What are the common symptoms of insect and spider bites. How can you treat swelling and allergic reactions at home. When should you seek medical attention for a bite or sting. What are effective prevention methods against bites and stings.

Common Types of Biting Insects and Their Effects

Insect bites are a common nuisance, especially during warmer months or in tropical climates. Understanding the various types of biting insects and their potential effects is crucial for proper identification and treatment. Let’s explore some of the most prevalent biting insects and their characteristic symptoms:

Mosquitoes and Midges

Mosquito and midge bites typically result in small, itchy lumps or papules on the skin. In some cases, particularly sensitive individuals may develop blisters or wheals. While often merely annoying, mosquito bites can potentially transmit serious diseases such as:

• Malaria
• Zika virus
• Dengue fever
• Yellow fever
• Encephalitis

Is it possible to distinguish between mosquito and midge bites? While both insects leave similar marks, mosquito bites tend to be larger and more pronounced, often appearing as raised, red welts. Midge bites, on the other hand, are usually smaller and may appear in clusters.

Ticks

Tick bites can be particularly concerning due to their potential to transmit various diseases. While not all tick bites are harmful, some can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Common diseases transmitted by ticks include:

• Lyme disease
• Babesiosis
• Ehrlichiosis
• Tick-borne relapsing fever

How can you identify a tick bite? Tick bites often appear as a small red spot on the skin, sometimes accompanied by a bulls-eye rash in cases of Lyme disease. It’s crucial to remove the tick properly and monitor the bite area for any signs of infection or unusual symptoms.

Fleas

Flea bites typically manifest as small, raised lesions that appear within minutes of the bite. For those sensitive to insect bites, itching around the site may persist for a week or longer. While generally not dangerous, fleas can transmit diseases such as typhus and Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis), the bacterium responsible for plague.

Horseflies

Horsefly bites are known for their painful nature. Symptoms of a horsefly bite may include:

• Dizziness
• Itchiness of the eyes and lips
• Fatigue
• General weakness

Why do horsefly bites take longer to heal? Horseflies cut into the skin when they bite, which can increase the risk of infection and prolong the healing process.

Bedbugs

Bedbug bites often appear as discolored, itchy welts on the skin, typically occurring in clusters. It’s worth noting that not everyone reacts immediately to bedbug bites, and it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to manifest. In rare cases, individuals may experience severe reactions, including breathing difficulties, fever, and an irregular heartbeat.

Sand Flies

Prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, sand fly bites can be both painful and itchy. These bites may lead to discolored bumps, blisters, and in some cases, ulceration. Sand flies are also known to transmit diseases such as leishmaniasis and the Heartland virus.

Spider Bites: When Arachnids Attack

While not insects, spiders can deliver painful and sometimes dangerous bites. Two notable species in the United States are the brown recluse and the black widow spider.

Brown Recluse Spider

The bite of a brown recluse spider initially produces only a mild sting. However, its venom can cause significant tissue destruction and severe pain over time. How can you identify a brown recluse bite? Look for a red, white, and blue lesion that may develop a central blister.

Black Widow Spider

Black widow spider bites may initially cause faint swelling and discoloration at the bite site. Within hours, victims may experience stiffness and extreme pain. These bites can be particularly dangerous and may require immediate medical attention.

Recognizing Allergic Reactions to Insect Bites

While most insect bites cause only minor discomfort, some individuals may experience allergic reactions. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of a severe allergic reaction, which may include:

• A blotchy rash that spreads beyond the bite area
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Cramps
• Faintness or dizziness
• Nausea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Severe swelling
• Intense itching
• Wheezing

When should you seek medical attention for an insect bite? If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate medical care, as these may indicate a severe allergic reaction that could be life-threatening.

Home Treatment for Insect Bites and Stings

Most insect bites can be effectively treated at home. Here are some steps you can take to alleviate discomfort and promote healing:

1. Clean the affected area with mild soap and water
2. Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and numb the area
3. Elevate the affected limb to minimize swelling
4. Use over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce itching
5. Apply a hydrocortisone cream to alleviate inflammation

How long should you apply cold compresses to an insect bite? Apply cold compresses for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day, or as needed to relieve discomfort.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Insect Bites

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

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction (as mentioned earlier)
• Symptoms of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the bite area
• Fever or flu-like symptoms following a bite
• A bite from a potentially dangerous spider, such as a brown recluse or black widow
• Multiple stings or bites, especially in children or elderly individuals

Can insect bites lead to long-term health problems? In most cases, insect bites resolve without long-term consequences. However, bites that transmit diseases like Lyme disease or malaria can have lasting health effects if not treated promptly.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Biting Insects at Bay

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

• Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially in wooded areas
• Avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented products that may attract insects
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping outdoors or in areas with high insect activity
• Keep your living space clean and free of standing water to discourage insect breeding
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep insects out of your home

What is the most effective way to apply insect repellent? Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing, but avoid applying it under clothing. Reapply as directed, especially after swimming or sweating.

