Bug Bites, Insect Bites and Stings

There are many types of bugs that can bite or sting. Furthermore, insects can be split into two categories, venomous & non venomous.

For simplicity, this article does not refer to spider bites as spiders are not insects.

Most bites  are self limiting, causing only mild irritation & some localised swelling, but some individuals may develop an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis which is life threatening & requires immediate medical attention.

Some insects can spread disease such as West Nile Virus & Ross River Fever, so avoidance is always the preferred method of dealing with insects, their bites & stings.

Insects & bugs typically bite or sting for two reasons.

• Self protection of themselves & or their nests. Ants & bees for example.  
• Some insects (for example fleas & mosquito’s) feed on the blood of mammals such as humans & pets.

Common insects that bite & sting include;  

• Mosquitos
• Bedbugs
• Fleas
• Flies
• Ants
• Bees
• Wasps

Signs of insect bites:

Most non venomous  

• Itching.
• Localised pain (mild).
• Redness.
• Wheal.
• Small, raised red spot.

Symptoms of venomous bites or stings include;

• Pain.
• Swelling.
• Actually seeing the stinger in your skin (in the case of bee stings).

How to avoid insect bites:

• Avoid scented perfumes & soaps.
• Avoid brightly coloured clothing outdoors.
• Use insect screens on windows & doors, especially in summer.
• Eliminate standing water in the area such as children's pools, water standing in plant pot trays, buckets etc.
• Install an electric insect zapper.
• Wear insect repellant.
• Burn mosquito repelling coils or candles when sitting outside. Mosquitoes are most active from dusk onwards.
• Wear  loose fitting clothes that cover most of you (ie; long sleeves & pants).

Treatment for insect bites & stings:

• If it is a sting, remove the stinger immediately to reduce the amount of poison going into the body.
• Wash the area with soap & water.
• Use acetaminophen to relieve pain & discomfort (if needed).
• Antihistamines (such as Benadryl) may also be useful if there is severe itching. Speak to your chemist or doctor first.
• Don’t scratch the bite, this will lead to further irritation & break the skin, possibly leading to infection.
• Apply an anti-itch cream or spray, ice pack or calamine lotion to the area.
• Apply a hydrocortisone cream.
• If the area becomes swollen, see your pharmacist for an anti-histamine medication.
• See your doctor if the area becomes infected or if you begin to feel unwell.

Emergency procedures:

• Watch carefully for signs of anaphylaxis including; dizziness, fainting, swollen eyelids, itching (in areas other than the sting), difficulty talking (due to swollen tongue), difficulty breathing. If any signs occur, call an emergency immediately.
• If a person is stung on the neck or mouth seek medical help immediately.
• If a person is stung more than 10 times, seek medical help immediately.
• If it is known the patient is anaphylactic, check that they are carrying an EpiPen. People with known allergic reactions to bee stings should carry an EpiPen. This pen contains adrenaline & is injected into muscle. Emergency can advise on how to administer this. Even after using an EpiPen, medical help should still be sought as the effects can wear off quickly.

Also see:

Gnats and Midges

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctor visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate medical advice for any problems.

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.