Nhs list of 14 different insect bites, their symptoms and how to treat them

AS THE UK BASKS IN WARM WEATHER, BRITS ARE SPENDING MORE TIME OUTSIDE. THE NHS HAS NOW SHARED A LIST OF SOME OF THE INSECT BITES YOU COULD HAVE CHARLOTTE SMITH Senior Lifestyle Content

Editor and TAITE JOHNSON 21:35, 20 May 2025 The NHS has released a comprehensive list of the insect bites you could potentially suffer as temperatures rise across the UK. The joys of summer

often see millions of Brits flocking outdoors to bask in the sunshine, but this also means increased exposure to nature. Whether you're strolling through a park or simply sunning

yourself in your back garden, it's easy to fall victim to bothersome insect bites. If you do get bitten, the symptoms can range from mildly irritating to life-threatening in extreme

cases. Most commonly, a bite will result in swelling, a red rash and itching. However, thanks to the NHS's latest list, you can now identify exactly what type of bite you have, which

insect is responsible, and how to treat it. _Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to __our newsletter here_ It's crucial to remember that most insect bites and stings

are not serious and will improve within a few hours or days. However, they can occasionally lead to infection, trigger severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), or transmit serious illnesses

such as Lyme disease and malaria. Identifying what bit or stung you can be tricky if you didn't see the incident occur. But don't fret if you're unsure – the treatment for

most bites and stings is similar. 1. WASP AND HORNET STINGS A wasp or hornet sting typically causes an immediate sharp pain. This may then develop into a swollen red mark on your skin, which

can persist for several hours and may be painful and itchy. Sometimes, the area around the sting can be painful, red and swollen for up to a week. This is a minor allergic reaction, which

is usually not a cause for concern. A few individuals may experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), leading to breathing difficulties, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth. If

you have these symptoms, immediately dial 999 for an ambulance. 2. BEE STINGS A bee sting feels similar to a wasp sting, but the sting will often remain in the wound. It should be removed as

soon as possible to prevent any more venom from being released. Scrape the sting out sideways with something hard-edged, such as a bank card, or use your fingernails if nothing else is

available. Avoid pinching the sting with your fingers or tweezers as this may spread the venom. The sting can cause pain, redness and swelling for several hours. As with wasp stings, some

people may have a mild allergic reaction that lasts up to a week. Severe allergic reactions can also occur occasionally, causing breathing difficulties, dizziness and a swollen face or

mouth. Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you have these symptoms. 3. MOSQUITO BITES Mosquito bites often result in small red lumps on your skin. These are typically very itchy. Some

people may also develop fluid-filled blisters. While mosquitoes don't cause significant harm in the UK, they can spread serious illnesses such as malaria in some parts of the world.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience concerning symptoms like a high temperature, chills, headaches, and nausea following a mosquito bite abroad. 4. TICK BITES Tick bites often

go unnoticed as they are typically painless. Be aware of tick bite symptoms such as: * a small red lump on the skin * swelling * itchiness * blistering * bruising In the UK, ticks can carry

Lyme disease, a serious infection. Consult your GP if you notice symptoms like a "bull's-eye on a dartboard" rash or fever. If a tick has bitten you and remains attached to

your skin, remove it promptly to lower the risk of diseases like Lyme disease. For tick removal: * Use a pair of tweezers that will not squash the tick (such as fine-tipped tweezers) or a

tick removal tool (available from pet shops or vets). * Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible to ensure the tick's mouth isn't left in the skin. * Pull steadily away from

the skin without crushing the tick. * Wash your skin with water and soap afterwards, then apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines

when using a tick removal tool. Avoid using a lit cigarette end, a match head, or substances like alcohol or petroleum jelly to extract the tick. 5. HORSEFLY BITES Horsefly bites can be

extremely painful, with the affected skin turning red and swollen. Additional symptoms may include: * a larger red, raised rash (called hives or urticaria) * dizziness * weakness * wheezing

* part of your body becoming puffy and swollen Horsefly bites may take time to heal and are prone to infection. Visit your GP if signs of infection appear, such as pus or increasing pain,

redness, and swelling. 6. MIDGE OR GNAT BITES Midge and gnat bites usually resemble mosquito bites, causing small, red, painful, and very itchy lumps, sometimes with significant swelling.

