What are the most common insects that cause irritating bites in Florida. How can you identify different types of bug bites based on their appearance and symptoms. When should you seek medical attention for a bug bite.

Common Insects Causing Irritating Bites in Florida

Florida’s warm and humid climate provides an ideal environment for various biting insects. Some of the most common culprits causing irritating bites in Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale include:

• Mosquitoes
• Ticks
• Fleas
• No-see-ums (also known as biting midges)
• Chiggers

Identifying these bites can sometimes be challenging, but understanding their characteristics can help determine the appropriate treatment and alleviate discomfort.

Mosquito Bites: Characteristics and Prevention

Mosquito bites are perhaps the most recognizable among insect bites. Their distinctive features include:

• Red, itchy bumps
• Immediate reaction after being bitten
• Often appear in exposed areas of the skin

Why do mosquito bites itch? The saliva of mosquitoes contains proteins that most people react to, causing the characteristic red and itchy bump. These pesky insects are attracted to their victims based on scent, with some species being more active during the day and others at dawn and dusk.

To prevent mosquito bites, DEET-based insect repellents are widely regarded as the most effective. However, other preventive measures include wearing long-sleeved clothing and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours.

Chigger Bites: Identification and Treatment

Chiggers are tiny mites commonly found in various outdoor environments, including:

• Meadows
• Golf courses
• Woodlands
• Parks
• Grasslands around lakes and rivers

How can you identify chigger bites? The symptoms typically include:

• Intense itching
• Flat or raised red bumps on the skin
• Blistered appearance in some cases
• Bites often found around sock lines and belt lines

What happens when a chigger bites? The process is quite intricate:

1. The chigger inserts its feeding structures and mouthparts into the skin
2. It injects enzymes that destroy the surrounding tissue
3. The area around the bite hardens
4. A feeding tube called a stylostome is inserted further into the bite area
5. The chigger can feed on the skin through this structure for several days

To treat chigger bites, anti-itch creams and oral antihistamines can help alleviate the discomfort. Avoid scratching the bites to prevent secondary infections.

Tick Bites: Risks and Proper Removal

Ticks are small arachnids that inhabit woodland and grassy areas, particularly where deer and other wildlife are present. Unlike other insect bites, you’re more likely to notice the tick itself before you notice the bite.

How do ticks appear and behave?

• Initially extremely small
• Swell as they feed, becoming pea-sized
• Attach themselves to the skin to feed on blood

What’s the proper method for removing a tick?

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible
3. Pull upward with steady, even pressure
4. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick
5. Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water

Why is proper tick removal crucial? Ticks can transmit Lyme Disease, a serious illness characterized by flu-like symptoms, lethargy, and aches and pains. If you develop a classic bull’s-eye rash after a tick bite, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme Disease can lead to a full recovery, but if left untreated, it can cause severe long-term problems such as paralysis, arthritis, and meningitis.

Flea Bites: Characteristics and Treatment

Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking insects that often infest pets but can also bite humans. How can you identify flea bites?

• Small, distinctive red bumps
• Often appear in groups of three or four, or in a straight line
• Extremely itchy
• Skin around the bite may be sore or painful
• Possible development of a rash or hives near the bite site

Where are flea bites commonly found? These insects prefer warm, moist areas such as:

• Waist
• Armpits
• Breasts
• Groin
• Folds of elbows and knees
• Ankles and calves

How can flea bites be treated? Over-the-counter antihistamines and anti-itch creams can help alleviate symptoms. To prevent reinfestation, it’s crucial to treat your pets and home environment for fleas.

No-See-Um Bites: Identification and Management

No-see-ums, also known as biting midges or pignon gnats, are tiny flying insects that can deliver painful bites. What are the characteristics of no-see-um bites?

• Red-dot multi-bite clusters
• Can enlarge into raised welts up to 1-2 inches in diameter
• Tender welts can persist for two weeks or more
• Bites may appear a day or more after the initial bite
• Often cause more pain than other common bug bites

How can you manage no-see-um bites? Antihistamines and cold compresses can help reduce itching and swelling. To prevent bites, use fine-mesh screens on windows and doors, and consider using insect repellents when outdoors.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bug Bites

While most bug bites are harmless and heal on their own, certain situations warrant medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare professional?

