Insect Bite and Sting Prevention
For most people, insect bites and stings are painful for a short time. However, bites and stings can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction in some children and adults. Talk to your healthcare provider about preventing a serious allergic reaction. In an emergency or if someone is having difficulty breathing, call 911.
Most Common Bites and Stings
Venomous Insects
These kinds of insects usually attack when they feel like they are in danger and need to protect their territory or nest. When these insects sting, they can inject venom into the skin.
- Hornets
- Wasps
- Bees
Non-Venomous Insects
- Mosquitoes
- Lice
- Bedbugs
- Ticks
- Fleas
- Gnats
- Chiggers
Tips to Avoid Bites and Stings
- Remain calm and quiet and slowly move away from stinging insects. Buzzing insects will sting if they feel threatened so do not swat at them.
- Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing when outdoors. A stinging insect may confuse this clothing for a flower.
- Do not use scented soaps, perfumes, or hair sprays on your child. These can attract insects.
- Be careful when cooking, eating, or drinking sweet beverages such as soda or juice outdoors. Keep food and drinks covered until consuming them.
- Wear closed-toe shoes outdoors to avoid stepping barefoot on a stinging insect.
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes that can trap insects in between the material and the skin.
- Read the instructions before applying insect repellent. Some repellents should only be applied to clothing, not skin.
- Stay away from areas where mosquitoes breed during hot weather,such as still pools or ponds. Remove standing water from birdbaths and buckets.
- Try to stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dawn and dusk).
- Avoid the area around the stinging insect's nest. These insects are most likely to sting if their homes are disturbed, so it is important to leave their nests alone.
Serious Reactions
Bites and stings can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction in some people. It is important to be familiar with symptoms resulting from an insect sting that would require a visit to the emergency room. Visit Mayo Clinic - First Aid to learn more about when to seek emergency help and how to treat mild reactions to a bite or sting.
Call 911 if someone is having a serious reaction that suggests anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or fainting.
