stings burn, itch, and can last up to a week. Multiple stings are common, as fire ants tend to attack in groups when their nests are disturbed.

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. Symptoms typically begin immediately after being bitten.

Bedbug Bites

Bedbug bites often appear in a line or grouped together on areas of the body not covered by clothing, such as hands, neck, or feet. The small rashes have red, swollen areas with dark red centers and may be accompanied by very itchy blisters or hives.

Symptoms and Reactions to Insect Bites and Stings

The severity of symptoms following an insect bite or sting can vary greatly depending on the individual and the type of creature involved. Common symptoms include:

• Pain or burning sensation at the site
• Redness and swelling
• Itching
• Warmth around the affected area
• Small bumps or blisters
• Numbness or tingling

In some cases, more severe reactions may occur, particularly in individuals with allergies to certain insect venoms. These reactions can include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the throat or tongue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction)

Is anaphylaxis always immediately apparent after a sting or bite? Not necessarily. While anaphylaxis often occurs within minutes of exposure, in some cases, it can be delayed by up to several hours. This is why it’s crucial to monitor for symptoms for an extended period after a known bite or sting, especially if you have a history of severe allergic reactions.

Treatment Options for Burning Bites and Stings

The appropriate treatment for a burning bite or sting depends on the severity of the reaction and the type of insect or arachnid involved. Here are some general guidelines:

For Mild Reactions

1. Clean the affected area with soap and water
2. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
3. Use over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve itching
4. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream for additional itch relief
5. Take oral pain relievers if necessary

For Bee Stings

If stung by a bee, it’s important to remove the stinger as quickly as possible. Scrape the stinger out sideways with a straight-edged object like a credit card. Avoid using tweezers, as squeezing the venom sac may release more venom into the skin.

For Severe Reactions

If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or dizziness, seek immediate medical attention. Individuals with known severe allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) and use it according to their doctor’s instructions if exposed to a known allergen.

Can home remedies effectively treat insect bites and stings? While many home remedies exist, their effectiveness can vary. Some popular options include applying a paste made from baking soda and water, using raw honey as a natural antibiotic, or placing a slice of raw onion on the affected area. However, it’s important to note that these methods are not scientifically proven and should not replace proper medical treatment for severe reactions.

Prevention Strategies for Avoiding Insect Bites and Stings

Preventing insect bites and stings is often easier and safer than treating them. Here are some effective strategies to minimize your risk:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially in wooded areas
• Avoid wearing bright colors or floral patterns that may attract insects
• Stay away from stagnant water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes
• Keep food covered when eating outdoors
• Avoid using scented products, such as perfumes or scented lotions, which can attract insects
• Check for ticks after spending time in wooded or grassy areas
• Use bed nets when sleeping in areas with high mosquito populations

Are natural insect repellents as effective as chemical-based ones? While some natural repellents, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus, have shown promise in repelling insects, they generally don’t last as long as DEET-based products. If using natural repellents, be prepared to reapply more frequently and be aware that they may not provide the same level of protection against all types of insects.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bites and Stings

While most insect bites and stings can be treated at home, certain situations require professional medical care. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Signs of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, or dizziness
• Multiple stings or bites, especially if you’re allergic to the insect
• A bite or sting in the mouth or throat
• Signs of infection, including increased pain, redness, or swelling after a few days
• Flu-like symptoms following a tick bite, which could indicate Lyme disease
• A bite from a potentially dangerous spider, such as a black widow or brown recluse

How quickly should you seek medical care if you suspect a severe reaction? If you’re experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction, don’t wait – call emergency services immediately. Quick action can be life-saving in these situations.

The Impact of Climate and Geography on Insect and Arachnid Populations

The prevalence and types of biting and stinging insects and arachnids can vary significantly depending on your location and the time of year. Understanding these patterns can help you better prepare and protect yourself:

Seasonal Variations

Many insects, such as mosquitoes, bees, and wasps, are most active during the warmer months of spring and summer. However, in some regions, certain species may remain active year-round. For example, ticks can be a concern even in cooler months in many parts of the United States.