• Signs of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness)
• Development of a bull’s-eye rash after a tick bite
• Symptoms of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus)
• Flu-like symptoms following a bite
• Bites that don’t heal or worsen over time

Is it possible to prevent most bug bites? While it’s challenging to avoid all bites, you can reduce your risk by:

• Using appropriate insect repellents
• Wearing protective clothing
• Avoiding peak insect hours
• Eliminating standing water around your property
• Keeping your lawn and vegetation well-maintained

Remember, if you’re unsure about a bite or experience concerning symptoms, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult a medical professional.

The Importance of Proper Bite Identification

Understanding the characteristics of different bug bites is crucial for several reasons:

1. Appropriate treatment: Different bites may require different treatment approaches.
2. Prevention of complications: Early identification can help prevent potential complications, especially with tick bites.
3. Peace of mind: Knowing what bit you can alleviate anxiety about potential health risks.
4. Informed prevention: Understanding which insects are prevalent in your area can help you take targeted preventive measures.

By familiarizing yourself with the appearance and symptoms of common bug bites, you can make informed decisions about treatment and when to seek medical help.

The Role of Climate in Insect Activity

Florida’s climate plays a significant role in the prevalence of biting insects. How does the weather affect insect activity?

• Warm temperatures increase insect metabolism and reproduction rates
• High humidity provides ideal conditions for many insects
• Seasonal changes can affect the types of insects that are most active

Understanding these patterns can help you anticipate when certain insects might be more prevalent and take appropriate precautions.

Natural Remedies for Bug Bite Relief

While over-the-counter treatments are effective, some natural remedies can also provide relief from bug bites. What are some natural options to consider?

• Applying a cold compress to reduce swelling and numb the area
• Using baking soda paste to neutralize the pH of the bite and reduce itching
• Applying honey for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Using aloe vera gel to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation
• Trying essential oils like tea tree or lavender (diluted with a carrier oil) for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties

Remember to test any natural remedy on a small area of skin first to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.

The Impact of Climate Change on Insect Populations

Climate change is affecting insect populations worldwide, including those in Florida. How might this impact bug bites in the future?

• Expanding ranges of certain insect species
• Changes in seasonal activity patterns
• Potential introduction of new insect-borne diseases
• Increased reproduction rates for some insects

These changes underscore the importance of staying informed about local insect populations and taking appropriate preventive measures.

The Role of Technology in Bug Bite Prevention and Treatment

Advancements in technology are providing new tools for both preventing and treating bug bites. What are some innovative approaches?

• Smart mosquito traps that use CO2 and light to attract and capture insects
• Apps that use local data to predict insect activity levels
• Ultrasonic devices claiming to repel insects (though their effectiveness is debated)
• Advanced fabric technologies that incorporate insect repellents
• DNA-based insect repellents targeting specific species

While these technologies offer promising solutions, it’s important to combine them with traditional preventive measures for the best protection against bug bites.

The Psychological Impact of Bug Bites

Beyond the physical discomfort, bug bites can have psychological effects on some individuals. What are some potential mental health impacts?

• Anxiety about outdoor activities
• Stress from constant itching and discomfort
• Sleep disturbances due to nighttime biting insects
• Phobias related to specific insects or bites

Addressing these psychological aspects is an important part of comprehensive bug bite management, especially for individuals who experience severe reactions or frequent bites.

The Importance of Community-Wide Insect Control Efforts

Effective insect control often requires community-wide efforts. How can communities work together to reduce biting insect populations?

• Coordinated mosquito control programs
• Community education initiatives about insect prevention
• Neighborhood clean-up efforts to eliminate breeding sites
• Collaborative reporting of tick or flea infestations in public areas

By working together, communities can significantly reduce the prevalence of biting insects and the associated health risks.

The Future of Bug Bite Prevention and Treatment

Research into bug bite prevention and treatment is ongoing. What developments might we see in the future?

• Gene editing techniques to reduce populations of disease-carrying insects
• Development of more effective and longer-lasting insect repellents
• Improved diagnostic tools for identifying insect-borne diseases
• Personalized treatments based on individual reactions to bites
• Enhanced understanding of the human immune response to insect bites

These advancements hold the promise of more effective prevention strategies and treatments for bug bites in the years to come.

As our understanding of insects and their bites continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest research and recommendations is crucial. By combining this knowledge with practical prevention strategies and prompt treatment when necessary, we can minimize the impact of bug bites on our health and enjoyment of the outdoors.