Understanding the Impact of Climate on Insect Bites

The risk and severity of insect bites can vary significantly depending on geographical location and climate. In colder climates, such as the northern United States and Canada, the risk of contracting diseases from insect bites is generally low. However, as you move closer to the equator and into warmer climates, the risk increases substantially.

Why does climate affect the prevalence of insect-borne diseases? Warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels create ideal conditions for insects to thrive and reproduce. Additionally, many disease-carrying insects are native to tropical and subtropical regions.

In warmer climates, insect bites can lead to more serious health concerns, including:

• Malaria
• Sleeping sickness
• Dengue fever
• Zika virus

If you’re traveling to a region with a higher risk of insect-borne diseases, it’s crucial to take extra precautions and consult with a healthcare provider about potential preventive measures, such as vaccines or prophylactic medications.

The Role of Individual Sensitivity in Insect Bite Reactions

It’s important to note that individuals can react differently to insect bites based on their personal sensitivity. Factors that can influence a person’s reaction to insect bites include:

• Age
• Overall health
• Immune system strength
• Previous exposure to the specific insect
• Genetic predisposition to allergies

Why do some people seem to attract more insect bites than others? Several factors can make a person more attractive to biting insects, including body temperature, carbon dioxide production, and certain chemical compounds in sweat and skin.

Understanding your personal sensitivity to insect bites can help you take appropriate precautions and seek timely treatment when necessary. If you know you’re particularly sensitive to certain insect bites, it’s wise to carry antihistamines or other prescribed medications when venturing into areas with high insect activity.

Developing Tolerance to Insect Bites

Interestingly, some individuals may develop a degree of tolerance to certain insect bites over time. This phenomenon, known as desensitization, can occur with repeated exposure to the same type of insect bite. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t apply to all types of insects or all individuals.

Can you deliberately desensitize yourself to insect bites? While some people may naturally develop a tolerance over time, intentional desensitization to insect bites is not recommended without medical supervision, as it could potentially lead to severe allergic reactions.

The Importance of Proper Bite Identification

Correctly identifying the source of a bite or sting is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and assessing potential risks. While it’s not always possible to identify the exact insect responsible, certain characteristics can help narrow down the possibilities:

• Size and shape of the bite mark
• Number of bites and their pattern
• Accompanying symptoms (pain, itching, swelling)
• Time of day when the bite occurred
• Location where the bite took place (indoors, outdoors, specific geographical region)

How can you differentiate between a spider bite and an insect bite? Spider bites often leave two small puncture marks, while most insect bites appear as a single puncture or raised bump. However, this isn’t a foolproof method, and professional medical assessment may be necessary for definitive identification.

If you’re unsure about the source of a bite or if you’re experiencing unusual symptoms, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide accurate identification and recommend appropriate treatment based on the specific type of bite and your individual health circumstances.

Insect bites: Reactions, types, and images

Insect and spider bites can cause small lacerations, swelling, skin discoloration, blisters, and other symptoms. Home treatment includes washing with mild soap and water, applying cold compresses, and raising the affected area, but some bites may need medical attention.

Insects typically inject formic acid through their bite. This can lead to blisters, inflammation, pain, itching, and irritation. The reaction depends on the type of insect and the individual’s sensitivity.

In this article, we look at the types of insects that bite, how people react, and how to manage a bite.

In the northern United States and Canada, biting insects include:

• bedbugs
• fleas
• flies, such as horseflies
• gnats
• midges
• mosquitoes
• ticks

Hiking, camping, and working outdoors can all increase a person’s risk of insect bites.

In colder climates, the risk of catching diseases from insect bites is low. However, nearer the equator, temperatures are much higher. Here, insect bites can lead to malaria, sleeping sickness, dengue fever, or the Zika virus.

