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Summary

Most insect bites are harmless, though they sometimes cause discomfort. Bee, wasp, and hornet stings and fire ant bites usually hurt. Mosquito and flea bites usually itch. Insects can also spread diseases. In the United States, some mosquitoes spread West Nile virus. Travelers outside the United States may be at risk for malaria and other infections.

To prevent insect bites and their complications:

• Don't bother insects
• Use insect repellant
• Wear protective clothing
• Be careful when you eat outside because food attracts insects
• If you know you have severe allergic reactions to insect bites and stings (such as anaphylaxis), carry an emergency epinephrine kit

Start Here

• Bug Bites and Stings (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
• Identifying Insect Bites and Stings (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish
• Insects and Scorpions at Work (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Prevention and Risk Factors

• DEET (Environmental Protection Agency)
• Find the Repellent that is Right for You (Environmental Protection Agency) Also in Spanish
• « Prev (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
• Protect against Mosquito Bites when Traveling (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDF Also in Spanish
• Protecting Yourself from Stinging Insects (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) - PDF
• Repellents: Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Environmental Protection Agency)

Treatments and Therapies

• First Aid: Insect Stings and Bites (Nemours Foundation)
• Insect Bites and Stings: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish