Bug Bite Blues: Identifying Which Bite You Have

Now that the warmer weather has arrived, there’s no shortage of insects buzzing around. Although most bug bites and stings are nothing more than a nuisance, some can pose serious health threats. Here are some of the most common insect-related injuries in New Jersey, the health concerns associated with each and tips for prevention.

Mosquito bites

Mosquito bites are an annoying summertime staple here in New Jersey. They cause itchy, red bumps that can appear anywhere on the body. “Although most bites are harmless, mosquitoes are known carriers of diseases like the West Nile virus, so taking extra precautions against these insects is vital,” said William Bennett, D.O., a physician at Inspira Medical Group Urgent Care. “Make sure to use insect repellent and wear protective clothing, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors .”

Avoid itching mosquito bites because it can increase your risk of infection. Wash the area with warm, soapy water and apply an ice pack to reduce the swelling and itching. You can also use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream to help relieve symptoms.

Tick bites

Ticks are tiny arachnids that attach to the skin and feed on blood. Although tick exposure can occur anytime throughout the year, it’s most likely during the warmer months. Tick bites are often painless but can transmit harmful diseases like Lyme disease. Since tick bites look similar to other bug bites, they can be hard to identify without finding the attached tick.

Check your body and clothes for ticks after being outside, especially if you spent time in a grassy or wooded area. If you find a tick on your skin, carefully remove it as soon as possible using tweezers and save it in rubbing alcohol or a sealed container. Bring the tick to your doctor within 72 hours so they can identify its species and determine whether it has signs of feeding. Monitor your condition and talk to your doctor if you have signs of infection, like a rash, fever, fatigue, joint pain or headache.

Spider bites

“Spider bites can vary greatly, depending on the species that bites you,” said Dr. Bennett. “Some spider bites cause redness, swelling and pain, while others may result in more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, fever and muscle cramps.” House spiders and jumping spiders are two of the most common species here in New Jersey.

Although bites from these spiders may cause some pain and swelling, they’re ultimately harmless. If you have a spider bite, wash the area with warm, soapy water and apply an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection. If you think you have a spider bite and experience symptoms like worsening rash, muscle cramping or abdominal pain, seek medical care immediately.

Bed bug bites

Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on human blood, usually while you’re asleep. Bed bug bites typically look like small, clustered red bumps that are itchy. Bed bug bites aren’t considered dangerous, but if you’re allergic, you may have a reaction that requires medical care. You can prevent bed bugs by inspecting your home for signs of bed bugs, vacuuming often, minimizing clutter and checking your belongings after returning from travel.

If you find bed bugs, wash all your clothing and bedding in hot water and dry them on the dryer's highest setting. Vacuum your bed and the area around your bed daily, and consider hiring a professional extermination service.

Ant bites

Ant bites cause pimple-like redness, swelling and pain, but the symptoms are usually mild and resolve within a week. Some ant species, such as fire ants, can cause more severe reactions, including blisters, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis in rare cases. Get medical treatment immediately if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, like hives, swelling, abdominal pain or difficulty breathing.

Bee, Wasp and Hornet stings

“Bee, wasp, and hornet stings can cause immediate pain, redness and swelling at the site of the sting,” said Dr. Bennett. “Some people have an allergic reaction to stings, which can cause more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the face or throat.” If you have a history of severe reactions to stings, talk to your doctor about carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and seek care right away if stung.  

Seek medical attention if you get bitten or stung by an insect this summer and experience severe symptoms or have a history of allergic reactions. Inspira Urgent Care offers medical care for insect bites and stings, including evaluation, treatment and management of allergic reactions. Find an urgent care location for a walk-in appointment today.

Inspira Health is a high reliability organization (HRO), which means safety is the top priority for patients and staff. To make an appointment, call 1-800-INSPIRA.