Insect bites typically cause a small itchy lump to develop on the skin. Sometimes, the bite itself may be visible as a tiny hole. The lump may fill with fluid. Inflammation sometimes occurs around the area around the lump.

Insect bites normally disappear within a few days without any need for medical attention.

Allergic reactions

Some people have an allergic reaction to insect bites. However, bites rarely cause a severe allergic reaction, unlike insect stings.

The following may indicate a severe allergic reaction:

• an often blotchy rash can spread to other parts of the body
• breathing difficulties
• chest pain
• cramps
• faintness or dizziness
• nausea
• rapid heartbeat
• severe swelling
• severe itching
• wheezing

These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Allergic reactions to insect bites do not normally last more than a few weeks, but sometimes they can linger for months. In this case, the individual should consult a doctor.

Learn more about severe allergic reactions.

Infections

An insect bite that develops infection can lead to:

• pus inside or around the bite
• swollen glands
• fever
• a feeling of being unwell
• flu-like symptoms.

Learn more about fly bites, and find pictures of different bites here.

Insect bites can have different effects.

Tick bites

Tick bites are not always harmful. Often a person will experience a small rash for 1-2 days.

However, ticks can transmit several diseases including:

• Lyme disease
• babesiosis
• ehrlichiosis
• tick-borne relapsing fever

These diseases can cause muscle aches, fever, and joint pain. Without treatment, Lyme disease can cause facial paralysis, nerve damage and arthritis.

Learn more about tick bites here.

Mosquitoes and midges

Bites typically cause small, itchy lumps, or papules. Blisters or weals may develop in sensitive individuals.

Mosquito bites can transfer diseases, such as malaria, Zika, dengue fever, yellow fever, and encephalitis.

Learn more about mosquito bites here.

Fleas

A flea bite typically leads to small, raised lesions within minutes. People sensitive to insect bites might experience itching around the site for a week or more.

Fleas can transmit diseases such as typhus and Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis).

Learn more about flea bites here.

Horseflies

Horseflies can deliver a painful bite. The following symptoms might accompany a horsefly bite:

• dizziness
• possible itchiness of the eyes and lips
• fatigue
• general weakness

Horsefly bites may take a long time to heal because the insect cuts into the skin when it bites. This can increase the risk of infection.

Learn more about horsefly bites here.

Bedbugs

Bedbug bites cause discolored itchy welts. These typically occur in clusters.

People may not experience a reaction to bedbug bites initially, and it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear.

In rare cases, a person may have a severe reaction to bedbug bites. A severe reaction can cause breathing difficulties, fever, and an irregular heartbeat.

Find out more about bedbugs.

Sand flies

Sand flies are small flies that occur mostly in tropical and subtropical areas. However, they can occur in the southern states of the U.S.

The bite of the sandfly can be painful and itchy. Discolored bumps and blisters may develop. Sometimes, ulceration might result. The fly can also transmit diseases, such as leishmaniasis and the Heartland virus.

Spiders are not insects, but they can and do bite. Some spider bites are dangerous to humans.

The bite of the brown recluse, for example, produces only a mild sting at the time of the bite. However, it can be very damaging, causing tissue destruction and severe pain.

Black widow spider bites

The black widow is another venomous spider common in the United States. Bites may initially cause faint swelling and discoloration. Stiffness and extreme pain may follow within hours.

Black widow bites may cause:

• chills
• fever
• nausea
• extreme abdominal pain

Learn everything you need to know about spider bites, including symptoms and pictures here.

The risk of receiving an insect bite depends on the environment.

Common sources of fleabites include pets, crowded communities with low hygiene standards, and birds’ nests. Moving into a new home that has been empty for a while can activate dormant fleas.

Bedbugs favor old properties and upholstery. They commonly occur in low-income rental properties and hotels. They live in mattresses, clothing, and so on.

Traveling and camping can also increase the risk of insect bites.

A mild and limited reaction normally passes within a few days. However, treatment can help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery.

Home remedies and OTC medication

Home remedies can soothe discomfort and reduce swelling. To treat an insect bite at home, a person can:

• wash the area thoroughly with soap and water
• apply a hot or cold compress to reduce swelling
• avoid scratching the area

Taking over-the-counter antihistamines can help to lessen the swelling from allergic reactions. Applying soothing ointments and topical antiseptics can help to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

Tick bites

Unlike other insect bites, ticks can embed themselves in a person’s skin. Remove the tick immediately to reduce the risk of an infection, such as Lyme disease.