Geographic Differences

Different regions are home to various species of biting and stinging creatures. For instance:

• Fire ants are primarily found in the southeastern United States
• Scorpions are more common in arid regions of the southwestern United States
• Certain species of dangerous spiders, like the brown recluse, have specific geographic ranges
• Mosquito-borne diseases are more prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates

How does climate change affect insect and arachnid populations? Climate change is altering the distribution and behavior of many species. Warmer temperatures can lead to longer active seasons for some insects and allow certain species to expand their ranges into new areas. This shift can potentially expose people to unfamiliar bites and stings, as well as the diseases some of these creatures may carry.

Technological Advancements in Bite and Sting Prevention and Treatment

As our understanding of insect and arachnid bites and stings evolves, so do the technologies and treatments available. Some recent advancements include:

Improved Repellents

Researchers are continually developing more effective and longer-lasting insect repellents. Some new formulations combine multiple active ingredients for broader protection against various species.

Smart Devices

Wearable devices that emit ultrasonic frequencies or release small amounts of repellent are being developed to provide personalized protection against insects.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

New diagnostic techniques are making it easier to identify specific venoms and allergens, allowing for more tailored treatment approaches.

Innovative Treatments

Research into venom-specific immunotherapies and antidotes is ongoing, with the potential to revolutionize treatment for severe reactions to certain bites and stings.

Can technology completely eliminate the risk of insect bites and stings? While technological advancements have greatly improved our ability to prevent and treat bites and stings, it’s unlikely that we’ll ever be able to eliminate the risk entirely. Insects and arachnids play crucial roles in ecosystems, and complete eradication would be neither feasible nor desirable. Instead, these technologies aim to help us coexist more safely with these creatures.

As we continue to explore and understand the world of biting and stinging insects and arachnids, it’s important to stay informed about the risks in your area and the latest prevention and treatment options available. By combining knowledge, preventive measures, and appropriate treatment when necessary, we can minimize the impact of these often painful and potentially dangerous encounters with nature’s smaller inhabitants.

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

Pictures, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Bedbugs are tiny insects that feed on blood from humans or animals. Over-the-counter treatments can help relieve itching and inflammation.

Bedbugs are flat, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown in color. They can live in your bed, furniture, carpet, clothing, and other belongings, and are most active at night.

Bedbugs don’t have wings, so they rely on animals or humans to carry them from one place to another. They typically get into your home after an overnight trip — by hitching a ride in your luggage or clothing. Or they can enter your home if you bring in secondhand furniture that’s infested. They can also travel from one apartment to the next if a building or hotel has an infestation.

Although bedbug bites are rarely dangerous, they can be very itchy. In some cases, they become infected or cause an allergic reaction.

Keep reading to learn about bedbug bites, what they look like, and how to treat and prevent them.

Bedbugs excrete a tiny amount of anesthetic before feeding on people, so you won’t feel it when they bite you. It can sometimes take a few days for symptoms of bedbug bites to develop.

Some people never develop noticeable symptoms from bedbug bites. According to Pest Control Technology, approximately 30 to 60 percent of people never develop a reaction to a bedbug bite. When symptoms do develop, the bites tend to be:

• red and swollen, with a dark spot at the center of each bite (they may also look like a hive or welt)
• arranged in lines or clusters, with multiple bites grouped together
• itchy
• burning
• fluid-filled blisters
• you may also find blood stains on the sheets from scratching

Scratching bug bites can cause them to bleed or become infected.

Learn more about the symptoms of an infected bug bite.

Where on the body do bedbug bites occur?

Bedbugs can bite any part of your body. However, they’ll normally bite areas of skin that are exposed while you sleep. This includes your face, neck, arms, and hands. If you typically wear pajamas to bed, the bug will bite along the line of the clothing.

Do bedbugs bite every night?

