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Everything You Need to Know About Bug Bites

May/June 2026
By Madelyn Dukart

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Ahh, summertime. If you live in a place with cold winters, the change of seasons probably means more time outside, more fresh air, and more . . . bugs! Insects, spiders, and other bugs breed in warm weather, so you’re likely to see more of them in spring and summer. And while bugs play important roles in ecosystems, their bites can be annoying. In some cases, bug bites can even lead to infection or make you sick. Here’s what to know about them.

Bite Treatment

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Here’s how to help heal most bug bites.

1. Clean

Wash the area with soap and water.

2. Try not to scratch!

Scratching bites can break the skin, increasing the risk of infection.

3. Ease discomfort.

Calamine lotion, baking soda paste, or 1% hydrocortisone cream can help relieve itching. Ice and over-the-counter pain relievers reduce inflammation.

Bug Bite Basics

Type of Bug: Mosquitoes

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WHERE THEY LIVE: Still water, like kiddie pools, marshes, or ponds


BITE IDENTIFICATION: Red, swollen bumps, which typically itch for about 3 to 4 days


PREVENTION TIPS: Use repellent with 10 to 30 percent DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.

Type of Bug: Spiders

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WHERE THEY LIVE: Quiet corners or undisturbed piles of natural materials


BITE IDENTIFICATION: Red blotches, sometimes with two puncture marks (though many spider bites cause no reaction)


PREVENTION TIPS: Be careful when moving something that spiders may be hiding in, like a pile of firewood.

Type of Bug: Ants

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WHERE THEY LIVE: Mounds of dirt, underground tunnels, or the inside of trees


BITE IDENTIFICATION: Bites from some ants can cause painful red bumps or blisters. (Many biting ants also sting.)


PREVENTION TIPS: Try not to step on or disturb ant mounds. And don’t leave out food, which can attract ants.

Type of Bug: Ticks

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WHERE THEY LIVE: Tall grasses and dense, wooded areas 


BITE IDENTIFICATION: Usually undetectable, unless one is actively feeding, with its head inserted in the skin


PREVENTION TIPS: Wear long pants and sleeves in wooded areas, keep to trails if possible, and check regularly for ticks.

What About Stings?

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Some bugs sting to defend themselves. If you get stung, carefully remove the stinger if it’s still in your skin and wash the site. To prevent stings, try not to disturb bees and other stinging insects in the wild.

 

 

Watch Out for These Symptoms

Most bug bites are temporary nuisances, but some can spread diseases or cause allergic reactions. Contact emergency services if you or someone you’re with experiences any of these symptoms after a bug bite:

  • fever
  • rash
  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling in the face or throat
  • hives
  • abnormally high or low pulse
  • dizziness or unconsciousness
  • headache
  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • excess sweating
  • excess saliva
  • slurred speech


SOURCES: MAYOCLINIC.ORG; KIDSHEALTH.ORG; CDC.GOV

TRUE OR FALSE?

1

All spider bites require medical treatment.

False! In the U.S., only a few types of spiders cause harmful reactions in most people. These include black widows, tarantulas, and brown recluse spiders. Most spider bites cause only mild discomfort.
2

There are many ways to prevent bug bites.

True! By understanding the environment you are in and preparing yourself with repellents and proper clothing, you can prevent many bug bites.
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