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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
Prevention and Risk Factors
- DEET (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Find the Repellent that is Right for You (Environmental Protection Agency) Also in Spanish
- Preventing West Nile (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
- Protect against Mosquito Bites when Traveling (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDF Also in Spanish
- Protecting Yourself from Stinging Insects (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) - PDF
- Repellents: Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Environmental Protection Agency)
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
- Anaphylaxis (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
-
Insect Sting Allergy (Ant, Wasp and Bee Stings)
(National Jewish Health)
- 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 Sting (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)
- Mosquito Bites (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
- Wings and Stings (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish
Images
- Bug Bite or Sting Condition (VisualDX)
- Flea Bite (VisualDX)
Test Your Knowledge
- Stinging Insect Matching Game (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology)
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Insect Bites and Stings
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: High exposure to malaria vector bites despite high use of bednets...
- Article: Simulium larvae susceptibility to temephos and the effect of 10 weeks...
- Article: Molecular Diagnosis in Hymenoptera Allergy: Comparison of Euroline DPA-Dx and ImmunoCAP.
- Insect Bites and Stings -- see more articles
Children
- Hey! A Bee Stung Me! (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Hey! A Fire Ant Stung Me! (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Hey! A Flea Bit Me! (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Hey! A Gnat Bit Me! (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Hey! A Louse Bit Me! (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Hey! A Mosquito Bit Me! (For Kids) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Using Insect Repellents Safely (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
Teenagers
- Bug Bites and Stings (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
Patient Handouts
- Anaphylaxis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Bee, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket sting (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Fire ants (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Fleas (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Insect bites and stings (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Wasp sting (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.