Common Stinging or Biting Insects or Spiders

Many insects cause mild reactions, such as:

• Reference Bedbugs.
• Reference Kissing bugs.
• Reference Chiggers Opens New Window.
• Reference Fleas Opens New Window.
• Reference Flies.
• Reference Mites Opens New Window.
• Reference Mosquitoes Opens New Window.
• Reference Nonpoisonous spiders.
• Reference Ticks Opens New Window.
• Reference Scabies Opens New Window.
• Lice. For more information on lice, see the topic Reference Lice.

Some insects are more likely than others to cause allergic or toxic reactions.

• A Reference bee leaves the stinger behind and then dies after stinging. Africanized honeybees, the so-called Reference killer bees Opens New Window, are more aggressive than common honeybees and often attack together in great numbers.
• Reference Wasps, including hornets and yellow jackets Opens New Window, can sting over and over. Yellow jackets cause the greatest number of allergic reactions.
• A Reference fire ant attaches to a person by biting with its jaws, then, pivoting its head it stings from its abdomen in a circular pattern at multiple sites.

Bites and stings are more serious if you develop one or more of the following conditions after an insect or spider bite or sting:

• A severe allergic reaction (Reference anaphylaxis Opens New Window)
• A Reference toxic reaction
• A Reference large skin reaction
• Reference Signs of a skin infection Opens New Window
• Reference Serum sickness Opens New Window

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.