Blistering may occur in some cases. 7. BEDBUG BITES Bedbug bites typically appear on the face, neck, hands or arms. They're usually found in straight lines across the skin. The bites

aren't generally painful, and if you've not been bitten by bedbugs before, you may not exhibit any symptoms. If you have been bitten before, you may develop itchy red bumps that

can persist for several days. 8. MITE BITES Mite bites result in very itchy red lumps on the skin and can sometimes also cause blisters. Mites usually bite uncovered skin, but you may be

bitten on your tummy and thighs if your pet has mites and has been sitting on your lap. Some mites burrow into the skin and cause a condition called scabies. 9. FLEA BITES Flea bites can

cause small, itchy red lumps that are sometimes grouped in lines or clusters. Blisters may also occasionally develop. Fleas from cats and dogs often bite below the knee, commonly around the

ankles. You may also get flea bites on your forearms if you've been stroking or holding your pet. 10. SPIDER BITES Bites from spiders in the UK are uncommon, but some native spiders –

such as the false widow spider – are capable of giving a nasty bite. Spider bites leave small puncture marks on the skin, which can be painful and cause redness and swelling. Some spiders

bites can cause you to feel or be sick, sweating and dizziness. Bites can also become infected or cause a severe allergic reaction in rare cases. Get medical help immediately if you have any

severe or worrying symptoms after a spider bite. 11. ANT STINGS AND BITES The most common ant in the UK, the black garden variety, does not sting or bite, but red ants, wood ants and flying

ants sometimes do. Ant bites and stings are generally harmless, although you'll probably feel a nip and a pale pink mark may develop on your skin. Sometimes the bitten area may be

painful, itchy and swollen. 12. LADYBIRD BITES All ladybirds can bite, but a type called the harlequin ladybird found throughout much of the UK is more aggressive and tends to bite more

often. The harlequin ladybird can be red or orange with multiple spots. Look out for a white spot on its head – other ladybirds do not have these patches. Ladybird bites can be painful, but

are not usually anything to worry about. 13. FLOWER BUG BITES Flower bugs are common insects that feed on aphids and mites. You can identify the common flower bug by its tiny oval body,

reflective wings and orange-brown legs. Flower bugs bites can be painful and very itchy, and are often slow to heal. 14. CATERPILLAR HAIRS The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth are

a real pest. In late spring and summer, the caterpillars have thousands of tiny hairs that can cause itchy rashes, eye problems and sore throats – and very occasionally breathing

difficulties. If you encounter them, or notice one of their white silken nests, report it to the Forestry Commission or your local council. If an oak processionary moth caterpillar lands on

your skin: * Use tweezers or a pen to remove it. * Try not to disturb it (for example, by brushing it with your hands) as it will then release more hairs. * Rinse your skin with running

water, allow it to air dry and then use sticky tape to strip off any leftover hairs. * Use calamine, ice packs or a pharmacy remedy containing 3.5% ammonia to relieve the itch. * Remove all

contaminated clothes and wash at as a high a temperature as the fabric allows. * Avoid towelling yourself dry after rinsing or applying creams that contain antihistamines. WHAT TO DO IF

YOU'VE BEEN BITTEN OR STUNG To treat an insect bite or sting: * remove the sting or tick if it's still in the skin * wash the affected area with soap and water * apply a cold

compress (such as a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes * raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce

swelling * avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection * avoid traditional home remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they're unlikely to help The

discomfort, swelling and itchiness can sometimes persist for a few days. Consult your pharmacist about remedies that can assist, such as painkillers, creams for itching and antihistamines.

EASING THE SYMPTOMS OF AN INSECT BITE OR STING If you have bothersome symptoms following an insect bite or sting, these treatments may be beneficial: * For pain or discomfort – take

over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (children under 16 years of age shouldn't be given aspirin). * For itching – ask your pharmacist about suitable

treatments, including crotamiton cream or lotion, hydrocortisone cream or ointment and antihistamine tablets. * For swelling – try regularly applying a cold compress or ice pack to the

affected area, or ask your pharmacist about treatments such as antihistamine tablets. Consult your GP if these treatments prove ineffective. They may prescribe stronger medications like

steroid tablets. WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE Contact your GP or dial 111 for guidance if: * you're worried about a bite or sting * your symptoms do not start to improve within a few

days or are getting worse * you've been stung or bitten in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes * a large area (around 10cm or more patch of skin) around the bite becomes red and

swollen * you have symptoms of a wound infection, such as pus or increasing pain, swelling or redness * you have symptoms of a more widespread infection, such as a high temperature, swollen

glands and other flu-like symptoms WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Call 999 for an ambulance straight away if you or someone else exhibits symptoms of a severe reaction, such as: *

wheezing or difficulty breathing * a swollen face, mouth or throat * feeling sick or being sick * a fast heart rate * dizziness or feeling faint * difficulty swallowing * loss of

consciousness Emergency treatment in hospital is required in these instances. PREVENTING INSECT BITES AND STINGS There are some straightforward precautions you can adopt to minimise your

risk of being bitten or stung by insects. For instance, you should: Article continues below * remain calm and move away slowly if you encounter wasps, hornets or bees – don't wave your

arms around or swat at them * cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers * wear shoes when outdoors * apply insect repellent to exposed skin – repellents that contain 50% DEET

(diethyltoluamide) are most effective * avoid using products with strong perfumes, such as soaps, shampoos and deodorants – these can attract insects * be careful around flowering plants,

rubbish, compost, stagnant water, and in outdoor areas where food is served You might need to take additional precautions if you're travelling to a region where there's a risk of

serious illnesses. For example, you may be advised to take antimalarial tablets to help prevent malaria.