Here are 10 common bug bites to help you recognize them in case of an emergency:
- Mosquito: Mosquito bites can be small and circular or larger and elongated, depending on how long they fed. They’re extremely itchy, and scratching worsens it.
- Flea: Flea bites are small, hard, red, and very itchy. Fleas tend to bite multiple times in the same area.
- Lice: Lice bites are similar to flea bites but are typically found on the head, neck, and behind the ears.
- Bedbug: Bedbug bites resemble mosquito bites but are redder, itchier, and often appear in a zig-zag pattern. If you suspect a bedbug infestation, contact an exterminator.
- Tick: Tick bites have a red ring around a dark dot. Proper removal is important; save the tick in a container for testing for diseases like Lyme or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Wasp: Wasp stings resemble mosquito bites but have a visible mark in the center. They can be itchy and painful, with swelling and redness.
- Hornet: Hornet bites are similar to wasp bites but tend to be more painful and swollen.
- Bee: Honeybee stings leave their stinger in the skin. Remove the stinger with tweezers and disinfect the area.
- Red Ant: Red ant bites are painful right away, unlike flea bites, which are just itchy.
- Spider: Spider bites can be red, hard, and either itchy or painful. Some bites may show two small puncture marks.