What Bit Me? What You Need to Know

Everyone has suffered from that incredibly itchy bite that keeps you awake at night, and no matter what type of bug bite you have, it is good to know what bit you. Learning to identify a bug bite by how it looks and feels will help you know whether to treat the bug bite at home or seek immediate medical care. Most bug bites and stings from common insects are harmless and heal quickly. Here is Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, some of the common insects that can cause irritating bites are mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, no-see-ums, and chiggers.  Some of these bites can be hard to identify, and how you treat these bites can determine how uncomfortable you are and for how long.

DO NOT SCRATCH: Until you can identify what you have been stung by, try your best not the scratch the bite. Once the skin has been broken the bite is far more likely to become infected.

Below is a quick guide to help you figure out what has bitten you:

Mosquitoes – Mosquito have the most identifiable bite. Their saliva contains proteins that most people react to causing an red and itchy bump. They sniff their victims out and choose them based on their scent. Some mosquitos are around more in the daytime, some at dawn and dusk. Deet based insect repellents are widely seen as the most effective.

Chiggers – Chiggers are little mites that are commonly found in meadows, golf courses, woodlands, parks and in grasslands around lakes and rivers. Symptoms of chigger bites include intense itching, and flat or raised red bumps on the skin that sometimes appear blistered. When the chigger bites, it inserts its feeding structures and mouth parts into the skin where it injects enzymes into the host skin that destroy the tissue around the bite. The area around the bite then hardens, and they insert a feeding tube, called a sylostome, further into the bite area. They can feed on the skin through this structure for a few days. These bites are usually found around sock lines and belt lines.

Ticks – Ticks are tiny creatures that live in woodland and grassy areas, they are particularly prevalent if there are deer and other wildlife. They bite into the skin to feed on blood. Initially they are extremely small, but swell as they eat, eventually becoming pea sized and therefore easier to spot and remove. With a tick, you will probably notice the tick before the bite. In this case, they should be very carefully removed with tweezers or ideally with a proper tick remover, gently pulling without twisting in any way. Ticks carry Lyme Disease, which is a serious illness in humans, characterized by flu like symptoms, lethargy and aches and pains. If you have been bitten by a tick and/or happen to develop a classic bulls eye type rash, which can appear on any part of the body, please seek medical attention.  If a doctor can diagnose and treat Lyme Disease quickly, it is possible to make a full recovery.  However it can cause paralysis, arthritis, meningitis and severe long-term problems.

Fleas – Fleas are tiny, irritating insects, that like to feed on our blood and that of our pets. Flea bites are small distinctive, red bumps that usually occur in groups of three or four, or in a straight line. Fleas like warm moist areas such as the waist, armpits, breasts, groin, or in the folds of the elbows and knees, but they also nibble the easy to reach areas such as ankles and calves. Fleabites are incredibly itchy, the skin around each bite can be sore or painful and you might develop a rash or hives near the site of a bite. These bites can be confused with Chiggers at times, but the main difference is that a Chigger bite will almost feel hard or scab-like in the center.

No-See-Ums (aka Pignon Gnats and Biting Midges) – No-See-Um bites generally appear as red-dot multi-bite clusters. Over time, these bites can enlarge into raised welts, up to one to two inches in diameter. Also, note that tender no-see-um welts can linger on your skin for two weeks or more. When comparing no-see-um bites, it’s important to note how long bug bites last. Pay attention to the fact that no-see-um bites appear a day later (or more) in many instances after the initial bite. Also, no-see-um bites tend to cause more pain than than most of these other bug bites.

If you need help in eliminating these pesky biting insects from your yard, our MosquitoNix® Team in Southeast Florida from Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, & Miami are here to help!

How to Identify Them and Which Ones to Worry About

It’s itchy. It’s sore. Your limbs might be a little achy. Or you could just generally be feeling a little off. You know that something has had its teeth into you. But the questions are, ‘which bug bit you?’ and ‘should you be concerned?’

In North Carolina, we’re pretty lucky. There aren’t that many insects here with bites that can make us really sick. Sure, they cause discomfort and irritation, but they’re not going to be giving business to the undertaker any time soon.

BUT there are some bugs in the area that can cause real problems. Mainly due to allergy risks. And it’s important to be aware of that fact. So, how do you know which little sucker has been using you as a meal ticket? And which ones do you need to worry about?

North Carolina’s Biting Bugs, Their Symptoms and Their Risks

Not counting spiders, which come into a category all of their own (you can find out more about identifying spider bites here), there are eight commonly found biting insect species in North Carolina. So, let’s talk about their vital statistics.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito bites aren’t dangerous per se. They don’t carry venom, just a mild anesthetic to prevent you from squishing them while they chow down. But they do carry diseases. And that’s where the danger lies. That’s why it’s a good idea to limit the number of mosquitoes in your yard or home through mosquito treatments.