Bedbugs don’t always feed every single night. In fact, they can go several weeks without eating. That might sound like a good thing, but it can make it more difficult to notice that there are bedbugs in your home. In fact, it may take a few weeks to realize that the bites are part of a larger pattern. And that’s problematic because bedbugs can multiply very quickly. A female can lay eggs every 3 to 4 days.

In most cases, bedbug bites get better within 1 to 2 weeks. To relieve symptoms, you can:

• Apply an over-the-counter or prescription steroid cream to decrease inflammation and itching.
• Take an oral antihistamine to reduce itching and burning.
• Use an over-the-counter pain reliever to relieve swelling and pain.
• Take a Benadryl prior to sleep to decrease itching or have a doctor prescribe a stronger antihistamine.

In addition to over-the-counter medications, there are several home remedies that may help relieve the symptoms of bedbug bites. Try applying one or more of the following:

• a cold cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel
• a thin paste of baking soda and water

Allergic reactions and infections from bedbug bites

Although rare, there have been isolated case reports of systemic allergic reactions to bedbug bites. Reactions typically included hives, asthma, and in rare occasions, anaphylaxis.

In addition, constant scratching of lesions caused by bedbug bites may lead to secondary infections, such as impetigo, folliculitis, or cellulitis. To reduce the risk of infection, wash the bites with soap and water, and try not to scratch them.

If you suspect that you’ve developed an infection or allergic reaction to a bedbug bite, contact your doctor. Get emergency medical care if you develop any of the following after being bitten:

• multiple hives
• difficulty breathing
• wheezing
• swelling of the throat or mouth
• fever
• chills
• dizziness
• confusion

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If you suspect that your baby or child has been bitten by bedbugs, check their sheets, mattress, bed frame, and nearby baseboards for signs of the bugs.

Washing the bites with soap and water will help treat bedbug bites on your baby or child. For additional relief, consider applying a cold compress or over-the-counter anti-itch creams or low-strength steroids. Make sure to cut the baby’s nails short so they can’t scratch their skin.

Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist before using topical steroid creams or oral antihistamines to treat the bites. Some medications may not be safe for babies or young children.

If your child is old enough to understand your instructions, ask them not to scratch the bites. To prevent scratching, it may also help to trim your child’s nails and cover the bites with a bandage.

If you suspect there are bedbugs in your home, look for signs of them in your bed and other areas. They usually hide during the day in:

• household cracks or crevices
• walls
• luggage
• bedclothes
• mattresses
• bedsprings
• bed frames
• spaces under baseboards
• loose or peeling wallpaper
• electrical switch plates
• conduits for electrical cables
• sofas (if a person is using the sofa to sleep on)

Bedbugs typically live near where people are sleeping in the house. That’s because bedbugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. They don’t usually travel to other rooms if people aren’t sleeping there. Bedbugs typically feed from midnight until dawn and then hide during the day in the same place they were prior to biting.

You may not see the bugs themselves, but you may find drops of blood or small black dots of bug droppings in your bed. If you find bedbugs, call your landlord or a pest control company.

It’s very difficult to find bedbugs unless you’re professionally trained to do so. Most pest control companies will do a check free of charge. If they find bedbugs, they’ll typically give you several options to eliminate them.

Remember, until you’ve eliminated the infestation, do not visit or sleep at someone else’s house or a hotel as this may potentially spread the bugs to their home or hotel room.

Risk factors for getting bedbugs

Bedbugs can live in any home or public area. But they’re common in places that have a lot of people, a lot of turnover, and close quarters. That’s why you may be at increased risk for encountering bedbugs if you live or work in a:

• hotel
• hospital
• homeless shelter
• military barrack
• college dorm
• apartment complex
• business office

Bringing secondhand furniture into your home is another risk factor as is having visits from friends or relatives who may have bedbugs in their home.