If a rash develops around the armpit, thighs, or groin, or an individual experiences flu-like symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical attention. The doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease.

Prescription treatments

A more serious local allergic reaction may require prescription antihistamines or painkillers. In more severe cases of swelling, the doctor may prescribe oral steroids.

If severe reactions in the skin and more generalized symptoms occur, the doctor may refer the individual to a specialist for desensitization or treatment for an allergic reaction.

If symptoms get worse or do not improve, seek medical attention.

While the swelling and discomfort from insect bites typically resolve independently, these bites can lead to further complications.

Carrier infections

Some ticks carry diseases, such as RMSF and Lyme disease. Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterium that some ticks carry, causes Lyme disease. The individual develops a red rash that spreads outwards.

Without treatment, Lyme disease might lead to meningitis, facial palsy, radiculopathy, and, in rare cases, encephalitis. Other risks include joint damage, leading to arthritis, and heart problems.

Different types of mosquitoes transmit different diseases, such as the West Nile virus and malaria.

Secondary infections

A secondary bacterial infection, such as cellulitis, lymphangitis, or impetigo, can result if a person scratches the bite area and breaks the skin. Antibiotics can treat these infections.

To prevent insect bites, the following steps may help:

• using structural barriers, such as window screens or netting
• avoiding wooded, brushy and grassy areas
• avoiding heavily scented cosmetics and bright-colored clothing
• covering drinks and garbage cans
• wearing long sleeves and long pants, tucking these into shoes or socks, and wearing a hat
• checking containers for stagnant water, as this provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes
• using insect repellent

Many different insects can bite humans. Insect bites can cause skin discoloration and swelling and are often itchy or uncomfortable.

Some insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, can transmit diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, and leishmaniasis.

The symptoms of insect bites will typically resolve independently, but home remedies such as cold compresses can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Secondary infection of insect bites is possible without treatment, and transmitted diseases can lead to severe complications.

People can reduce their risk of insect bites by covering exposed skin when in woodland or grassy areas, using insect repellants, and using screens or netting when sleeping.

Read the article in Spanish.

Insect bites and stings – Overview

Most insect bites and stings are not serious and will get better within a few hours or days.

But occasionally they can:

• become infected
• cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• spread serious illnesses such as Lyme disease and malaria

Bugs that bite or sting include:

• wasps
• hornets
• bees
• horseflies
• ticks
• mosquitoes
• fleas
• bedbugs
• spiders
• midges

Symptoms of insect bites and stings

Insect bites and stings will usually cause a red, swollen lump to develop on the skin. This may be painful and in some cases can be very itchy.

The symptoms will normally improve within a few hours or days, although sometimes they can last a little longer.

Some people have a mild allergic reaction. A larger area of skin around the bite or sting becomes swollen, red and painful. This should pass within a week.

Sometimes a severe allergic reaction can happen. This can cause breathing difficulties, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth. This needs immediate medical treatment.

Read more about symptoms of insect bites and stings

What to do if you’ve been bitten or stung

To treat an insect bite or sting:

• remove the sting or tick if it’s still in the skin
• wash the affected area with soap and water
• apply a cold compress, such as a cloth cooled with cold water or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes
• raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling
• avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection
• avoid traditional home remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they’re unlikely to help

The pain, swelling and itchiness can sometimes last a few days. Ask your pharmacist about medicines that can help. For example painkillers, creams for itching and antihistamines.

Read more about treating insect bites and stings

Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:

• you’re worried about a bite or sting
• your symptoms do not start to improve within a few days or are getting worse
• you’ve been stung or bitten in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes
• a large area around the bite becomes red and swollen
• you have symptoms of a wound infection, such as pus or increasing pain, swelling or redness
• you have symptoms of a more widespread infection, such as a high temperature, swollen glands and other flu-like symptoms

Emergency action required: Dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance immediately if

you or someone else has symptoms of a severe reaction, such as:

• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• a swollen face, mouth or throat
• feeling sick or being sick
• a fast heart rate
• dizziness or feeling faint
• difficulty swallowing
• loss of consciousness

Emergency treatment in hospital is needed in these cases.

Prevent insect bites and stings

There are some simple precautions you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten or stung by insects.

