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Bites and Stings: Insect and Spider

Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, mosquitoes, flies, spiders, chiggers, ticks, gnats, and other insects can all produce painful stings or bites. Most insect bites are harmless, but some can be very dangerous, even fatal.


Symptoms

Prevention

Using Insect Repellents

Prevention for People with Serious Reactions to Bee Stings

First Aid

Special Care for Children with Insect Bites

Related topics
Printable Version
What to do About Bites and Stings: Insect and Spider
Throbbing pain Symptoms can usually be treated at home. If symptoms persist, you should call your doctor for advice.
Burning, redness, itching Symptoms can usually be treated at home. If symptoms persist, you should call your doctor for advice.
Significant swelling and pain that doesn’t get better within 48 hours Symptoms may be treated at home or they may require a visit to your doctor. Usually you and your doctor need to share additional information about your condition to decide what is best for you.
Unusual rash Symptoms may be treated at home or they may require a visit to your doctor. Usually you and your doctor need to share additional information about your condition to decide what is best for you.
Signs of infection (increasing pain, redness, swelling) or fever over 101°F Symptoms may be treated at home or they may require a visit to your doctor. Usually you and your doctor need to share additional information about your condition to decide what is best for you. 
Bite by a brown house spider or black widow spider (most common in the South) Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen.
Sting in nose or mouth Symptoms in this category are serious and should usually be seen within 2 hours. Depending on your health insurance, you may choose to call your doctor to determine if you should be seen in the doctor’s office, in an urgent care center, or in an emergency room.
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of bowel or bladder control Symptoms in this category are serious and should usually be seen within 2 hours. Depending on your health insurance, you may choose to call your doctor to determine if you should be seen in the doctor’s office, in an urgent care center, or in an emergency room.
Dizziness or fainting; shortness of breath; swelling of throat, face, or tongue; difficulty swallowing Symptoms in this category are life threatening and require immediate medical treatment.

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