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To contain and eliminate a bedbug infestation, it helps to:

• Vacuum and steam-clean your floors, mattresses, furniture, and appliances.
• Launder your linens, drapes, and clothing using the hottest settings of your washing machine and dryer.
• Seal items that can’t be laundered in plastic bags and store them for several days at 0°F (-17°C) or for several months at warmer temperatures.
• Heat items that can be safely heated to 115°F (46°C).
• Fill gaps around your baseboards and cracks in furniture with caulking.

It’s almost impossible to get rid of bedbugs without an exterminator. Many exterminators today use nonchemical eradication, such as very high heat or very cold liquid nitrogen. These options may be the most effective way to eliminate bedbugs as bedbugs are resistant to most pesticides.

Find more tips for managing bedbug infestations and learn when to call a professional.

Bedbugs travel from place to place by hiding in items, such as furniture, clothing, blankets, and luggage. Bedbugs can live for months without feeding. This makes it easy to accidentally bring bedbugs into your home without knowing.

There are steps you can take to help prevent bedbugs:

• Travelers who are exposed to bedbugs or are concerned about bedbugs should decontaminate luggage, clothes, and belongings upon returning home, using mechanical methods (brushing, vacuuming, heating, washing, or freezing).
• Always use luggage racks when you travel to keep your clothes off the floor and away from hotel furniture.
• Keep your suitcase away from your bed when you return home from a trip, and run your clothes through a dryer cycle before putting them away.
• Store your clothing in vacuum-sealed bags when you travel.
• When you return home from traveling, seal items that can’t be washed in a plastic bag for several weeks.
• If you’re a frequent traveler, you can get a device that heats your suitcase to a temperature that will kill any bedbugs.
• Inspect any secondhand furniture, linen, or clothing for signs of bedbugs before bringing it into your home.
• If you use a shared laundry room, transport your laundry in plastic bags and don’t fold it until you return home.

Bedbug bites and fleabites are quite similar in appearance, although flea bites are typically a bit smaller. Both can cause red bumps to form on your skin. Both can be very itchy.

When fleas bite you, they typically bite the lower half of your body, or warm, moist areas around joints. For example, they may bite:

• your feet
• your ankles or legs
• your armpits
• the inside of your elbows or knees

Bedbugs are more likely to bite upper parts of your body, such as:

• your hands
• your arms
• your neck
• your face

Bedbug bites also occur at night and look like hives. But later in the day they get smaller and look more like a pimple.

If you suspect that bedbugs or fleas have bitten you, check for signs of the bugs in your home. Bedbugs often hide in the seams of mattresses, cracks of bed frames and headboards, and baseboards around beds. Fleas tend to live on family pets and in carpets or upholstered furniture.

You can also visit a dermatologist who can examine the bites and help determine what the cause may be.

If you find bedbugs or fleas, it’s important to treat your home or pet to get rid of them.

Learn more about the difference between a flea bite and a bedbug bite.

Share on PinterestFlea bites tend to occur on the feet, ankles, or lower leg. Source: Getty Images (Dermnet, Wikimedia, etc.)

Bedbug bites and mosquito bites can both be red, swollen, and itchy. If you have a line of bites that appear in a small area of your body, they’re more likely to be bedbug bites. Bites that appear in no apparent pattern are more likely to be mosquito bites.

Both bedbug bites and mosquito bites tend to get better on their own, within 1 or 2 weeks. To relieve itching and other symptoms, it may help to apply a cold compress, calamine lotion, or other topical treatments. Taking an oral antihistamine can help as well.

It’s also possible to confuse bedbug bites with spider bites, ant bites, or other insect bites. Find out more about the differences between these types of bites.

Share on PinterestMosquito bites cause raised, itchy welts. They typically don’t appear in a line or pattern. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Sometimes, people mistake hives for bedbug bites. Hives are red bumps that can develop on your skin as a result of an allergic reaction or other cause. Like bedbug bites, they’re often itchy.

Bedbug bites may initially look like hives with small central bumps or bites. However, hives from bedbug bites don’t stay in the same place for more than 24 hours. They tend to migrate to other locations or go away.

