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Spider, Bee, or Scorpion: Identifying Serious Bug Bites & Stings

Mosquito on hand.
It’s happened to all of us. You feel a sudden pinch or sting, and you look down to find that you’ve become the latest victim of a hit-and-run bug bite. Since some bites can be serious, not knowing what attacked you is frightening. Here are tips for recognizing and handling four of the most common and worrisome bites or stings.

 

Bee Stings

Bee stings can be quite painful, but they’re only dangerous to people who are allergic to bee venom. Most people simply develop a small red bump and a local reaction that may include redness, swelling, itching and pain. If a person with a known bee allergy is stung, it’s important to get emergency medical treatment immediately since a single bee sting can quickly cause anaphylactic shock. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and low blood pressure.

Spider Bites

Although most spider bites are relatively harmless, a few spiders release a toxic venom that can make their victims very sick. The appearance of spider bites varies. After a day or so, many develop blisters or a rash that extends outward. Infection is common, and sometimes spider bites are misdiagnosed as boils. Redness, swelling, itching and pain are common. If you experience symptoms of a poisonous spider bite such as joint pain, stiffness, muscle cramps, fever, chills, stomach pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, trouble speaking or convulsions, seek medical help immediately. If increasing discoloration of skin or worsening pain around the bite occurs after a day or so, see a doctor.

Fire Ant Stings

Fire ants tend to sting more than once. Fire ant stings often appear as small, red bumps in a circular pattern. They’re intensely painful, but unless you’re allergic, they usually only produce minor local reactions. The area around a sting may swell or itch, and small, cloudy blisters may form. If signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, chest pain, headache, sweating, nausea or faintness occur, seek emergency medical treatment at once.

Scorpion Stings

Of the many scorpions in Arizona, only the bark scorpion poses a serious health threat. Most scorpion stings produce immediate pain, tingling, numbness, redness, itching and minimal swelling. Ice and antihistamines may help relieve discomfort. If you’re the victim of a bark scorpion, you may develop symptoms in other parts of your body. These include numbness and tingling, uncoordinated movements, slurred speech, muscle twitching, hyperactivity, increased blood pressure and heart rate, vomiting, sweating and blurred vision. If these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

Phoenix and Tucson Residents Trust Burns Pest Elimination to Manage Bugs

At Burns Pest Elimination, we know that bug bites and stings can be a serious health threat, so we help you keep the perpetrators away from your home or business. We offer more than 30 years of experience in professional pest control, 24-hour emergency service and a money back guarantee, so you can spend less time worrying about dangerous bug bites and more time enjoying life. Request a quote from us today to learn how we can help you avoid becoming an insect’s next victim.