From itchy mosquito bites to painful bee stings, most insect bites are a normal part of childhood. The good news? Most are harmless and easy to treat at home.
However, some bites and stings can cause serious reactions—especially in children with allergies. Knowing what to look for (and when to act fast) can make all the difference. Here are some common insect bites and stings, how to ease symptoms at home and when to seek medical care.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are generally found near water (such as pools, lakes and birdbaths). They are also attracted by bright colors and sweat. Mosquito bites cause a stinging sensation followed by a small, red, itchy mound with a tiny puncture mark at the center.
Flies
Flies are usually found near or around wet areas with standing water or mud, food, garbage and animal waste. Fly bites cause painful, itchy bumps, which may turn into small blisters. These often disappear in a day but may last longer.
Fleas
Flea bites are usually leave multiple small bumps clustered together on exposed areas, especially on arms, legs and the face. Fleas are commonly found in cracks in the floor, rugs and on pet fur. They are most likely to be a problem in homes with pets.
Bedbugs
Bedbugs are usually found in cracks in walls or floors, crevices of furniture and bedding. Bedbug bites are cause itchy red bumps that are occasionally topped by a blister, usually appearing 2 or 3 in a row (same as fleas but may affect covered areas). Bedbugs are most likely to bite at night and are less active in cold weather.
Fire ants
Fire ant bites lead to painful, itch bumps that may turn into small blisters. Fire ants usually attack intruders and are commonly found in pastures, meadows, lawns and parks in southern states.
Bees and wasps
These winged insects are usually found near flowers, shrubs, picnic areas and beaches. Bee and wasp stings cause immediate pain and rapid swelling. A few children have severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing and hives or swelling all over their body.
Note: If your child disturbed a beehive or wasps' nest, get them away from it as quickly as possible. Any disturbance makes other bees and wasps more likely to sting as well.
Ticks
Ticks are found in wooded areas, tall grasses and in underbrush. They can attach to your child’s skin without being noticed. That's why it's important to check your child for tick bites after spending time where ticks may live.
Note: When trying to
remove a tick do not use matches, lit cigarettes or nail polish remover. Grasp the tick firmly near the head, with tweezers, and gently pull the tick straight out.
Treating insect bites and stings at home
Although insect bites can be irritating, they usually begin to disappear by the next day and do not require a doctor's treatment.
How to ease itching, pain and swelling
To relieve the itchiness that accompanies bites by mosquitoes, flies, fleas and bedbugs, apply a cool compress and calamine lotion or a low-potency topical steroid on the affected areas. Use oral antihistamines to control itch.
If your child is stung by a wasp or bee, this can be more serious. If there is redness, pain and itching at the site of the sting, this is a normal, local reaction. Soak a cloth in cold water and press it over the area of the sting to reduce pain and swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) may also be helpful.
Signs of a serious allergic reaction
Call your pediatrician if symptoms persist or become difficult to control. Your child may be prescribed an oral steroid if the swelling is significant. If the reaction occurs in another area of the body (or all over the body), this is a "systemic" reaction and needs immediate medical attention.
If there is throat swelling or trouble breathing, administer self-injectable epinephrine and call 911.
How to prevent and recognize an infected bite
Keep your child's fingernails short and clean to minimize the risk of infection from scratching. If infection does occur, the bite will become redder, larger and more swollen. In some cases, you may notice red streaks or yellowish fluid near the bite or your child may get a fever. Have your pediatrician examine any infected bite right away because it may need to be treated with antibiotics.
When to seek emergency care for a bite or sting
Call for medical help immediately if your child has any of these other symptoms after being bitten or stung:
Sudden difficulty in breathing
Weakness or unconsciousness
Hives or itching all over the body
Extreme swelling near the eyes, lips or penis that makes it difficult for the child to see, eat or urinate (pee)
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