Summer certainly is one of the most fun times of the year. Although, all too common are bites and stings. You can be bitten by a variety of insects including midges, mosquitoes, horseflies, fleas, lice, and ants and some people react worse to bites and stings than others.

We are going to explore what some of the most common bug bites and stings are. In addition, provide some helpful tips on treatment and symptoms to look out for.

What are some of the most common bug bites during the Summer?

Some of the most common bug bites during the summer are from mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, and spiders. These bites can cause itching, redness, swelling, and in some cases, allergic reactions or transmission of diseases. 

Some common bugs are:

  • Ticks
  • Horseflies
  • Mosquitos
  • Bees
  • Wasps and Hornets (yellow jackets)
  • Bedbugs
  • Chiggers
  • Fleas
  • Spiders

Some bites can cause allergic reactions, large welts, and even infections. 

What does a bug bite and/or sting look like?

The site of the bite may appear red and swell or be itchy. This reaction is an allergic response to a chemical injected into the skin by the insect when it bites and causes a great deal of misery.

Stings from wasps, bees, and hornets can also be very painful and cause a red itchy rash. Although the redness and swelling usually clear quickly, again, some people are very sensitive to stings and can develop a severe allergic reaction. This can cause swelling of the face, difficulty in breathing, and dizziness, and it is vital to get medical help immediately.

CAUTION: If you have a very severe reaction – difficulty in breathing, dizziness, vomiting, or swelling of the face – seek medical help immediately. Dial 911 immediately or visit your local ER for treatment!

What can you do to get relief from a bug bite or sting?

If a bee or a wasp stings you, it often leaves behind the sting. You should remove this immediately by scraping the skin with the blade of a knife or a fingernail. Do not squeeze the skin because this will only push more of the sting under your skin.

You should keep bites and stings clean and apply an antiseptic cream to prevent an infection from developing. And, however tempting, you should not scratch insect bites as this action may increase the risk of infection.

You can use a wide range of sprays, creams, and calamine lotions to ease a bite or sting. These contain ingredients such as hydrocortisone to clear up the redness and lidocaine or benzocaine to ease the pain. Painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin can also be used to reduce the pain. 

You can apply a cold compress to bee and wasp stings, which is very soothing. If a bite occurs on your ankles or lower legs and you experience swelling, elevate your legs on a stool or coffee table.

What can you do to prevent bug bites and stings?

  • 1. Use insect repellent: Applying insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin can help prevent bug bites.
  • 2. Wear protective clothing: When spending time outdoors, wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to minimize exposed skin.
  • 3. Avoid areas with high insect activity. If possible, stay away from areas where insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and bees are abundant.
  • 4. Use bed nets: When sleeping in areas with a high risk of insect-borne diseases, use bed nets to protect yourself from bites.
  • 5. Check for and remove standing water. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so eliminating sources of standing water around your home can help reduce the mosquito population.

These are some precautionary measures to help prevent bug bites and stings.

When to visit your local urgent care for help with a bug bite or sting?

Let’s remember that most stings and bug bites clear up on their own with over-the-counter medicines and creams. Itchiness can last for a few days until the site eventually clears up. If you find the following, a medical professional may need to assess it.

  • 1. Increasing pain or swelling 
  • 2. Redness or warmth around the bite area 
  • 3. Pus or drainage from the bite 
  • 4. Red streaks extending from the bite 
  • 5. Fever 
  • 6. Chills

Additional info on bug bites and stings:

Sometimes doctors need to perform lab work to check for signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease if a tick has bitten you.

  • Spider bites can cause infection and may require draining and packing.
  • Knowing the signs, symptoms, and how to treat a potentially harmful bite or sting is the best course of action if you or a loved one gets a pesky bug bite. 
  • Our urgent care is always here for you if you need treatment or care for a bug bite or sting.
  • Visit us 7 days a week.

We want you to enjoy the Summer and if stung, get you back on your feet quickly!