For example, you should:

• remain calm and move away slowly if you encounter wasps, hornets or bees – don’t wave your arms around or swat at them
• cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers
• wear shoes when outdoors
• apply insect repellent to exposed skin
• avoid using products with strong perfumes, such as soaps, shampoos and deodorants – these can attract insects
• be careful around flowers, rubbish, stagnant water, and in areas where food is served

You may need to take extra precautions if you’re travelling overseas. For example, you may be advised to take antimalarial tablets to help prevent malaria.

Read more about preventing insect bites and stings

Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE

Page last reviewed: 25 March 2021

Next review due: 25 March 2024

This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 123.

symptoms, consequences, treatment, photos of bites

Biting midges – these annoying bloodsuckers are part of the midges and can crawl into the ears, eyes, nose and mouth. In a mass attack, they can cause serious harm to human health. Insect saliva is toxic, getting into the blood, causes both local (redness, swelling at the bite site) and general (fever, fever) reactions.

Why is the bite of an ordinary midge dangerous, and what to do if you have already been bitten?
– the entomologist Svetlana Zarechnaya will tell.

Contents

Fight against midges. Overview of methods and means

According to the scientific classification, midges are a separate family of insects. Outwardly, they resemble miniature (2-4 mm) flies: two wings, a piercing-sucking type of mouth apparatus, and three pairs of legs. But in everyday life, midges are called insects from any family in the presence of small sizes and a similar appearance.

A separate species of midges feeds on the blood of people, wild and domestic animals. Such carnivorous midges belong to the midge complex – blood-sucking insects with wings. Despite the fact that midges living in different climatic conditions are different, the consequences of their bites are similar. The reaction and symptoms depend on the immune response and other characteristics of the individual.

Differential diagnosis of insect bites

Therefore, do not try to diagnose and prescribe treatment according to articles on the Internet. This should only be done by a qualified doctor. This is especially true in cases with an acute reaction to the bite. Therefore, the recommendations below should be taken as an introductory text, and not a direct guide to action. However, we have tried to list simple and useful recommendations to alleviate the effects of a bite.

Illustration, a bite mark of a midge

What does a midge bite look like?

Depending on the presence of a blood-sucking proboscis, the bite looks different:

• A small maroon spot appears if the mouth apparatus is adapted to bite through the skin, and is equipped with a proboscis for sucking blood (like a mosquito).

• A small red abrasion with torn edges remains after a midge bite without a blood-sucking proboscis. Such insects, when bitten, simply tear out a piece of skin.

Mosquito bite site

The bite site, especially the second type, may bleed for a while, and then covered with a crust of gore. The saliva of bloodsuckers contains a component that prevents blood clotting. Therefore, if a lot of it enters the wound, blood can flow for a long time. At the same time, the bite site remains red and burns, as if the insect had damaged the skin a few seconds ago. To prevent infection, it is important to immediately disinfect the wound.

Midge bites cause such manifestations: hardening of tissues and swelling, the appearance of compaction and redness near the bite site. One or more symptoms may appear at the same time.

The intensity of the symptoms depends solely on the characteristics of the organism. Some people have a small spot of a perfectly round shape 5-10 mm in size. In others, an area of ​​arbitrary shape over 10 cm in size turns red and swells. In the case of an acute allergic reaction, the body reacts to a bite very quickly. Moreover, as time passes without adequate assistance, the consequences are aggravated.

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Symptoms of midge bites

In the photo you can see what the skin looks like after a bite.

Skin after a bite.

The list of symptoms is extensive:

• Burning, which is replaced by itching.

• Monotonous dull or sharp, as if throbbing pain.

• Hypersensitivity of the skin or, conversely, a weakening of sensitivity in the area of ​​​​the bite.

The specific reaction of the body, swelling and color of the bite site is individual. The intensity depends on where the midge bit the person. Where the skin is thinner (face, inner thighs) redness and swelling are more noticeable.

With an allergy, you will have to face an arbitrary combination of the following symptoms:

• Itching and the appearance of red spots on the skin far beyond the bite.

• Edema of mucous membranes. Due to edema, it can even stuff up the nose, swell the larynx or tissues in the mouth.

• Active tearing of the eyes.

With an allergic reaction, midge bites may look like this:

Allergic reactions

With numerous bites, a deterioration in well-being begins, which may be accompanied by an allergic reaction. In this case, the symptoms mentioned earlier will be added:

Fever, shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness and nausea, changes in blood pressure. In such cases, you should immediately consult a doctor. Otherwise, an allergy may be followed by anaphylactic shock.

