Insect Bites and Stings

Also called: Bug bites

Picaduras y mordeduras de insectos

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Insect Bites and Stingsis the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

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Find health information in languages other than English on Insect Bites and Stings

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Summary

Most insect bites are harmless, though they sometimes cause discomfort. Bee, wasp, and hornet stings and fire ant bites usually hurt. Mosquito and flea bites usually itch. Insects can also spread diseases. In the United States, some mosquitoes spread West Nile virus. Travelers outside the United States may be at risk for malaria and other infections.

To prevent insect bites and their complications

Don't bother insects
Use insect repellant
Wear protective clothing
Be careful when you eat outside because food attracts insects
If you know you have severe allergic reactions to insect bites and stings (such as anaphylaxis), carry an emergency epinephrine kit

Start Here

Bug Bites and Stings (Nemours Foundation)Also in Spanish
Identifying Insect Bites and Stings (American Academy of Pediatrics)Also in Spanish
Insects and Scorpions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Prevention and Risk Factors

Block the Buzzing, Bites, and Bumps: Preventing Mosquito-Borne Illnesses (National Institutes of Health)Also in Spanish
DEET (Environmental Protection Agency)
FAQ: Insect Repellent Use and Safety (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Help Control Mosquitoes that Spread Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Viruses(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDFAlso in Spanish
Insect Repellents: Reducing Insect Bites (Environmental Protection Agency)
Mosquito Bite Prevention For Travelers (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDFAlso in Spanish
Protecting Yourself from Stinging Insects (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) - PDF

Treatments and Therapies

First Aid: Insect Stings and Bites (Nemours Foundation)
Insect Bites and Stings: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)Also in Spanish

Related Issues

Allergies to Insect Venom (National Jewish Health) - PDF
Anaphylaxis (American Academy of Family Physicians)Also in Spanish
Stinging Insect Allergy (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology)Also in Spanish
Traveler's Health: Avoid Bug Bites (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Specifics

Bee Stings (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Bug bites and stings: When to see a dermatologist (American Academy of Dermatology)
Fire Ant Allergy (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology)
Fire Ant Bites (American Osteopathic College of Dermatology)
Mosquito Bites (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)Also in Spanish
Wings and Stings (American Academy of Pediatrics)Also in Spanish