The more we’re outside this summer, the better for our health. It probably means we’re being active, going to the beach and spending time playing. But at the same time, the more we are outside, the more we are at risk of encountering an unfriendly bug – bees and wasps, mosquitoes, fire ants, and even sand flies.
Although irritating, most bites and stings will go away after a few days and don’t require much treatment other than “don’t scratch it!”. But sometimes, the affected area will see a much different result.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss common insect bites and stings, their symptoms, and what to do as a first-aid solution.
The bane of the Florida backyard, the fire ant builds large anthills and delivers a nasty sting to anyone who tries to disrupt them. In fact – we should say “stings” because if you aggravate even one of these guys, he can sting you over and over again.
If you stepped in an anthill when you were mowing, or your child poked one with a stick, and now you have legs full of bites, the best thing to do is ice them (15 min on-15 min off) until the pain subsides. At the same time, take an antihistamine. When you’re finished icing, rub some hydrocortisone cream into the skin to remove the itch.
If your leg starts to swell immediately or the bites don’t begin to go away after a few days, stop into our urgent care center in West Palm Beach for immediate treatment.
Another entry into the “sting” category, bees and wasps can make any picnic or barbecue an unpleasant place to be. They love sugar, so they’ll be joining you for your watermelon, soft drinks, and fruit salads. If they land on you, stay calm and give them a little blow to get them moving again.
Whatever you do – don’t wave your arms around! Bees and wasps sting defensively, so if they think you’re about to swat them, they’ll have their stingers ready.
To avoid bites, don’t use scented products in your morning routine—no perfume and no scented lotions and oils. When you’re getting ready for the picnic, don’t wear flowered patterns. Finally, have the possibility of closing all containers—think bowls and cups with lids—so you don’t get a nasty surprise.
If you get stung and are allergic to the sting, which you will know because you’ll see swelling or hives in the affected area or begin to have trouble breathing, come immediately to our urgent care center in Wellington to get treated.
These problems aren’t unique to Florida, but they are more common here than in other places due to our lovely beaches.
If you get bit by a sand fly (also known as sand gnats or sand fleas), you’ll feel it. As long as it isn’t swelling immediately, you should be OK—just rub on some hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to stop the itching.
If it does start to swell, or you begin to have strange, unexplained symptoms, come to our urgent care center in West Palm Beach. Sand flies can transmit diseases, and we can check you out to ensure you didn’t get one.
Mosquitoes are practically Florida’s unofficial state insect. Thanks to our warm, humid climate, they thrive year-round, particularly in the summer months and after heavy rains. These tiny, buzzing pests feed on human blood, leaving behind itchy, red welts that can drive you crazy.
Mosquito bites are typically harmless. If you get bitten, wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection. You may also apply a cold compress to reduce swelling or anti-itch cream to relieve irritation. More importantly, avoid scratching, which can break the skin and lead to infection.
See medical attention immediately if you develop flu-like symptoms, as mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile virus and dengue fever. If you experience difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or hives (these could be signs of an allergic reaction).
Ticks are common in wooded areas, tall grasses, and even backyards. These tiny parasites attach to the skin and feed on blood, sometimes for days. While most tick bites are harmless, some can transmit Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Remove the tick as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping it close to the skin, and pulling upward with steady pressure. Once removed, clean the bite area with soap and water, then apply antiseptic.
Over the next few weeks, watch for symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain, which could indicate an infection or tick-borne illness.
Chiggers, also known as red mites, are microscopic larvae that latch onto the skin and inject digestive enzymes. These enzymes cause intense itching and red bumps, often appearing in clusters around the waist, ankles, and other areas where clothing fits tightly.
Taking a hot shower as soon as possible can help remove any remaining chiggers from your skin. Washing your clothes in hot water is also recommended to kill lingering larvae. Applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can help reduce itching, and it’s important to resist the urge to scratch to prevent infection.
Bedbugs are tiny, nocturnal pests that hide in mattresses, furniture, and cracks in walls. Their bites often appear in clusters or straight lines, leading to itchy, red welts. While they don’t transmit diseases, they can be a major nuisance.
Wash the bites with soap and water to reduce the chance of infection. Applying anti-itch cream or taking an antihistamine can help relieve discomfort. Avoid scratching the bites to prevent skin infections.
Most spider bites are harmless, but Florida is home to a few venomous species, including the black widow and brown recluse. Their bites can cause serious reactions.
Wash the area with soap and water to keep it clean. Applying a cold compress can help reduce pain and swelling, and keeping the affected limb elevated may prevent further irritation. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used to manage discomfort.
Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a bite from a venomous spider (look for severe pain, spreading redness, muscle cramps, or ulceration at the bite site). You should also watch out for a necrotic wound (a sign of a brown recluse bite).
When you’re out having a picnic in the backyard or at the beach, you are exposed to all of these bugs. The best precautionary measure is covering your skin with long sleeves/long pants. Covering yourself in DEET-free bug spray is also a good solution.
If you still get bitten or stung and have an adverse reaction, go immediately to our urgent care in Wellington to get checked out. We are open seven days a week to serve you when you need us.
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The material on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
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