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How long does a midge bite heal?

Recovery time depends on the intensity of the allergic reaction and general health:

• 1-4 days for mild reaction.

• 4-10 days in case of local allergy.

• 7-14 days for severe allergies.

In addition to allergies, the duration of the preservation of edema is affected by the metabolic rate and timely treatment. If you immediately consult a doctor, even severe swelling will subside in 1-3 days. Redness and other symptoms will also disappear much sooner than 2 weeks.

But the period after which there will be no trace of a bite depends on the size of the damage and the speed of skin regeneration. Small wounds heal on average in a week. If the bite is also combed, then healing can take more than a month.

The midge has eaten into the skin

What to do if the midge has bitten?

Therapy for insect bites in the presence of local reactions is carried out mainly with antihistamines (suprastin, tavegil, etc.). In order to reduce pain, itching and burning, analgesics are used. Means with glucocorticoids are applied locally.
With a bullous rash, an opening of the blisters is used.

After a bite, you must immediately disinfect the wound with one of the following means:

Important: alcohol-containing preparations destroy the infection, but cause skin burns. This increases the healing time and can lead to scarring. It is better to use miramistin, hydrogen peroxide and other non-alcohol-based products.

A special “bite ointment” effectively relieves itching and burning. But at the first moment it can be replaced with improvised means:

• Sprinkle the skin with baking soda.

• Apply ice, some frozen food.

• Lubricate the area around the bite with hand cream or a simple hygienic lipstick.

Important: ice and any other compounds should not get on an open wound. You only need to treat the skin around the bite.

After treating the wound, the development of a reaction to the bite should be observed and the consequences treated.

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How to treat a midge bite?

For the speedy healing and prevention of complications, remedies that relieve swelling, soothe burning and itching, and accelerate wound healing are suitable:

• Belogent

• eplan

• Afloderm

• Beloderm

• Butadion

• Irikar

• Kuterid

• Fenistil

• Exalb

Before treating bites, carefully read the instructions for the medication and strictly follow the recommendations for the frequency of application and dosage of the drug. Antihistamines will help to ease or stop allergy symptoms: loratadine, suprastin, clarifer, lomilan, diazolin, clarotadine and others. All of these funds are freely sold in pharmacies. If they are of little help, you should consult a doctor who will prescribe a course of treatment.

Where should I turn if bitten by a midge?

Actions depend on the situation and the time elapsed since the bite:

• If a violent reaction occurs immediately after a bite, hurry to the emergency room.

• When signs of anaphylactic shock appear, an ambulance should be called urgently.

• If the effects do not go away for a long time, consult a therapist. After the examination, he will issue a referral to a specialist.

Tip: you can save time on a visit to a therapist in a commercial clinic. There, allergists and dermatologists immediately see patients.

Unfortunately, being in nature, it is difficult to avoid insect bites. If midges attack you in your summer cottage, it makes sense to order a professional service for the destruction of garden pests.

Biting midge

Those who suffer from allergies should prepare for the summer season in advance. For this:

• Consult with an allergist who, based on tests and allergy tests, will advise the best treatment regimen in case of a bite.

• Buy a standard first aid kit and add the products prescribed by the allergist to it. Grab it when you go on a picnic.

• Search in the navigator, enter the telephone numbers of emergency centers located near the cottage or other country vacation spot where you plan to go in your smartphone notebook.

These measures can help save lives when an allergic reaction can turn into anaphylactic shock.

However, this applies only to a small group of people suffering from allergies. In most cases, the midge can only cause mild itching and redness of the bite site.

Why is a midge bite contagious?

In the tropical countries of Africa, Central and South America, midges are active specific carriers of onchocerciasis (filariasis) in humans and animals. In endemic areas, the incidence of onchocerciasis can reach 80%. The disease is often accompanied by blindness. On the territory of Russia, human onchocerciasis has not been registered, but there is onchocerciasis in cattle, the carriers of which are such mass species as Od. ornata, Sim. morsitans, B. erythrocephala, etc. Midges are specific carriers of avian hemosporidiosis that affects poultry and pigeons. Mechanically, midges can transmit pathogens of tularemia and anthrax. Thus, there are no known cases of midges infecting people in Russia with any specific infections.

Ways to deal with midges?

