Alternate Names: Bedbug bite; Bee sting; Bites - insects; Black widow bite; Brown recluse bite; Flea bite; Honey bee bite; Louse bite; Mite bite; Scorpion bite; Spider bite; Tick bite; Yellow jacket bite

Considerations:

If bitten or stung by an insect, try to kill it and have it identified (if it can be done quickly and doing so does not present a risk).

Most bites and stings do not require emergency medical care. However, possible complications to insect bites and stings include: allergic reaction, infection, disease, reaction to venom (see wasp and bee poison documents), toxic reaction, or shock. Allergic reactions to bee stings happen in less than 1

Causes:

• black widow spider bite
• brown recluse spider bite
• bumblebee sting
• fire-ant sting
• honey bee sting
• hornet sting
• scorpion bite
• tarantula bite
• tick bite
• wasp sting
• yellow jacket sting

Symptoms:

• bite, sting or wound
• coughing
• difficult breathing
• localized pain, redness, swelling, and itching sensation
• rash
• stinger visible in the skin
• wheezing

Do Not:

• DO NOT raise the site of the bites above the level of the victim’s heart.
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
• DO NOT give the victim stimulants, aspirin, or other pain medication unless prescribed by the doctor.
• DO NOT allow the victim to exercise. If necessary, carry the victim to safety.

Call If:

the victim is having a severe reaction or the victim has been stung inside the mouth or throat. Call ahead to the emergency room so that they can prepare the appropriate antivenom

First Aid:

1. Check the victim’s airway, breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.

2. If the victim is having breathing problems, keep the airway open. Do not let the victim lie down.

3. Reassure the victim. Try to keep him or her calm as anxiety will worsen the situation.

4. If the sting is from a honey bee, remove the stinger. Do not use tweezers since pinching the stinger will cause more venom to be released.

5. Wash the site with soap and lukewarm water.

6. Cover the site with a clean, cold compress or a clean, moist dressing to reduce swelling and discomfort.

7. Remove rings and constricting items because the affected area may swell.

8. Keep the victim still and place the injured site in a comfortable position but below the level of the victim’s heart.

9. Give first aid for an allergic reaction if necessary.

10. If appropriate, treat the victim for signs of shock. Remain with the victim until you get medical help.

11. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, observe the site for signs of infection (such as increasing redness, swelling, pain).

FOR TICK BITES:
1. If a tick has bitten you and it is still attached, remove it. Grasp it close to its head or mouth with tweezers or with the fingernails and pull it straight out with a slow and steady motion.

2. Clean the area with soap and water.

3. Save the tick and watch carefully for the next week or two for signs of Lyme disease.

4. If all the parts of the tick cannot be removed, get medical help.

Prevention:

Avoid confrontation with insects whenever possible.