"Darn, Noah should have swatted those two mosquitoes, "I cursed as I rubbed a sting on my neck from a blood-sucking mosquito. The summer season was upon us, which brought out some of nature's less friendly species. Those pests annoyed us with their buzzing at our slumber, trooped on our table to taste a minute crumb, and worst of all, bit and stung our tender skins and even caused an allergic reaction.
For most people, like yours truly, insect bites or stings cause a mild reaction and usually cause little more than an intense irritating itch for most people. Stings or bites are caused by midges, horseflies, bees, wasps, ants, some spiders, fleas, lice, etc.. These bites may show up as a small raised red spot. It may blister and may cause an irritation or infection if one continues to rub the sting.
In some people who are sensitive to insect venom, a sting may cause a severe allergic reaction. This results in facial swelling, difficultly breathing and an itchy rash over most of the body. Serious cases can be life-threatening so immediate medical attention and treatment needs to be sought.
The time of year is another factor in the occurrence of insect stings and bites. Stings from bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and ants more commonly occur during summer months. Ticks usually sting in the late autumn and chiggers, lice, and fleas are a yearly menace. The following simple measures can prevent insect stings and bites:
1) Bees are attracted to bright-colored clothing and perfume odors at outdoor affairs simply wear light-colored clothing and avoid using sweet smelling cosmetics.
2) Try to control odors at picnics, garbage areas, etc. that can attract stinging insects.
3) When you see hives or nests close to home try to relocate or destroy them.
4) Don't leave pools of stagnating water as these may attract mosquitoes
5) Electrical insect repelling devices and lit coils are quite effective against insects; their use is quite helpful
6) Maintain good personal and household hygiene.
7) De-flea cats, dogs and other pets regularly.
8) Use insect repellents. Consult your family physician or pharmacist for the brand that is suitable for your skin.
9) Above all avoid provoking insects whenever possible. (Time and time again we hear of children being stung by wasps after playfully trying to destroy their nest.)
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If you are afflicted or injured by these nasty bugs there are certain precautions to be taken:
MOSQUITOES BITES:
When you are stung by a mosquito the main treatment aim of insect bites is to prevent itching. If the bitten area begins to swell and you need to scratch, rub an antihistamine of hypo-allergic cream containing aloe vera or propolis on the bite area. Calamine lotion, and topical local anesthetic agents may also provide relief. If the bite does not improve or there is an allergic reaction medical attention would be required.
FLEA BITES:
Fleas increase their activity in the summer months and you may see clusters of reddish fleabites on your skin. Sensitivity to fleabites varies between people; children often have especially severe reactions. In sensitive people, the bite is often surrounded by a "halo" of red, irritated skin. Fleabites should be treated with an antihistamine ointment containing steroids.
BEE/WASP STING:
Bees and wasps are generally aggressive only when threatened. The head and neck of an inflicted are the most common sites of stings, followed by the arms and legs Pain is usually immediate followed by rapid swelling, redness, and itching at the site of the sting. If the pain and swelling increases apply ice or a cold ice pack. In less severe cases, when you see the stinger left by the insect try to brush or scrape it off as the stinger left in skin can cause infection; then swab the area with disinfectant and afterwards rub the area with a soothing skin ointment with a cortisone base; calamine lotion is effective for itching. Should one experience allergic reactions to the bite such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, increased perspiration, hives, nausea, cramps or vomiting call 911 immediately.
SPIDER BITES:
Most common household spiders cause a nonserious bite. Spider bites often cause minor swelling, redness, pain, and itching. These mild reactions are common and may last from a few hours to a few days. . Apply calamine lotion or a baking soda paste to the bite area. You can also apply over the counter 1% hydrocortisone cream four times per day for extremely itchy bites. Another way to reduce the itch is to apply firm, sharp, direct pressure to the bite for 10 seconds. Encourage your child not to pick at the bites. Most spider bites, however, are harmless. If by a spider, bring it to the medical authorities for identification if this can be done quickly and safely. Then proper treatment will be in order.
*Black widow spider bite; Brown recluse spider bite, Scorpion bite need immediate medical attention.
Other stinging insects include bumblebees, yellow jackets, hornets, and fire and harvester ants. Other biting insects include conenose bugs, horseflies, deerflies, bedbugs, and black flies. In most cases, bites and stings can be easily treated at home.
Required steps for home treatment of bites and stings:
1) Carefully remove the stinger if still present by scraping or brushing them away by any sharp straight object. Do not use tweezers - these may squeeze the venom sac and increase the amount of venom released.
2) Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water.
3) Place wrapped ice on the site of the sting or bite for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process.
4) If necessary, take an antihistamine or apply creams that reduce itching. Calamine lotion is also recommended for itching
5) Watch for signs of infection (such as increasing redness, swelling, or pain). During the next few days consult a doctor if there is a sign of infection in the wound.
However, some people have a severe allergic reaction to insect bites and stings. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, and it requires urgent emergency care. Call 911 immediately if you are with someone who this reaction and has trouble breathing or goes into shock.
To sum it up Spiders, bee and some stinging insects use their venom to protect their lives and homes, while mosquitoes and ticks feed off the blood of humans and other mammals. Either way, it's unpleasant to be on the receiving end of a spider bite or insect sting.
NOTE:
1) Bites from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants are typically the most troublesome. Bites from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and some spiders also can cause reactions, but these are generally milder.