Battling the Bite: Expert Advice on Preventing and Treating Insect Stings and Bites
As temperatures rise, so does the activity of stinging and biting insects, prompting concerns about discomfort and potential health risks. Pharmacists are offering crucial guidance on how to avoid these unwelcome encounters and what steps to take if you’re attacked.
Recent heatwaves have triggered a surge in wasp activity, according to the British Pest Control Association. “I am definitely seeing more wasps around at the moment,” says a senior pharmacist at Boots UK, noting an increase in patients presenting with infected insect bites since April.
Understanding the Threat: From Wasps to Ticks
A wasp sting can be a painful experience, potentially triggering an allergic reaction in some individuals. While hornets and bees are generally less aggressive, other insects pose unique challenges. Horsefly bites, for example, can cause significant inflammation and are prone to infection due to the intense itching they induce. The UK also sees its share of midges, mosquitoes – though not malaria-carrying varieties – and ticks, the latter of which can transmit Lyme disease, particularly in grassy and wooded areas.
Vigilance is key, especially in specific environments. “Midges and mosquitoes tend to be in forests and long grasses,” explains a registered UK pharmacist and public health content creator, advising caution during camping and hiking trips. She also highlights the risk associated with farm animals, which can harbor ticks. Standing water is another breeding ground for these pests. “Wherever there’s water, even a puddle that sits for a long time, bugs can lay eggs and then multiply very quickly – in a few hours or days. So make sure you don’t have still water around. Drain paddling pools after use. If the bugs are hungry, they will come and bite you.” Precautions are particularly important during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes and midges are most active.
Protective Measures: Clothing, Repellents, and Avoiding Irritation
One of the most effective strategies is to cover up. “Make sure you wear long sleeves and long trousers, particularly if you’re camping or outdoors a lot,” advises a pharmacist. Exposed areas, such as ankles and wrists, are particularly vulnerable. Choosing the right colors can also make a difference. Lighter shades are preferable, as they make it easier to spot ticks on clothing. “Some bugs, especially hornets, can be really attracted to darker colours because they’re trying to hide from predators,” one expert explains. “Yellow and bright colours can attract wasps,” so neutral tones are recommended. A hat is also advisable to protect the scalp.
When it comes to wasps, avoiding irritation is crucial. “Sadly, it is just being in the wrong place at the wrong time with a wasp,” a pharmacist states. Wasps are particularly drawn to food during picnics. Provoking a wasp can escalate the situation. “If you’re waving your hands around, those air currents are going to really bother them and knock them out of the air, and they don’t want to be knocked, so they’re going to do whatever they can to defend themselves. Staying really still is a good idea.” If a wasp lands on you, gently sliding a piece of paper underneath and covering it with a cup can allow for safe removal.
Insect repellent is another essential tool. A travel clinic professional recommends DEET as the most effective option, even for children, using the highest tolerable concentration. Alternatives like icaridin and IR3535 are available for those concerned about DEET’s environmental impact. It’s important to apply sunscreen before repellent, as DEET can reduce the sunscreen’s effectiveness and may even transfer ink to the skin.
Beyond Prevention: Treating Bites and Stings
Fragrance-free products are also recommended, as bugs are attracted to scents, not poor hygiene. There’s even some evidence, though limited, suggesting that avoiding alcohol might help. A small study in 2002 indicated that mosquito bites increased after beer consumption.
If bitten or stung, immediate cleaning with soap and water is vital to prevent bacterial infection. “In the main, if you just have a simple bite or a sting, it will sort itself out,” says a pharmacist. Cold compresses can reduce swelling, and elevating the affected limb can further alleviate discomfort. Hydrocortisone cream is effective for inflammation, while natural remedies like lavender, tea-tree oil, and aloe vera offer antiseptic and cooling properties.
Resisting the urge to scratch is crucial. “Antihistamine creams or tablets can really help with the itching, because scratching that itch makes it worse,” explains a pharmacist. “It increases the inflammation and your risk of infection.”
Removing Ticks and Recognizing Serious Reactions
Proper tick removal is essential. Using fine-tip tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards with a steady force. Clean the area thoroughly afterward. A red ring around the bite could indicate Lyme disease, requiring immediate medical attention. Experts recommend keeping the tick for potential testing. For bee stings, scraping the stinger sideways with a fingernail or bank card is recommended, as tweezers can push more venom into the skin. Wasps and hornets, however, leave their stingers behind.
Knowing when to seek medical help is paramount. Allergic reactions can range from mild swelling to severe anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition requiring an EpiPen. Signs of infection – pus, spreading redness, fever – also warrant a doctor’s visit.
Why Some Are More Attractive to Bugs
Interestingly, individual susceptibility to bites varies. “There is no specific reason why one person gets bitten more than another,” notes a pharmacist, “but it is likely to be to do with the skin type and the scent on the skin.” Factors like skin microbiome, genetics, and even blood type (O being particularly attractive to mosquitoes) may play a role. Pregnancy, with its increased body temperature, can also make individuals more appealing to biting insects.
Ultimately, understanding these factors and implementing preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of unpleasant encounters with stinging and biting insects, allowing for a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
