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Insect bites or stings    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Bedbug bite; Bee sting; Bites - insects; Black widow bite; Brown recluse bite; Flea bite; Honey bee sting; Louse bite; Mite bite; Scorpion bite; Spider bite; Tick bite; Yellow jacket sting

Definition:

This sting or bite is from an insect or spider.

Considerations

If bitten or stung by an insect, try to kill it and have it identified (if it can be done quickly and safely).

Most bites and stings do not require emergency medical care. However, possible complications to insect bites and stings include: allergic reaction, shock, reaction to venom (see wasp and bee poison documents), toxic reaction, or infection.

Allergic reactions to insect bites or stings occur very quickly, usually within minutes, and severe reactions can be rapidly fatal if untreated. Approximately 0.5% of the population develop severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings.

Causes

Common causes include:

• Black widow spider bite
• Brown recluse spider bite
• Bumblebee sting
• Fire-ant sting
• Honey bee sting
• Hornet sting
• Scorpion bite
• Tarantula bite
• Tick bite
• Wasp sting
• Yellow jacket sting

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