The symptoms

Mosquito bites are characterized by soft, insanely itchy lumps that quickly harden. During the course of the next several days the lumps will grow, often becoming quite large. You’ll usually have more than one bite at a time.

If the bites are accompanied by other symptoms of sickness – fever, nausea, headache, fatigue – you should see a doctor to rule out any form of contagion. It’s also a good idea to see advice if any of the bite sites looks like it might be becoming infected. Otherwise, use calming lotions, such as calamine, and ice packs on the affected areas.

Red Fire Ants

If you Live in NC, you’ll know what a red fire ant looks like. Invaders from Brazil, they grow up to 1/3 of an inch long and are reddish brown in color. And when they bite, it really, really hurts.

The symptoms

Apart from the pain, the first sign of a red fire ant bite will be a small red spot. Usually several spots – you’re lucky if you just receive one bite. The spot/s will form a blister in the next 12 hours. The area will be itchy and painful, but for most that’s as bad as it gets. It’s important to remember though, that allergies to red fire ant bites can occur. It’s rare, but if you notice any symptoms of confusion, dizziness, vomiting or shortness of breath, seek go straight to your local ER.

NOTE: Red fire ant bites can be fatal to children. If you are at all concerned, seek medical help.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are one of the easiest biters to identify. They have the stereotypical hourglass figure of your average wasp, but they’re slightly narrower and generally a dark brown/russet color. These guys don’t so much bite as sting, and when they do, you know about it.

The symptoms:

You will never be unaware that a paper wasp has stung you. There is an immediate stabbing sensation, rapidly followed by burning. Minor swelling, itching and redness will follow. But unless you are allergic to the venom – which is typified by wheeziness, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, and/or difficulty swallowing – you shouldn’t need to seek medical help.

The worst that will normally happen will be multiple stings as the creature tries to fight its way of out the corner it’s found itself in, or a stinger lodged in your skin. In which case, tweezers will be necessary to extract it. Otherwise, simply wash the area and use a cold compress to combat any pain and swelling.

Black Flies

‘Swarming people and other mammals, black flies lacerate the skin and suck the blood of their victims,’ so says Sciencing.com. And don’t they simply just sound charming? Unfortunately, these nasty little beasts breed around all North Carolina waterways. And their bites are no pleasant.

The symptoms

Most black fly bites begin with two little puncture marks, but swelling can quickly occur. Often so you’re left with a sore, itchy lump the size of a golf ball. Headache, fever and nausea may also occur.

In most cases, black fly bites will heal by themselves. But if the itching and pain aren’t showing any sign of abatement, you may need medical treatment.

NOTE: There are other species of biting fly in the area, these include midges and sand flies, but the black fly is most prevalent.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are everywhere. These tiny parasitic critters can be found in all parts of America. And pretty much everywhere else too. Growing up to 0.18 inches, they’re not so small that you can’t see them, but they are generally shy and nocturnal, so you’re unlikely to see them when you’re awake. But if you find a round, brown bug in your home and you’re being bitten on a regular basis, you can be fairly confident that you have bed bugs.

Symptoms

Bed bug bites are generally small, red bumps with a clear center, and they usually appear in clusters. They are itchy and prone to inflammation, often producing a burning sensation. They will usually also produce small patches of blood on clothing. And will sometimes lead to hives.

In most cases, bed bug bites can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines and anti-itch creams. However, occasionally, an allergic reaction or bite infection will also occur, in which case you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. And, of course, contact pest management specialists to make sure that you’re not bitten again.

Chiggers

Chiggers are probably one of the most unpleasant biting insects. Largely because they don’t just bite, but burrow into the flesh to lay their eggs. Although, this is more likely to be the case with an animal host. Bright red in appearance, they would be easy to identify, if they weren’t just so darn tiny.

Symptoms

Chigger bites will leave your skin covered in small, reddish-brown bumps, which may develop to look like pimples, welts or blisters. The good news is that chiggers don’t carry any diseases or poisons. So, although annoying, unless your bites get infected, you shouldn’t need any medical treatment.

Fleas

Flea bites are probably the most common insect bites in America. Because fleas are among the most common pests. These tiny brown/black insects can survive without a host for years and can live in practically any conditions. Luckily, their bites aren’t much to worry about.