If you develop red bumps on your skin that get larger, change shape, or spread from one part of your body to another in a short period of time, they’re more likely to be hives.

A small group or line of bumps that appear on one part of your body without changing shape or location are more likely to be bedbug bites.

If you develop hives along with breathing difficulties, swelling of the mouth and throat, wheezing, rapid heart rate, or confusion, get medical help right away. You might be experiencing anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Learn more about anaphylaxis and other potential causes of hives.

Share on PinterestThe itchy red bumps from hives may spread from one part of your body to another. Source: Panther Media GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

Spider bites can be red and itchy, much like bedbug bites. But unlike bedbugs, spiders rarely bite more than once. If you only have one bite on your body, it’s probably not from bedbugs.

Spider bites often take longer to heal than other types of bug bites. Some spider bites can cause serious damage to your skin, especially if they get infected. To reduce the risk of infection, wash any bug bites with soap and water.

Some spiders are poisonous. If you suspect a poisonous spider has bitten you, get medical help right away.

Share on PinterestSpiders rarely bite more than once, so you typically won’t see a line or pattern of bites. Photography courtesy of David~O/Flickr

Bedbugs don’t just bite humans. They can also feed on family pets.

If you have a pet who’s been bitten by bedbugs, the bites will likely get better on their own. But in some cases, they might become infected. Make an appointment with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has an infected bite.

If you hire a pest control expert to get rid of bedbugs in your home, let them know if you have a pet. Some insecticides may be safer for your pet than others. It’s also important to wash your pet’s bed, stuffed toys, and other accessories where bedbugs may be living.

Bedbugs are tiny insects that feed on blood. They live inside furniture and other spots in your home. Bedbugs can bite humans and other animals. Although the initial bite won’t hurt, it can leave behind itchy, red bumps that occur in a cluster or line.

Bedbugs travel by hiding in furniture, linen, clothing, suitcases, and sometimes even electronics. Most bites will heal on their own in a week or so. You can treat bedbug bites with soap, water, and calming lotions. In some cases, bedbug bites can get infected and do need medical attention.

It can be difficult to remove bedbugs from your home once they’ve gotten in. You will most likely need the help of pest control to find the bedbugs and get rid of them.

If you are unsure about what type of rash or bites you have, visit a doctor or dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Pain like a bullet wound. Insects with the most painful bites

https://ria.ru/20171011/1506632576.html

Pain like a bullet wound Insects with the most painful stings

Pain like a bullet wound. Insects with the most painful bites – RIA Novosti, 10/12/2017 Insects with the most painful stings

Some people panic at the sight of a wasp, a bee, a spider, and even a seemingly harmless ant. However, this panic is due to an instinct that … RIA Novosti, 10/11/2017

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MOSCOW, Oct 11 — RIA Novosti. Some people panic at the sight of a wasp, a bee, a spider, and even a seemingly harmless ant. However, this panic is due to an instinct that warns of danger, because for many thousands of years people have been in contact with insects, gradually remembering the degree of their toxicity.

Scorpion sting saves from pain

April 26, 2017, 5:23 pm

Of course, the stings of most of the listed insects are not fatal, unless there are too many of them, and the person is not allergic to their venom. But any bite is often accompanied by discomfort, and in some cases severe pain. At the same time, pain, as practice shows, is not an indicator of the danger of a bite, since even the most deadly of them are carried out with the use of special “painkillers”.

Our rating focuses on the degree of pain from bites, and not their consequences.

7. halict bee occupied the seventh place modestly. It is often called a sweat bee, since the salt of human sweat is a kind of “caffeine” for it, which enhances activity. The halict bee is a completely non-aggressive creature, it only bites if it sees a real danger, such as a palm trying to slap it. The bite is similar to a needle prick.

