Types of bites and stings
There are many types of insect bites and stings. These have different symptoms.
Ant bites
Most ants in the UK don’t bite but the red ant does have a painful sting. It’s found throughout the year – usually under logs, in soil and in lawns.
Bedbug bite
Bites from bedbugs aren’t usually painful but you may get a red lump on the skin. This can be itchy or irritating.
Bee, wasp or hornet sting
A bee, wasp or hornet sting causes sharp pain in the area that was stung. This usually only lasts a few seconds. A red, swollen mark will then form on your skin which can be itchy and painful.
There will usually be a small mark where the stinger entered the skin. Sometimes the stinger may be stuck in your skin.
You can remove a sting using your fingers. You can also brush it out using something with a hard edge like a bank card.
Do not use tweezers to remove a sting as this could squeeze the venom from it.
Wash the area with soap and water after removing a sting.
Flea bite
Flea bites can cause small red spots on the skin. These may be grouped in clusters or lines. Sometimes itchy red lumps can form too.
Flea bites are usually found around the ankles. They can also be on the forearms if you’ve been stroking or holding a pet.
Horsefly bite
A bite from a horsefly can be very painful. It can cause a weal (swollen mark) around the bite.
You may also experience:
- hives
- dizziness
- weakness
- wheezing
- angioedema – itchy, pale pink or red swellings
Horsefly bites can take a long time to heal and can sometimes become infected.
Midge, mosquito and gnat bite
Bites from midges, mosquitoes and gnats cause small papules (lumps) to form on the skin. These are usually very itchy.
Some people may also develop:
- bullae – fluid-filled blisters
- weals – circular, fluid-filled areas surrounding the bite
Mosquito bites in certain areas of tropical countries can cause malaria.
Mite bite
Mites can cause very itchy lumps and blisters on the skin. They will bite any uncovered skin.
Sea creatures
In the UK, there are some sea creatures that can bite or sting. This includes:
- jellyfish
- sea urchins
- weever fish
- Portuguese man-of-war
A sea creature sting can be very painful pain and may cause an itchy rash.
Jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war stings can also cause raised stripes on the skin (welts).
Find out more about jelly fish and sea creature stings
Spider bite
It’s rare to get a spider bite in the UK.
The noble false widow is one of the few spiders that may bite but this isn’t very common. They usually only bite if handled or disturbed accidentally.
A spider bite may be similar to a wasp sting. It can leave small puncture marks on the skin. This can be painful and may cause redness and swelling. Very rarely, a spider bite may cause you to become unwell for a short time.
Tick bite
Tick bites aren’t usually painful but you may get a red lump where you were bitten.
In some cases, they may also cause:
- swelling
- itching
- blisters
- bruising
Ticks can carry a bacterial infection that causes Lyme disease. Many people with early symptoms of Lyme disease develop a circular rash around the tick bite.
Lyme disease can be serious if it isn’t treated.
Find out more about tick bites and Lyme disease
Treatment for bites and stings
Most bites and stings cause mild symptoms that can be treated at home.
Find out about treatments for bites and stings and when to get more help