Warmer weather means more time outdoors and around biting and stinging insects. These critters can turn a day of outdoor fun into a stressful, painful situation. No matter your favorite outdoor activity, it’s important to understand the potential risks and how to address them.

Concerns Related to Insect Bites and Stings

Insects like mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, and bees can pose various threats, including:

1. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to insect bites and stings, from painful, itchy welts to severe allergy symptoms like difficulty breathing or anaphylactic shock. Those with diagnosed allergies should have appropriate medications on hand and be prepared to use them. Seek immediate medical attention if severe symptoms occur.
2. Disease Transmission: Insect bites can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Fever (ticks), or West Nile virus (mosquitoes). These conditions can have serious consequences and may require medical treatment. Taking preventative measures to prevent insect bites can help avoid some of these issues.

Tips for Preventing and Managing Insect Bites

To minimize risks from insect bites and stings, consider the following:

1. Use Insect Repellents: Use insect repellents according to manufacturer recommendations, including regularly reapplying, especially after swimming or sweating. Apply repellents containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing.
2. Cover Up: When outdoors, minimize exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks. Keeping your pants tucked into your socks can also help keep ticks out.
3. Avoid Risky Behaviors: Resist the urge to swat at flying insects, which can cause them to sting. Be aware of your surroundings, and do not approach nests or swarms of insects.
4. Check for Ticks: Examine the skin for signs of ticks, emphasizing the hair, underarms, and groin. If ticks are found, remove them right away using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure.
5. Manage Symptoms: If bitten or stung, wash the site with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to help alleviate swelling. Avoid scratching, as this can increase the risk of infection.
6. Look for Signs of Infection: Some bites cause minor symptoms such as small, itchy welts. More serious symptoms may include pain radiating from the bite, a feeling of warmth from the skin around the area, or fever and chills. Lyme disease may also present with an expanding circular bullseye-like rash. Seek immediate medical attention if severe symptoms occur.

“Managing the risks of bug bites or stings and understanding the seriousness of potential symptoms can help make your time outdoors more enjoyable,” said Akash Rana, Riverside Operations Director for Workforce Health and Immediate Care. “Riverside’s Immediate Care locations are here for you to help evaluate bites and stings and provide needed care.”

If you experience a bug bite or sting that requires additional attention, Riverside’s Immediate Care providers are here to help. Find the location nearest you by visiting myrhc.net/immediate-care.

Can’t make it to an Immediate Care location in person? Schedule a video visit through your myRiverside MyChart app! Click Schedule an Appointment, then choose Immediate Care Visits, and select Immediate Care Video Visit.

Note: in cases of emergency or severe symptoms, call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Environmental Protection Agency