Bug Bites: What to Know, How to Treat, and When to Seek Care
May 22, 2025
Bug bites are a part of outdoor life, especially in warmer months. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, or just enjoying a backyard barbecue, insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and spiders are often nearby. While most bug bites are harmless and go away on their own, some can cause more serious reactions or even lead to illness. Knowing how to identify, treat, and prevent bug bites can help you and your family stay safe. At Saint Joseph Health System, we’re here to help you understand what to watch for and when to get medical care.
Common types of bug bites
Bug bites vary depending on the insect. Here are the most common ones and how they typically affect the body:
Mosquitoes leave small, raised, itchy bumps that appear soon after the bite. The area may be red and slightly swollen. In most cases, symptoms go away within a few days. However, mosquitoes can carry viruses like West Nile, which may cause more serious symptoms in rare cases.
Ticks attach to the skin and feed on blood. Their bites are usually painless, so you may not notice them right away. Some ticks can carry Lyme disease or other infections. A tick bite may leave a red spot or rash, and in cases of Lyme disease, a bullseye-shaped rash may appear within a few days.
These stings usually cause sharp pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site. In most people, symptoms are mild and fade over time. However, some people may have an allergic reaction, which can include trouble breathing, hives, or swelling in the face or throat.
Most spiders in the U.S. are harmless, and their bites cause minor symptoms like redness, itching, or swelling. However, bites from certain spiders, such as the brown recluse or black widow, can be more serious and may lead to muscle pain, fever, or skin damage.
These bites often appear in clusters or lines and can be very itchy. They are more common in homes with pets or in grassy outdoor areas. Though usually harmless, scratching can lead to infection.
Symptoms to watch for
While many bug bites heal on their own, it’s important to know which symptoms may need medical attention:
- Redness, swelling, or pain that worsens instead of improving
- Pus or other signs of infection at the bite site
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, or fatigue
- A rash that spreads or forms a bullseye shape after a tick bite
- Trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of the lips or throat—signs of a serious allergic reaction
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's best to seek medical care promptly.
How to treat minor bug bites at home
For most mild bug bites, home care can help relieve discomfort. Start by gently washing the area with soap and water to prevent infection. Applying a cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes can help reduce swelling and soothe the skin.
If the bite itches, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or an antihistamine like diphenhydramine can be effective. Try to avoid scratching, as it increases the risk of infection and lead to more irritation. Aloe vera gel can also be used to alleviate discomfort If a tick or stinger is still embedded in the skin, carefully remove it with tweezers by pulling upward without twisting to ensure that you remove the whole tick. Removing it as quick as possible can lessen venom exposure. Then be sure to clean the area again, apply antibiotic cream and monitor for signs of infection or illness.
When to seek medical attention
Some bites require more than home treatment. If you develop a fever, body aches, or experience an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. Other symptoms such as increasing redness, increasing pain, irritation are not alleviated with over-the-counter regimens or if an open sore/blister refuses to heal, make an appointment with your doctor or visit urgent care.
People with known allergies to insect stings should carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and use it immediately if symptoms of anaphylaxis occur. Multiple bee or wasp stings at once may also require medical evaluation, even without a known allergy.
Preventing bug bites
The best way to avoid bug bites is to be proactive. Using an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can keep bugs away from exposed skin. Reapply insect repellent if sweating with activity or after swimming according to the direction on the bottle. Wearing long sleeves and pants (don’t forget to tuck them in) in wooded or grassy areas also helps, especially when hiking or camping.
Try to avoid being outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. After spending time outdoors, check your body and clothing for ticks, paying attention to warm, hidden spots like underarms, behind the ears, and along the waistband. If you have pets, make sure they are protected against fleas and ticks, and keep your yard trimmed to reduce insect habitats.
Keeping windows and doors screened and draining standing water around your home can also make a big difference in reducing mosquito activity.
Care close to home with Saint Joseph Health System
At Saint Joseph Health System, we’re here to support you when bug bites turn into something more. Our urgent care and primary care teams are experienced in treating insect bites, allergic reactions, skin infections, and more. We also offer expert care for tick-borne illnesses and allergy evaluations when needed. With convenient locations and same-day appointments available, you can get the help you need without the wait.