Ouch! Creatures That Sting and Bite Are Out and About.
6/27/2022
Tis the season for biting and stinging insects to be present in our yards and sometimes in our homes. From fire ants to wasps, they seem to flourish during our summer season and can inflict pain and discomfort when we come in contact with them.
Most insect bites are harmless, though they sometimes cause discomfort. Bee, wasp, 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 the West Nile virus.
To prevent insect bites and their complications:
- 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
The health effects of stinging or biting insects range from mild discomfort or pain to a lethal reaction for those allergic to the insect’s venom. Anaphylactic shock is the body’s severe allergic reaction to a bite or sting and requires immediate emergency care. Thousands of people are stung by insects each year, and as many as 90–100 people in the United States die due to allergic reactions. This number may be underreported as deaths may be mistakenly diagnosed as heart attacks or sunstrokes or may be attributed to other causes.
If someone is stung by a bee, wasp, or hornet:
- Have someone stay with them to be sure that they do not have an allergic reaction.
- Wash the site with soap and water.
- Remove the stinger using gauze wiped over the area or by scraping a fingernail over the area.
- Never squeeze the stinger or use tweezers.
- Apply ice to reduce swelling.
- Do not scratch the sting as this may increase swelling, itching, and risk of infection.
“Most insect bites are harmless, though they sometimes cause discomfort,” said Heinz-Dieter Schwarzkopf, D.O., medical director, Lake Granbury Medical Center’s emergency department, “However, if someone is having an allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 to get to an emergency room immediately.”
*Portions of this article were sourced from the CDC.
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