Get All the Buzz on Bug Bites

Don't let pesky insects swoop in on your summer fun. Enjoy the warm weather bite- and sting-free by following new tips from experts at the University of Michigan Health System.

For most people, a bug bite or sting is just an inconvenience, but as Dr. Margie Andreae warns, certain insect encounters should not be overlooked.

"The vast majority of people will only have a localized reaction to a bug bite or sting. However, about 3 percent of the population may develop an allergic reaction, including symptoms of a rash and hives that are distant to the bite or sting that will require medical attention," Andreae said in a prepared statement.

Andreae also warned of potentially threatening mosquito and tick bites. According to UMHS, mosquitoes are the most common insect to send kids to a physician. West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes, and "approximately one out of 150 people bitten by an infected mosquito will develop a serious illness," the expert said.

People who spend a great deal of time outdoors, particularly in wooded areas of the Northeast and Midwest, should also be on the lookout for ticks this summer.

Lyme disease is carried by ticks and, according to research, about 80 percent of people with Lyme disease will develop a rash similar to a bull's-eye near the bite. Often, it is accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as nausea, headaches and vomiting.

In order to steer clear of such cases, the UMHS has provided tips on how to treat and prevent insect bites and stings. Five tips they offer for treating a sting are:

• Remove the stinger. The first thing to do when stung by either a bee or a wasp is to look for any remaining stinger. If so, Andreae recommends using a firm object like a credit card to sweep across the site and pull out the stinger. Do not squeeze or pinch the skin to remove the bug and/or stinger, as this will only cause more venom to be released.
• Clean the area. Use water and soap to completely cleanse the site of the sting.
• Apply ice, since it calms the swelling and reduces redness.
• Add hydrocortisone cream, which helps to relieve pain and redness.
• Take a pain reliever and an antihistamine such as Benadryl or Tylenol.

In order to successfully avoid getting bitten, the UMHS offers tips to keep the insects from alighting on your skin in the first place:

• Use insect repellents with DEET, an active ingredient that deters insects. DEET products are safe on everyone, including children as young as two months old.
• Stay away from opened beverages. Sweetened beverages such as soda and juice attract stinging insects.
• Avoid locations with standing water. They provide wonderful breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Dress appropriately. Always wear shoes and lightweight clothing that covers large skin areas.

More information

For more information on treating and preventing insect bites and stings, please visit Insects Prevention and Treatment