Symptoms

Flea bites appear as itchy red lumps, surrounded by a red halo. They can occur anywhere, but are most common on legs and feet. The greatest risk they pose comes from infection. As with any infected wound, if not treated properly, infected flea bites can be a serious health risk. But most of the time they can be dealt with using calamine lotion and anesthetic creams to treat the itching. And then you might want to call a flea exterminator team in to help remove the problem.

Ticks

Ticks are small greyish blood suckers that turn brown as they gorge on your blood. They live in long grass and will only come into a home attached to a host – commonly dogs, cats and yes, humans.

Symptoms

Because tick bites are initially painless, they can go undetected. After which, victims may experience a burning sensation around the bite site and notice blistering and a rash characterized by a red center surrounded by a larger, separate red ring. In many cases, tick bites will end there. But there is a danger of infection and ulceration if the insect’s mouth parts are left within the wound. And being blood-sucking parasites, ticks do carry a range of diseases. Among the most serious of these is Lyme Disease.

What can you do to prevent insect bites?

The best thing you can do to avoid insect bites is be aware.

• If you see signs of nests – ant hills, wasp nests – around your home, have them removed by pest control experts.
• When out in nature, use insect repellents and try to keep as much of your skin covered up as possible.
• Check your pets regularly for signs of parasites.
• And try not to make your home attractive to pests – often easier said than done.

As spring approaches, more and more biting insects will come out to play. They’re unavoidable. And some of them are even useful – wasps eat so many other pests. The best thing you can do is be vigilant. Be aware of the symptoms. And know what to do if you do happen to end up being a part of something’s lunch!

Insect bites – health articles

11/10/2022

Babies have thin and sensitive skin, so the bite of a wasp or a bee, a hornet or a bumblebee, and even an ordinary mosquito can lead to serious negative consequences. A local reaction in the form of slight itching or swelling at the site of the bite is considered normal and disappears after a maximum of two days.

However, it is not uncommon for babies to develop hard and itchy blisters. The danger lies in the fact that when combing, harmful bacteria can enter the wound, which cause infection or inflammation. And the bite of some insects does lead to severe allergies.

Bee and wasp stings are especially dangerous for children, as poisonous substances that contain histamine penetrate the skin. It is he who can cause severe itching, swelling and soreness not only at the site of contact, but also around, and with an allergenic mood of the body, it can lead to severe reactions that require emergency care in some cases.

In addition to local symptoms, there may be general symptoms such as fever, nausea and/or vomiting, severe headache, or swollen lymph nodes. In this case, after first aid, you should immediately consult a doctor.

There is also a delayed reaction to insect bites, developing 6-12 hours after the bite, and sometimes 1-2 weeks after it. It is manifested by malaise, headache, rash on the body, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes.

What to do if you get bitten by insects?

Regardless of which insect has bitten your child, make sure that the baby does not scratch the bite. Do not let your child scratch the itchy area, as this can not only increase the itching, but also contribute to the penetration of the infection (if the integrity of the skin is broken).

Prevent scratching of arms and legs by wearing long-sleeved, long-legged clothing. If the bite is on the foot or ankle, put socks on the child.

Treat the sting with corticosteroid ointment. Corticosteroid creams and topical ointments are designed to relieve itching and reduce inflammation.

If a tick has stuck to the skin of a child, it is not advisable to remove it from the wound yourself. It is better to immediately go to the hospital or the nearest emergency room.

Even if the tick bite was of short duration, the risk of contracting tick infections cannot be ruled out. A tick can be a source of a fairly large number of diseases, so after removing a tick, save it for testing for tick-borne infections (tick-borne encephalitis, tick-borne borreliosis, if possible, for other infections), this can usually be done in an infectious diseases hospital. The tick should be placed in a small glass bottle along with a piece of cotton wool slightly moistened with water. Be sure to close the bottle with a tight cap and store it in the refrigerator. For microscopic diagnosis, the tick must be delivered to the laboratory alive. Even individual fragments of the tick are suitable for PCR diagnostics.

Prevention

To prevent bites, it is also necessary to use special sprays and ointments that repel insects when leaving the city for nature – repellents. How to use repellents correctly?

