Summer Insect Bites: Identification and Treatment Guide for MA Residents

Summer sunshine, warm weather, and long days are the pinnacle of outdoor enjoyment for most people who crave the arrival of this season. But humans aren’t the only ones ready to take full advantage of the heat.

Summer insects share many of the same spaces humans inhabit during the summertime, from backyard patios to inside the home if they can find an entry point. Unfortunately, the overlap between humans and insects can lead to bug bites — and each type of insect bite poses its own risks for people.

Here is a guide for Massachusetts residents to identify common summer insect bites, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and bees, and provide effective treatment options. Always seek prompt medical attention for severe reactions, such as hives, swelling of the throat or tongue, and significant redness around the bite site.

Mosquitoes

The Bite: Most people are familiar with mosquito bites, which produce raised red welts at the site of the bite. In some cases (especially if the bite is new), it may not yet be red.

Mosquito bites are notoriously itchy and tend to occur in areas with pronounced warmth or blood flow because the female mosquitoes use blood proteins to form their larvae. Thus, ankles, wrists, and behind the knees are all vulnerable locations. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as West Nile virus, so be attentive for symptoms.

Treatment: Mosquito bites do not require treatment and will go away on their own. However, wash the bite area with soapy water to relieve itching and remove bacteria. An antihistamine or calamine lotion can also help negate the itch. Do not scratch bites; this can break the skin and introduce infection-causing bacteria.

Ticks

The Bite: Ticks bite by clinging onto the skin so they can fill their bodies with blood over time. While tick bites may also create a raised welt similar to a mosquito bite, pay attention to a larger discolored area that is red or even bruise-like.

Not all Lyme disease cases present with the stereotypical bullseye-shaped rash. In some cases, you may even see the tick still burrowed into the skin. Do not attempt to remove it without a doctor, as you risk detaching the body while leaving the head embedded.

Treatment: If the tick is still present, have it removed by a medical professional. Then, clean the area and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin to eliminate bacteria. You can use an ice pack on the area to reduce discomfort. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as rash and malaise for up to two weeks after the bite.

Bees & Wasps

The Bite: It’s hard to miss a bee sting because it hurts much worse than mosquito bites. Bee stings tend to produce larger, more agitated welts, often with a visible indentation in the middle where the stinger entered. Depending on the insect, the stinger may even be left behind. Do not squeeze it to remove it, or you may inject more venom from the attached venom gland.

Treatment: Wash the sting with soap and water to rinse away any remaining venom. Then, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and take OTC pain relief to mitigate the irritation. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, and seek medical attention right away if such signs are present.

Fire Ants

The Bite: Unlike other types of Massachusetts ants, fire ants are prone to biting humans if disturbed. A fire ant bite can be painful, and these insects can bite more than once, so look for clusters of irritation.

Bites begin as red lumps that gradually turn into blisters filled with pus. Do not attempt to pop or drain the blisters, which can introduce foreign bacteria into an open injury. Those sensitive to fire ants may experience aches in other parts of the body or even nausea.

Treatment: Applying a cold compress as soon as possible is the best way to relieve the pain from a fire and sting. The area will likely become itchy, so treat it with calamine or an antihistamine if necessary. Hydrocortisone cream can help to ease irritation and swelling around the blisters until they dissipate.

Take Care of Pests Before They Bite

No one wants to be bitten by a bug, but spending time in the same spaces as them makes this more of a “when” than an “if.” It’s important to undergo strategic pest treatment to keep your home and property free of unwanted insects and avoid their bites. The experts at Spartan Animal & Pest Control can help you rid your spaces of summer insects that bite. Contact Spartan to schedule an appointment.