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.
|
Venomous |
Non venomous |
|
Bees
Wasps
Some species of ants
|
Fleas
Mosquitoes
Bedbugs
Flies
|
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.