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Alvesgaspar / A female bee (Halictus scabiosae)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Alvesgaspar / A female bee (Halictus scabiosae)

6. The bite of the next “laureate”, who received the sixth place, is dangerous not because of its pain. The tsetse fly, or Glossina palpalis, is a carrier of single-celled trypanosomes, the causative agents of sleeping sickness. Tsetse is a rather aggressive insect, constantly thirsting for blood, and in the literal sense, she will try to bite with her last strength and even try to attack the car, mistaking its hot body for a warm-blooded animal. The venom of the fly is not dangerous, although it causes painful red bumps to appear in the stung area.

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Oregon State University / Tsetse fly Tsetse

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Oregon State University / Tsetse fly

Almost all species of these insects use acids that are injected in one way or another. Fire ants use their stingers to inject the toxic poison solenopsin under the skin, causing chemical burns. The sensations from such a bite are comparable to a fire burn – it is a sharp, sharp, sudden pain. A blister appears on the affected area.

© Photo : public domain Red fire ant

© Photo : public domain

People say that the pain caused by its bite starts ringing in the ears. Moreover, this pain lasts for several days, and around the bite site there is redness with a diameter of about ten centimeters. It is worth noting that, in general, hornets bite less often than the same wasps. Hornet venom is not intended for attack, but for defense.

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Richard Bartz / Vespa crabro germana with prey characterized by pain acute that it simply paralyzes a person. It is also called the “tarantula hawk” because it eats and eats tarantula spiders for breakfast and dinner. Her bite is compared to an electric shock, only this shock lasts for several minutes. The pain is so strong and excruciating that a person can hardly control his actions.

© Photo : public domain Wasp Pepsis

© Photo : public domain

These reddish-yellow insects have an average body length of about two centimeters, and their jaws are up to five millimeters long. No wonder they were called bulldogs! A stranger who dares to approach the anthill is in for a painful and poisonous bite. Severe pain may last for several days. Good thing they only live in Australia!

CC BY-SA 2. 0 / JJ Harrison / Myrmecia forficata Bulldog Ant

CC BY-SA 2.0 / JJ Harrison / Myrmecia forficata

u gets Paraponera clavata, or ant -bullet . By the way, he does not bite immediately, even if he considers the situation dangerous. First, the insect warns the enemy with a loud hiss and an unpleasant smell, and only then sets its jaws in motion. It is better to listen carefully and leave in time, because the bitten person will experience terrible pain that does not subside even for a minute for several days. Thanks to her, the insect earned its nickname, since the pain from a bite is comparable to the pain from a bullet wound.

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Bernard DUPONT / Bullet Ant (Paraponera clavata) Bullet Ant

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Bernard DUPONT / Bullet Ant (Paraponera clavata) iation, when “conversion” of boys into men. They also used the powerful jaws of ants to “sew up” open wounds on the body: the two edges of the wound were pressed against each other and an ant’s head was applied to them like a stapler. The insect immediately tightly compresses the jaws, squeezing the edges of the skin. A few bites – and the “seam” is ready. The main thing is not to die from a painful shock.

Information materials on the prevention of insect bites – Articles – Children’s City Polyclinic No. 4 of the City of Krasnodar, MH KK

Insect bites are the bites of wasps, mosquitoes, bees, hornets, fleas, horseflies, spiders, ticks . In scientific terms, a bite is usually called a stab wound or a gap made by an insect in self-defense, excitement or nutrition. At the site of the bite, as a rule, reddening of the skin, a small, sometimes bleeding wound, and a small swelling appear.

Lice bites . Lice are among the small, almost indistinguishable to the naked eye, insects. Their habitat is human hair, the method of infection is close contact with a sick head lice. Lice bites are almost imperceptible, but can cause severe itching, the appearance of purulent wounds at the site of the bite, enlargement and softening of the lymph nodes, and fever.

Flea bites are manifested by the appearance of reddish bumps on parts of the body: arms, neck, legs, etc.

Tick bites look like large moles, on top of which the insect is held. Moose tick bites (these ticks are smaller than usual) resemble small dark bubbles. When the tick lags behind the skin, a small red spot or swelling remains at the site of its introduction.
In Lyme disease transmitted by moose tick bites, which are transmitted by moose or field mice, a spot appears at the site of the bite that has a red center and two white rings around on a reddened background, or a spot that has a red center and a reddened area expanding around it. At the site of mosquito bites, severely itchy blisters appear.