Fighting activities

The fight against midges should be aimed at protecting humans and animals from attacking bloodsuckers. This can be achieved by carrying out complex measures, including the fight against larvae, the fight against adults and individual protection of the population. At the same time, the main attention should be paid to environmentally friendly methods and means of control.

Sustainable improvement of the territory is achieved only through the implementation of measures aimed at the prevention and reduction of breeding sites: regulation of the flow rate and periodic changes in the water level in watercourses with the help of dams and locks, mechanical cleaning of the channel.

The best effect is the extermination of the larvae. At one time, the method of treating breeding sites with a 20% mineral-oil emulsion of DDT at the rate of 0.1-0.2 g of DDT per 1 m³ of water has proven itself well. The drug was injected into the watercourse at a point above the location of the larvae with a 30-minute exposure. A one-time treatment made it possible to clear several tens of kilometers of the channel from larvae. Such treatments were repeated several times a season, since the cleared areas were again colonized by larvae migrating from the upper reaches of the rivers. However, the use of strong insecticides polluted the water and caused significant damage to the fauna and flora of the rivers. Later, this drug was replaced by Bactoculicide and other environmentally friendly drugs.

The fight against adults is especially difficult, which is determined by the spread of midges over tens of kilometers. from breeding sites. It is possible to create a barrier around the protected area using aerosols or smoke bombs, but the effect of such a struggle is short-lived and often ineffective.

For individual protection of the population, it is necessary to use the nets of Academician E.N. Pavlovsky, which should be impregnated with repellents. In regions where biting midges are included in the midges in addition to mosquitoes and midges, it is recommended to wear special protective clothing (Dremova V.P. et al. 1977). This recommendation applies primarily to lumberjacks, geologists, tourists, etc.

To prevent midges from flying into rooms, in residential and livestock buildings, it is necessary to check the windows. During the period of a mass attack, livestock also suffers greatly from midges: milk yields decrease, cases of death are noted. During the season of activity of bloodsuckers, the veterinary service organizes the processing of livestock before driving it to pastures.

Zarechnaya Svetlana Nikitichna
Freelance entomologist

Associate Professor, Ph.D.

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Bitten by midge. Most frequently asked questions

Flying light trap overview

What might a midge bite look like?

Immediately after the bite, a small burgundy spot may appear. The bite will be similar to a mosquito bite, as some midges have a proboscis to pierce the skin. Also, after a bite, you can find an abrasion or a wound with torn edges. This kind of bite comes from midges that do not have a proboscis to bite. Midges of this species simply tear out a piece of skin. Such a wound can bleed for a long time due to the saliva of the midge.

What happens from a midge bite?

Each organism has its own reaction to a midge bite. In most cases, a red spot ranging in size from 5 mm to 1 cm appears at the site of the bite. There is also a noticeable induration and swelling. In the event of an allergic reaction to the saliva of a bloodsucker, the bite site may swell and a red spot in diameter can reach 10 cm.

What to do if you have an allergic reaction to a midge sting?

If after a midge bite, the bite site is very swollen or the spot around exceeds 2 cm, then this is an allergic reaction to the midge’s saliva. It is important to immediately treat the wound with an antiseptic preparation. If necessary, take antihistamines and in no case touch or comb the bite.

Is a midge bite dangerous?

A midge bite is dangerous only with an allergic reaction. If after the bite you feel good, and the bite site is not swollen beyond the norm, then everything is in order. On average, the bite will completely disappear in a week.

Which doctor should I contact after an insect bite?

In case of a painful insect bite, after which swelling, hyperemia, pain or itching appeared, you can consult a surgical doctor (surgeon, traumatologist, including a trauma center. In their absence, these specialists – a therapist (pediatrician), an allergist-immunologist, a dermatologist .
If there is increasing swelling, hyperemia (redness), severe itching and pain, fever, increased heart rate and other alarming symptoms, then you should consult an allergist or call an ambulance.

Price for pest control from flies?

The price of flies disinfestation depends on the availability of breeding places and nets on the windows.

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What to do if a midge has bitten, what does the bite look like and how to treat swelling

• Lifestyle

Spring, warm, summer is coming – just thinking about it brings a smile. However, there is a fly in the ointment in this barrel of honey. More precisely, even a bucket of tar – the appearance of midges, mosquitoes and other biting insects.

