Bug bites and stings: symptoms and management options

Being bitten or stung by a bug can be an unfortunate side effect of spending time outdoors. But these incidents don’t just happen outside. Insect bites and stings can happen anywhere, at any time. For some, they’re just a nuisance. Bites may get itchy and swollen, and they may become a pain to deal with. For others, bug bites or stings prompt serious allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention.

Learn more about common bugs that bite or sting, including symptoms to look for and when to seek help.

In this article:

Bug bite vs. sting

Bug bites and stings can happen anywhere, indoors or outdoors. Some mosquitoes, for example, can get inside and bite a person, even when they’re not spending time outside. Ticks and bed bugs may also be found inside, often from hitching a ride with someone or something that encountered them elsewhere. And of course, there are a variety of bugs outdoors at any given time that may be poised and ready to bite or sting.

The type of creepy-crawly a person encounters will determine whether it bites or stings. A bite from something like a mosquito, flea or bed bug happens when the pest uses its mouth to break the skin; a sting happens when the insect uses something other than their mouth (like a barbed stinger) to pierce the skin. Insects that sting, like bees, poke the skin and inject venom. This is usually done in self-defense when an insect feels threatened. Typically, stings hurt more than bites.

Common bugs that bite or sting

There are a variety of different creepy-crawlies that are known to attack humans. They can cause red, itchy skin, swelling and other complications. Common bugs known to bite or sting include:

Support options for bug bites and stings

Many bites or stings can be managed at home with proper first aid. Once a severe reaction has been ruled out, the following steps can be taken when a bite or sting happens:

• If the stinger is visible, remove it by scraping the skin horizontally with something like a credit card or fingernail.
• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply ice. (Make sure to wrap ice in a towel or cloth before applying it to the skin.)
• Keep an eye on the site for any additional swelling or other signs of infection.

However, bites and stings can be dangerous for some people, especially anyone with specific bug allergies. Bugs can also cause infections or carry diseases that are harmful to people and animals — so when in doubt, people should get checked out by a health care provider.

If a person experiences a severe allergic reaction from a bug bite or sting, they should seek immediate medical attention.

OTC support options for bug bites and stings

People should make sure to check with their health care providers before starting any new medications. There are several over-the-counter (OTC) support options for people who have been bitten or stung by a bug:

• For pain, OTC pain relief support medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may be an option.
• For itchiness, people may consider applying ice or an anti-itch cream, such as hydrocortisone, to their bug bite. Antihistamines that are taken by mouth may be another possibility.
• For swelling, people can use an ice pack.

Reactions to bug bites and stings

Allergic reactions

Most people who are bitten or stung by a bug develop some localized redness, pain and swelling. However, people who are allergic to certain insect venoms may develop anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.

The insects that are most often the cause of serious allergic reactions include yellow jackets, honeybees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Hives or itchiness over large areas of the body
• Stomach cramps, nausea or diarrhea
• Swelling of the face, throat or tongue

It’s important for people with known allergies to carry epinephrine with them to administer in the event of a reaction.

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Anyone who thinks they’re experiencing anaphylaxis due to a bug bite or sting should call 911 or seek emergency medical care right away.

Nonallergic reactions to bug stings

Some people may experience serious symptoms after a bug sting that are not related to an allergy. It’s possible for some to develop a toxic reaction to insect venom. When this happens, the venom acts similarly to a poison. It may cause symptoms that mirror an allergic reaction, including nausea, fever, swelling at the site of the sting, fainting, seizures, shock, or even death. Toxic reactions normally take many stings to develop, but it’s possible for it to happen with just one sting. Anyone dealing with serious symptoms after a bug bite or sting should seek medical attention immediately or call 911.

Disease transmission

Some insects transmit diseases that may be harmful to people. Bugs — like mosquitoes, ticks and fleas — that spread germs are called vectors. Vector-borne diseases (VBD), like West Nile virus from mosquitoes and Lyme disease from ticks, have increased in the U.S. in recent years. In fact, more than one million cases of VBD were reported in the U.S. between 2001 and 2023.

Skin infections

Sites of bites or stings can also get infected if not properly cared for. People shouldn’t scratch at itchy areas. It’s also important to be on the lookout for signs of infection, such as areas that feel warm to the touch, are red or that have red streaks spreading outward from the bite.

Preventing bug bites and stings

With all this in mind, it’s important people know how to help prevent bites and stings as much as possible, whether they’re traveling or staying home. Here are ways to help avoid bug bites and stings.

• Researching local pests. Even if a person is just staying home or in their own yard, it’s important to know what kind of bugs are nearby and may become a nuisance. Where a person is located may determine what kind of insects they could encounter.
• Using insect repellent on adults. To help protect against certain pests, it is recommended to use an insect repellent that contains 20 to 30 percent DEET on any exposed skin or clothing. People should read the instructions carefully and reapply as needed. It’s also important to apply insect repellent and sunscreen separately. Sunscreen should be applied first.
• Using insect repellent on children. DEET is not recommended for use on children less than 2 months old. When used on children, insect repellents should contain no more than 30 percent DEET. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) if they are younger than age 3.
  If a caregiver needs to apply insect repellant to a child’s face, they should apply the repellant on their hands first and then apply to the child’s face, avoiding the eyes, mouth, and irritated skin.
• Dressing appropriately for activities. People who do outdoor activities — such as hiking or camping, or who work with animals — are at a higher risk of being bitten or stung. So, it’s a good idea to wear clothing that covers the skin, including long sleeves and pants when possible.
• Being aware of surroundings. Insects may sting when someone comes in contact with their nests or hives. If someone notices an infestation of insects or a problem nest, it’s best to contact a trained exterminator to remove it.
• Checking for bugs. Someone who’s been outside in areas that are prone to ticks should check themselves for stowaways on their body and clothing after being outdoors. This goes for pets, too! Along the same lines, someone who frequents high-traffic sleeping areas (like hotels or dorm rooms) should check to make sure they don’t see any signs of bed bugs.
• Staying up to date on outbreaks. It’s important to know what’s happening around the area. Have there been head lice incidents at the children’s school or cases of West Nile virus identified in local mosquitoes? Knowing these facts can help someone form an action plan for themselves and their families. For someone traveling, it’s good to read about the destination to know what kinds of bug activity can be expected.
• Taking precautions if an allergy exists. Someone who thinks they may be dealing with an allergy to a bug bite or sting should contact a health care provider or allergist. An allergist will take the person’s medical history and may perform some testing, such as a skin-prick test, to pinpoint the specific bug (or bugs) that may be the culprit. Once an allergy has been diagnosed, a person should become aware of the bugs they may come into contact with and carry certain medications with them, like epinephrine, if necessary.

Key takeaways

Most people despise the idea of being bitten by a spider or stung by a bee. Unfortunately, bites and stings can happen, and they are very common, especially for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Often, bug bites and stings are minor and can be managed at home. However, some people can be allergic to bug bites or stings, which could make them very dangerous or even deadly. Some creepy-crawlies also carry harmful diseases, so it’s important for people to know how to care for bites, when to get help and how to keep insects from infiltrating their space.

The best defense against bugs is prevention. People should use insect repellent, dress appropriately when outdoors and stay in the know about what kind of insects may be lurking nearby.