Stings of wasps, bees, hornets are painful and burning, a significant swelling appears at the site of the bite. Usually these insects leave a sting in open places of the body.

HOW TO AVOID INSECT BITES

Insect bites are almost unnoticeable in most cases . But sometimes they can cause and provoke certain complications: allergic reactions, redness of the skin, itching in the ears, eyes, mouth, cough and other symptoms.

Children with hypersensitivity to insect bites and allergic reactions should be tried to isolate as much as possible from places where insects accumulate or their possible presence. It should be excluded the use of perfume or other scented products by the child, wearing bright clothes, walking barefoot on the grass, as well as other factors that attract insects and provoke their bites.

The degree of reaction to an insect sting will depend on the individual natural allergic defense of the organism of an adult or a child. Among the most aggressive insects are: bees, wasps, hornets, stinging ants, mosquitoes, fleas, horseflies, and ticks.

The chance of being bitten by fleas is increased by the proximity of flea-infested pets. The centers of the spread of lice are often children’s groups of kindergartens and schools.

METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF INSECT BITES

Ant, mosquito or horsefly bites can be treated at home . To do this, it will be enough to wash the bite with soap and water, apply a cold compress or ice to it to relieve pain and itching.

Treatment of bee, hornet, wasp stings requires a more serious approach, especially in the case of multiple stings or when accompanied by symptoms such as redness of the skin, severe swelling, hives, nausea or difficulty breathing. In the case of a single and uncomplicated bite, the affected area is washed with soap and water and treated with an insect bite medication. In order to reduce itching, ice is applied to it, and a bandage is applied to prevent infection from entering the wound.

When stinged by bees , it is necessary to inspect the bite site and carefully remove the sting with venom using tweezers, without damaging it, and thereby eliminating the possibility of penetration of the venom into the body.
It is strictly forbidden to apply earth to the site of a bee or wasp sting (according to the advice of traditional medicine), in order to avoid the penetration of a purulent infection into the wound or the appearance of tetanus.

Help for insect bites

Medical help for bee, wasp, hornet stings

Medical treatment for bee, wasp, and hornet stings includes measures to reduce the tumor, the use of antihistamines to reduce itching, and in shock conditions, injections of ethynephrine or oxygen.

If the body is suspected of being susceptible to allergic reactions to insect bites, the doctor may suggest: an anti-bite kit to carry with you at all times or a keychain containing information about the disease and measures to be taken in case of an insect bite.

HELP FOR TICKS

If you have been bitten by ticks and you cannot seek help from a medical institution, you must remove the ticks yourself using tweezers. After each removal, a thorough examination of the bite site is necessary to exclude the possibility that the head of the tick may not be removed. You can remove it with tweezers or a sterile needle (if necessary, removing it from under the skin). To avoid crushing the tick, removal must be done very carefully.

There is another effective and proven way to remove mites. A few drops of vegetable oil are applied to the bite site (usually it is a yellowish-green bubble). The oil closes the pores, thereby blocking the breath of the tick. After one or two minutes, by turning the bubble counterclockwise with tweezers, it is necessary to achieve the appearance of a tick head with red antennae. Their stirring indicates the successful and complete extraction of the tick. Upon completion of the removal procedure, the bite site must be lubricated with iodine, brilliant green or alcohol.

For mosquito bites Wipe the bite area with alcohol, alcohol-based solution or cologne to reduce itching. When organizing a trip out of town, provide for the availability and use of mosquito repellents.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if :

• a significant tumor develops around the site of an insect bite,
• having a fever, headaches, drowsiness or other symptoms for several days,
• accumulations at insect bites, pus,
• swollen lymph nodes,
• lice detection,
• flea bite detection,
• tick bite detection,
• the appearance of itching in the head, urticaria, redness of the skin.