There are general rules for using these products:

– The label must have a sign that the drug is hypoallergenic and approved for use in children.
– Allergy sufferers are not recommended to use aerosols, because additional allergic provocations from the bronchopulmonary system are possible. It is better to apply, not even creams, but “sticks”.
– It is not recommended to smear large areas of the skin with these products, it is better to spread them on clothes (it can be treated abundantly), and treat the skin only in open areas.
– Before use, it is necessary to spread a small area of ​​the skin, look at the reaction. In the absence of a local reaction, this drug may be used.
– Areas with scratches, wounds, inflammations, lips, and eyelids must not be treated with repellent.
– After a walk, you need to take a shower and remove the remnants of the substance from the body. If clothes are treated with repellent, they should be changed as soon as there is no need for protection.
– The manufacturer usually gives recommendations on the frequency of treatments – do not neglect these recommendations.

Official website of the city district Degtyarsk

July 10, 2020

Category: Healthy lifestyle

Views: 1804

This summer, each of us has already experienced all the “joy” of insect bites. Mosquitoes have been particularly annoying this season.

Insect stings are not only unpleasant to the senses, but can also be fraught with some dangers, which it is better to be aware of in advance and be armed.

Why are bites dangerous?

In the first place, an allergic reaction. After a bite of any insect, an anaphylactic reaction can occur. Not everyone. This is especially true for people with a history of allergic reactions.

Anaphylactic reaction occurs at lightning speed. The person feels weak, then symptoms quickly increase, such as difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, loss of consciousness.

This is a life-threatening condition. Need urgent medical attention.

The most common allergic reaction to insect bites is in the form of unbearable itching, inflammation of the bite site. When there are many such bites, it causes great discomfort and entails the risk of a secondary infection.

The second, no less important problem associated with insect bites is infection.

Everyone is familiar with Lyme disease (borreliosis), tick-borne viral encephalitis, malaria and other infections associated specifically with insect bites. In this case, insects are the carrier of the infectious agent.

Who will we talk about?

We will look at the bites of mosquitoes, ticks, wasps, bees, horseflies, midges – these are the most common causes of summer bite troubles. You can also suffer from the bites of bedbugs, spiders, fleas.

Mosquito bites

Intolerable itching – a reaction to proteins contained in the insect’s saliva, which it injects in the process of sucking blood in order to stop the blood clotting process.

Diseases such as malaria, Zika, Dengue, yellow fever can be transmitted by mosquito bites in some countries.

Tick bites

The moment of a tick bite is painless. He is found already sucked. The danger is that ticks are carriers of serious diseases – tick-borne viral encephalitis, Lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis and human monocytic ehrlichiosis. A distinctive feature of borreliosis (Lyme disease) is a round annular rash that resembles circles.

Wasp and bee stings

Wasps, bees and hornets have a stinger for self-defense. The sting contains a poison (poisonous substance) that enters the bite site, causing severe pain and burning. Swelling, inflammation, redness, and itching may also occur. The most dangerous is anaphylaxis: swelling of the face, suffocation, dizziness. Urgent medical attention is needed.

Horsefly bites

Horseflies attack in hot stuffy weather.

The sting of a horsefly is quite painful and can cause a sharp burning sensation. Often there is a feeling of itching, inflammation and swelling in the bite area. Perhaps even the appearance of a hematoma.

Midge bites

There are about 4000 species of biting midges. The smallest of the flies that attack humans can range in size from 1 to 3 mm. Despite their tiny size, midge bites can be irritating and even cause local pain.

Flea bites

Flea bites leave an itchy welt on the skin, often on the ankles and legs.

General symptoms

After a bite, even if you do not feel it, you can find a red, painful, itchy, usually round spot on the body.

What to do if you are bitten or stung?

First of all, if a tick has bitten, it must be pulled out. If you can’t do it yourself, go to the emergency room. If a wasp or a bee has bitten, you need to get a sting. Next, it is important to wash the affected area with soap and water, you can make a cold compress.

Pain, swelling and itching can sometimes last for several days. Ask your healthcare provider about medications that may help. These can include pain relievers, itch creams, and antihistamines.

When to seek medical help?

If symptoms worsen after a bite for a long time.

You have been bitten or stung in the mouth area, near the throat, or in the eye area.

A large area (about 10 cm or more of skin) around the bite becomes red and swollen.

There are symptoms of infection, such as pus or increasing pain, swelling.

Symptoms of infection such as fever, malaise.

Get emergency medical attention right away if you or someone else has symptoms of a severe reaction, such as:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Swelling of the face, mouth, throat.
• Increased heart rate.
• Dizziness or weakness.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Loss of consciousness.

These cases require urgent hospital care.

How to prevent insect bites

Remain calm and walk away slowly if there are wasps, hornets or bees nearby – do not wave your arms or knock them over.

Wear closed clothing.