Common Bug Bites and How to Identify Them

Fire Ants
Fire ants are a particularly nasty type of ant that aggressively attacks intruders, often in groups. It is most common to see multiple stings, as even one ant tends to sting multiple times.

Appearance: Initially appears as a red welt or lump, eventually become a blister
Symptoms: Burning, stinging sensation

Bed Bugs
Bed bug bites are often unnoticed at first, given that it’s most common you are sleeping when bitten by a bed bug. It is possible to have no reaction to a bite, and therefore it may go completely unseen.

Appearance: Small, flat, or raised red welts. Occasional swelling and a reddish rash. Bites can appear in small tight lines.
Symptoms: Initial burning feeling, eventual itching

Fleas
While fleas are commonly known to affect your pets, it is also important to know what to look for in case they are biting you too. In the rare event where the bite wounds excrete pus, contact a doctor immediately.

Appearance: Small red spots surrounded by reddened “halos”, often found on lower appendages such as legs or feet
Symptoms: Extreme itching

Horsefly
Horseflies have a very aggressive bite, causing bleeding. Infection is possible if the bite area is not treated with antibacterial medication.

Appearance: Bleeding, large reddish rash-like area with central bite
Symptoms: Pain, soreness, itchiness

Mosquito
Everyone knows what a mosquito bite feels like, but different people react to different degrees of the bite from this common pest. In some cases, mosquitos are also known to carry certain illnesses and diseases, so it is important to watch out for any additional symptoms beyond the typical itchiness and discomfort.

Appearance: Hard, raised bumps with a small red dot in the middle. Occasionally can appear as a blotchy looking blister instead of a bump.
Symptoms: Itching

Spiders
There are many kinds of spider bites, some much more severe than others. If you experience dizziness, vomiting, fever, muscle cramps, or other severe symptoms, contact a doctor immediately.

Appearance: Two puncture marks close together, rash, and swelling will vary based on the type of spider
Symptoms: Dependent on the type of spider, most spider bite will just leave a painful mark, while others, such as the black widow or brown recluse, can cause serious harm and illness, such as muscle cramps, sweating, rash, fever, and vomiting

Ticks
Ticks will burrow their heads into the skin and not let go until you either remove them or they complete feeding and let go on their own. You should remove a tick as soon as possible once you notice it on you.

Appearance: A bullseye-type rash will appear if the tick is carrying Lyme’s Disease, otherwise a small bite mark will remain after removal
Symptoms: Redness around the bite area, itchiness, burning. In the case of Lyme’s Disease, fever, headache, and fatigue are all early symptoms