Identify Insect Bites: Key Detection Tips
Published: 7 August, 2024 | 12'
We have all been victims more than once of insect bites, such as mosquito bites, which are one of the most common, but you have probably also suffered bites from other types that you may not have been able to identify or know how to face the reaction they cause on the skin.
Insect bites, the importance of identifying them correctly
Continue reading to discover the most common types of bites and what to do when you have been bitten by any insect such as mosquitoes, fleas, or an arachnid like spiders and ticks, among others.
Why is it important to identify the bite?
Mosquito bites or stings cause a reaction, usually immediate, on our skin, and all of them depend on the individual.
Although most bites from the most common insects can be easily treated at home, some people may have extreme allergic reactions that require other urgent treatment.
For this reason, it is important to know and identify what they are in order to act appropriately or consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.
Allergic reactions: How to recognise them and act?
A bite has as its main symptoms pain, redness, swelling or itching in the area and usually lasts from a few hours to several days, but there are some people who show another type of more severe reaction.
This more pronounced allergy can cause other symptoms that appear quickly and affect the whole body such as difficulties in breathing or swallowing, swelling (oedema) in the face, vomiting or digestive discomfort, and even dizziness or fainting. In these cases of severe reactions, it will be necessary to seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the correct treatment.
Guide to identifying the most common insect bites
An insect bite usually causes a reaction on our skin that is often uncomfortable and typically allergic, due to the irritating substances (and in some cases toxic) that the insect deposits on our skin.
Depending on the type of insect, its bite or sting can provoke different reactions and these, in turn, may have a different appearance depending on each person. Let’s look at the most common:
mosquito bite
The mosquito bites appear as a small rounded swelling, pearly or reddish in colour and can occur anywhere on the body either isolated, if the mosquito has been "disturbed or removed" from the surface, or clustered.
This bite is not painful, but it does provoke a localized allergic reaction caused by the saliva deposited by the mosquito on the skin causing irritation and itching. It usually disappears after a few hours or days.
Bee and wasp stings
In the case of bee and wasp stings, they are very painful because their stingers can remain lodged in the skin. These stings produce intense and localized pain, redness and swelling. The pain usually fades progressively after a few hours.
The difference between the bites of these insects is that bees lose their stinger, which remains lodged in the skin (and a white spot appears in the centre), preventing them from stinging again; while wasps do not lose it, allowing them to sting multiple times. The composition of bee and wasp venom is complex and some have the potential to cause cross-sensitisation.
Bedbug bites
This type of bite appears on the skin that comes into direct contact with surfaces that contain them, whether mattresses, sofas, cushions, floors or bed frames. They are small red inflamed spots generally without surrounding reaction and often appear in a linear fashion, typically in threes or more bites. They do not cause pain, but do cause itching and swelling, and are often confused with mosquito bites due to their appearance.
Flea bites
Flea bites usually present as red bumps surrounded by a reddish-brown halo and are small in size, often appearing in groups or in a line. Fleas typically bite the lower legs, especially around the ankles or other warm areas of the body such as armpits or behind the knees, even on the abdomen. These bites are very troublesome due to continuous and intense itching, which can cause skin excoriation and subsequently lead to secondary infections. Flea bite
Ants
Common ants, even though they have the potential to cause skin irritations due to the presence of formic acid, are not the norm. However, red ants or fire ants are the ones that are often aggressive (they usually attack in swarms and can bite or sting up to 10 times in a row), and they have a very potent venom composed of alkaloids. They produce painful small bites that appear as red spots or haemorrhagic points and develop a blister in the centre that hurts and burns, which can last several days. Ant bites
Horseflies
Horseflies are large flies that lacerate or excoriate the skin with their mouthparts, introducing an anticoagulant substance which causes a small local haemorrhage from where they suck blood. This action results in sharp pain, severe inflammation, redness and bruising in the area, which can lead to large welts and very itchy papules. Horsefly bite
Arachnid bites
Depending on the type of arachnid, its bite or sting can provoke different reactions and these, in turn, may have a different appearance depending on each person. Let’s examine the most common:
Spider bite
Spiders typically do not bite unless they feel threatened, and their venomous bite is peculiar, as it appears as two puncture marks together with redness in the skin. These bites usually cause mild pain and form a blister over time depending on the species of spider.
If the bite worsens or other symptoms such as fever, nausea or extreme pain develop, it is best to seek medical attention, as the wound from the bite may have become complicated or it may be a venomous spider species. Spider bite
Ticks
Ticks feed on blood in a manner similar to horseflies. The main difference is that ticks can remain attached to the skin for several days or even months, feeding on blood, therefore when detected, it is recommended to remove the tick carefully from the skin with the help of a healthcare professional.
Generally, their bites do not produce pain or discomfort, and they can cause different types of skin rashes ranging from reddened and inflamed papules (rash) to lesions that involve severe itching, complicating the diagnosis. After such bites, it is important to consider the symptoms, as ticks are transmitters of certain diseases, the most well-known being Lyme disease. Tick bite - Lyme disease pattern
How to differentiate between bites
As we detailed in the previous section, most insect or arachnid bites cause a very similar reaction on the skin, characterised by redness and swelling in the area, but there are some details we can take into account to differentiate them.
Analysis of bite patterns
Firstly, according to their number, we see that bites from mosquitoes, bees, wasps, or spiders tend to be individual and visible in different areas of the body, in the case of multiple bites. In contrast, bites from fleas and bedbugs tend to be grouped or in lines of three or four in a straight line.
It is also possible to differentiate them based on their location, as, for example, bites from fleas typically occur on the feet or abdominal area, and in the case of bedbugs, on the back or areas that have come into contact with surfaces that harbour them.