May 7, 2022

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iStockphoto

Mosquitoes and midges are the most annoying and nasty creatures. They can easily spoil a romantic evening in nature, a picnic, a hike or a holiday in the country. In addition, many people actively react to these insects, and if is suddenly bitten by a midge , edema forms on the skin with severe itching. Likewise with mosquitoes. Allergy sufferers, children and people with thin sensitive skin especially suffer from them. In addition, in the southern regions of our country there is a risk of developing extremely unpleasant, life-threatening diseases after a mosquito bite – hemorrhagic fevers.

“Doctor Peter” together with pediatrician Maria Samsonova figured out – what to do if a midge or a mosquito bit, how to smear a bite, and when you can not do without the help of a doctor.

A lot of midges are expected

Since the winter was snowy this year, the soil was saturated with moisture, and the reservoirs were filled with melt water, swampy, watery areas formed in many regions, overgrown with reeds, grass and warmed by the sun. These are ideal conditions for the mass breeding of mosquitoes and midges, plus water is gradually being discharged in the upper reaches of the rivers, massive floods are formed, and the sun in many regions is already warm and warms up well. So, in the southern regions there are already a lot of mosquitoes, and in a few more weeks a midge will go – no one has rest from it, it spares neither adults nor children.

But in addition to mosquitoes and midges, many other insects bite people, which can be dangerous for certain groups. Especially children or adults with allergies.

Read also

Who bites us most often

Mosquitoes, midges, horseflies (in tropical countries there are still mosquitoes) most often bite a person. Less commonly, wasps and bees show aggression towards people. But it is important to know some of the nuances. If a bee or a wasp flies up to you or a child, you should not try to drive it away by waving your arms – this can provoke the insect to aggression, because it perceives this as a danger. Bees or wasps initially do not have a goal to bite you, especially a bee, because after a bite it dies. All these insects sting only for the purpose of self-defense.

Much less often people encounter bumblebees or hornets , their bites are painful and can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening consequences. A pronounced tissue reaction is often formed to the poisons of these insects.

What a midge bite looks like

The group of midges includes several types of insects that are actually considered a midge according to science and insects that belong to other groups, but look like these biting creatures. One common property unites these insects – they can drink blood, biting both humans and domestic animals. Carnivorous midges and creatures close to them belong to the general group – midges. The bites look almost the same, and the ways of helping are the same.

General and local manifestations are influenced by individual reactions of the body, skin thickness, age of the bitten and immune reactions. But you should not self-diagnose yourself, since insect bites can be similar to many other pathologies.

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Two variants of manifestations

In places of midge bites, two variants of manifestations are possible:

1. A small maroon dot when the midge pierces the skin and sucks blood with its proboscis, similar to mosquitoes.

2. A small rounded red abrasion with jagged edges, if the insect does not have a sucking apparatus and it literally tears out a piece of skin with its teeth.

The bite of the midge of the second type may bleed at first, a crust forms on the surface. If midge saliva gets into the wound, the wound itches and burns, the blood does not coagulate for a long time, swelling increases.

In addition, midge bites may be accompanied by skin symptoms:

• induration at the site of the bite;

• severe redness in and around the bite;

• swelling, thickening of tissues.

The sizes of induration and edema are individual, they depend on the body, they can be up to 5-10 mm or more. In rare cases, the size of the swelling and redness reaches 5-10 cm. This usually happens in people prone to allergies. Reactions occur on the saliva of insects.

Bitten by a midge and the wound is swollen: what to do

What measures to take if you are still bitten by a midge or other insect, how to relieve burning and swelling? It is important to know this when going to nature so that you do not have to urgently return home. When bitten by a midge or mosquito, local swelling and redness develop at the site of the bite. As a rule, this does not pose a danger.

It is necessary to treat the bite site with an antiseptic – any one that is in a country car first-aid kit – and apply cold. If you have a severe reaction to the bite, you should take an antihistamine by mouth.

In the future, you should check with your doctor, how to treat midge bites, if the blisters are large and itchy. Usually, experts recommend topical gels with antihistamine components.

If bitten by stinging insects

When bitten by a wasp or horsefly, the algorithm of actions is the same. Antiseptic treatment is required, because the risk of infection of the wound is high. Touching the wound, scratching it and disturbing it is not worth it, even taking into account the fact that pain and itching can be severe at first.

If you have been stung by a bee, carefully remove the stinger, treat the sting with an antiseptic, apply cold and be sure to take an antihistamine.

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When to see a doctor

Most people tolerate insect bites without consequences, with only local symptoms. But there are a number of situations when you need to immediately consult a doctor.