🦟Bug Bites Identification Chart🕷️
Identify insect bites and stings with our visual guide. Compare symptoms, learn treatments, and know when to seek medical care.
Medical Warning
Severe Reaction Signs:
- Anaphylaxis: Difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
- Infection: Increasing pain, redness spreading, warmth, fever, pus
- Lyme Disease: Bullseye rash, flu-like symptoms, joint pain (tick bites)
Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of these signs
Call emergency services if having difficulty breathing
Filter Bites
Appearance
Symptoms
Location
Comparison Tool
Mosquito Bite
Appearance:
Small, puffy, red bump appearing minutes after bite
Symptoms:
Itchy, may cause mild swelling, usually painless at first
Treatment:
Wash with soap and water, apply cold compress, use anti-itch cream (calamine, hydrocortisone)
When to See Doctor:
If signs of infection, fever, or body aches develop
Tick Bite
Appearance:
Small red bump, may have tick still attached, possible bullseye rash (Lyme disease)
Symptoms:
Usually painless, may cause itching or burning, flu-like symptoms if disease transmitted
Treatment:
Remove tick with tweezers by head, clean area, monitor for rash/symptoms for 30 days
When to See Doctor:
Immediately if bullseye rash appears, fever, joint pain, or if tick was attached >24 hours
Spider Bite
Appearance:
Two small puncture marks, red, swollen area, may blister or ulcerate (brown recluse/black widow)
Symptoms:
Mild pain to severe pain, muscle cramps, nausea, sweating (venomous spiders)
Treatment:
Clean with soap and water, apply ice, elevate limb, pain relievers
When to See Doctor:
Immediately if severe pain, muscle spasms, spreading redness, or if brown recluse/black widow suspected
Bed Bug Bite
Appearance:
Small red bumps in line or cluster, often in zigzag pattern
Symptoms:
Intense itching, may burn, can appear days after being bitten
Treatment:
Wash with soap and water, anti-itch creams, oral antihistamines, avoid scratching
When to See Doctor:
If signs of infection from scratching, allergic reaction
Flea Bite
Appearance:
Small red bumps with red halo, often in groups of three
Symptoms:
Very itchy, mostly on legs and feet, can be painful
Treatment:
Wash area, anti-itch cream, cold compress, don't scratch
When to See Doctor:
If infection develops, allergic reaction
Bee/Wasp Sting
Appearance:
Red, swollen area with white center where stinger entered, may have stinger still in place
Symptoms:
Sharp burning pain, swelling, redness, can cause severe allergic reaction
Treatment:
Remove stinger, wash with soap, apply ice, take antihistamine if needed
When to See Doctor:
Immediately if allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling away from sting site), multiple stings
Ant Bite
Appearance:
Red bump, may blister (fire ant), can form pustule
Symptoms:
Burning, stinging pain, intense itching (fire ants)
Treatment:
Clean area, cold compress, anti-itch cream, don't break blisters
When to See Doctor:
If severe allergic reaction, infection, or many bites
Fly/Midge Bite
Appearance:
Small red puncture mark, may be grouped
Symptoms:
Painful, itchy, can swell significantly
Treatment:
Clean area, apply cold compress, anti-itch medication
When to See Doctor:
If signs of infection or severe allergic reaction
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a bug bite is serious?
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When should I worry about a tick bite?
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What helps relieve itching from bug bites?
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