Bug Bites, Insect Bites and Stings

 Overview:

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.