Comparison of specific symptoms
Most bites result in itchiness, which can be intense and persistent in some cases, such as bites from mosquitoes, fleas, and bedbugs. On the other hand, bites from wasps, spiders, ants, and horseflies are identified as being painful.
Environmental factors and habits
The weather and the time of day are also key in determining which insect or arachnid may have bitten us.
- Thus, common mosquitoes reproduce in humid environments and typically appear during dawn and dusk, although the tiger mosquito variety tends to appear during the day.
- Bees and wasps usually appear during the day. Bees only sting when they feel threatened or to defend their queen and hive, similar to wasps, although the latter are attracted to certain smells and often approach if food is outdoors.
- Both fleas and ticks prefer to feed on animals, so they only bite us if we are near an infected animal or in areas frequented by dogs and cats.
- Red ants establish their nests in any place where they can find moisture, both outdoors and inside the home, for example, in showers or pipes. They usually bite when they feel threatened or if their path in search of food is obstructed.
- Spiders only bite in self-defence when they feel trapped or threatened. They can be found in any place and climate, as there are thousands of species, although they usually move along the ground or in dark places.
- Horseflies inhabit sunny and humid areas, making them abundant in the summer.
How to relieve the symptoms of bites
Most bites are mild and do not cause more than discomfort such as itching and a skin reaction, so they can be treated at home until they disappear, usually within one or two days.
First aid for bites
As soon as you detect a bite from an insect or arachnid, provided you are not allergic to any of them, follow these simple steps at home to relieve the symptoms and prevent them from worsening or getting infected:
- Wash the area thoroughly with water and soap.
- Carefully remove the stinger if there is one.
- Apply ice or a cloth moistened with cold water for 10 minutes to help reduce pain and swelling.
- Avoid touching the area in the following hours and days to prevent infection.
- Be alert to signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or pain. If this occurs, seek medical attention.
Relieve bites with the natural ingredients from Biteroll
If you have already experienced a bite, in addition to the first steps to clean and soothe the area, there are natural ingredients you can apply that relieve the skin.
- Lavender oil has traditionally been used to refresh the skin.
- Jojoba oil has multiple properties for the skin, including its comforting and positive effect on skin integrity.
- Propolis has a positive effect on calming and antioxidant processes.
These three ingredients can be found in Biteroll, a roll-on made from natural and organic ingredients that soothe the skin and relieve itching after insect bites. Its soothing effect is enhanced by its cooling and refreshing effect. Additionally, it is suitable for the whole family, including children from 3 years old.
When to seek medical attention?
As mentioned earlier, there are cases where an insect or arachnid bite can cause severe allergic reactions. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or other parts of the body, dizziness or fainting, vomiting, or nausea, you may be facing one of these reactions and it will be necessary to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Prevention of bites: Keep insects at bay
To avoid bothersome insect bites as much as possible, especially in warm climates, there are several measures we can put into practice in our daily lives both outdoors and indoors. Here are some of them.
Use of insect repellents
An effective method if we are going to spend the day outside, especially in areas with vegetation, is the use of repellents to deter insects. A very effective ingredient is citronella, as it masks the scents that attract insects to prevent them from coming close. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper use and for which age range it is suitable.
Appropriate clothing and outdoor protection
It is advisable to wear long trousers (preferably tucked into socks or shoes) and long sleeves if we are going to visit wooded areas and/or grassy fields to cover our skin as much as possible. This is also valid for arachnids.
Also, avoid bright colours and cosmetics with fragrances that may attract insects.
Methods to keep insects away from the home
The main method to avoid flying insects at home is insect screens for doors and windows, although this will not prevent other insects from appearing through other openings in the flooring or drains. Therefore, it is ideal to increase cleanliness during the hot months, especially in areas like the kitchen, to avoid food scraps that attract insects, as well as checking for stagnant water in containers, for example, if we have pots or a garden, as moisture is an ideal environment for their reproduction.
Aromatherapy to deter insects
Since most insects are attracted to certain scents, another very effective method is aromatherapy with essential oils. There are certain aromas derived from citral, geraniol, citronellal, or neral that mask other attractive scents for insects. These aromas can be found in plants like citronella, geranium, or lemon eucalyptus, from which essential oils are extracted for use in aromatherapy. All you need is a diffuser and one of these essential oils to keep insects away from any room in the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I am allergic to bites?
The first step to identify any type of allergy is skin tests to find out which allergen triggers a reaction. If you have not undergone these tests, another way to know is by observing the symptoms, as an allergic reaction occurs immediately after a bite, with severe symptoms such as swelling, dizziness/nausea, or difficulty breathing.
What to do if I have a severe allergic reaction?
In the event of an allergic reaction that includes the symptoms detailed above or that are beyond what is common after a bite (itching, mild discomfort, or swelling), it is advisable to seek medical attention quickly.
Are children more prone to bites?
There is no evidence that children are more attractive to insects when it comes to biting. In the case of mosquitoes, for example, they are attracted to the amount of carbon dioxide we emit while breathing, meaning we are more attractive when we exert physical effort (whether exercising, for pregnant women, or when shouting) as it increases respiratory rate.
In case of experiencing throat and nose discomfort, it is advisable to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Keeping rooms ventilated can also help as a concentrated environment tends to accumulate dust and other substances, so it is recommended to ventilate by opening windows for 10 to 20 minutes each day. At night, using a humidifier to keep mucous membranes and the throat moist can also help.
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Content reviewed by the specialists of the Scientific Information area of MARNYS. This article is informative and does not replace consulting a specialist.
