If you are within proximity to an insect and if it feels endangered, you could end up getting bitten or stung by them. If the pest feels unbothered by your presence, it is unlikely to sting humans around.

However, in any case, it is always good to be aware of bites and stings and what measures and steps you should take following an insect bite/sting.

Anaphylaxis:

An insect sting or bite could lead to an allergic reaction. It would hardly take a few minutes before your whole body starts to react to the sting, resulting in anaphylaxis. Since this reaction, puts the person in a life-threatening situation, it is advisable to call for medical assistance immediately.

If they are aware of how to manage this severe reaction, you may assist them in following their action plan, which may include using an EpiPen to administer adrenaline to that person.

Spider:

Since there are various types of spiders, it is hard to differentiate which spiders are venomous or not.  

To make it easier to identify the spider and the steps to treat the spider bite, they are categorized into Big Black Spiders, Red-backed spiders, and other species.

If bitten by a Big Black Spider that appears like a funnel web, call for medical assistance immediately. 

However, for Red-back spider bites and other types of spider bites, you can apply a cold compress to the area bitten until the pain subsides. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating, pain in the area bitten, blistering, swelling, and burning sensation.

If you notice any unusual symptoms and reactions, call for medical help.

Ant:

Fire Ants, Bull Ants, Carpenter Ants, Jack Jumper Ants, and Green Ants are all species that are known for their nasty bites. Although these insects are small, their bites are quite painful, and in the case of Jack Jumpers, it could lead to anaphylaxis.

If you are bitten by any other species, you could apply a soothing cream or a cold compress to relieve the pain and swelling as well as take an oral antihistamine to reduce the itchy sensation.

If the pain continues even after following these steps, seek medical help.

Wasp & Bee Stings:

You should never disturb a beehive or try to remove a nest without professional help as a bee or wasp could get protective and sting you. 

If you do get a bee sting, rather than pulling the stinger out with tweezers, use a credit card to gently scrape it off from the side. After you have washed the area with soap, dry it with a cloth and apply a cold compress or a soothing cream. 

Wasps are more dangerous than bees because they sting repeatedly and release a pheromone that signals the others to sting you too. Symptoms of a wasp sting are inflammation, pain, a raised lump having redness. 

If an adult is stung 10+ times, if a child is stung 5+ times, and if the person has a severe allergic reaction or is stung in the mouth or throat, immediately call for medical assistance.

Fleas:

A cluster of tiny red bumps on the skin are a sign of flea bites. If a person is sensitive to them, he/she could also develop an allergic reaction with a flea bite. The symptoms of a bite include skin welting and can be as severe as having difficulty in breathing. If the symptoms are too problematic, it is essential to seek medical help.

Mosquitoes:

When a female mosquito bites you and feeds on your blood, it also injects its saliva into your skin that triggers a mild immune system reaction causing redness, itchiness, and bumps on your skin. This reaction will fade off on its own in a few days. 

However, if you notice any unusual symptoms such as fever, headaches, and body pain, visit a medical professional and get yourself checked at once.

Ticks:

The saliva of the tick especially that of a Paralysis Tick is toxic to humans and animals. To remove the tick from a non-allergic person, use fine-tipped forceps and pull upward. Tick bites cause redness and swelling after removal. 

However, if you have a headache, get a fever, rashes, partial paralysis in the face, call for immediate help.

How to Prevent Bites and Stings?

You can prevent tick bites and stings by wearing protective gloves, full sleeve clothes, long pants, socks, and closed shoes whenever you are outdoors and using tick repellents and efficient insect barriers to keep ticks out of your home.

Being aware of the types of pests and their sings/bites will enable you to take the right steps to prevent bites/stings and keeping your home insect-free. If your home already is infested with ticks or you have noticed a nest nearby, you can seek professional help and opt for an efficient treatment.

About the Author: Muzi Tsolakis is the sole owner of Protect Pest Control, located in Australia and well-known for its bee removal treatment in Melbourne and effective ant problem solutions.