04/03/2026
Knowing what bit you changes what you should do next. 🦟
Mosquito: single raised welt, intense itching, appears within minutes. No action needed beyond antihistamine cream for most people.
Ant: white central pustule with surrounding redness, may burn for several days. Clean the site and leave the blister intact — breaking it increases infection risk.
Tick: a spreading circular red ring — the classic bullseye pattern — is a medical symptom. If you see this pattern around a tick bite, see a doctor promptly even if you feel fine. Early treatment of Lyme disease is straightforward; delayed treatment is not. Remove an attached tick with fine-tipped tweezers, gripping as close to the skin as possible and pulling steadily without twisting.
Bed bug: a line or cluster of welts in areas covered by clothing, appearing overnight. Itchy but not medically dangerous. The pattern indicates a bed bug infestation rather than an outdoor bite.
Fire ant: multiple raised white pustules forming within hours of the sting, with a surrounding red halo. Fire ant stings are distinctive — the burning sensation is immediate and intense. Leave pustules intact. People with known allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector.
Honey bee: raised welt with white central point; the stinger may remain embedded. Remove it by scraping sideways with a card or fingernail — do not pinch or squeeze, which releases more venom.
Flea: multiple small welts scattered across the ankles and lower legs, very itchy. The pattern reflects repeated bites from a flea infestation in carpet, pet bedding, or furniture.
Spider: depressed central area with surrounding redness. Watch the site over the following hours. If the area grows, darkens, or develops a blister with a dark center, seek medical attention — this may indicate a brown recluse bite, which requires assessment.
Wasp: raised welt without a stinger, more intense pain than a bee sting. Yellow jackets can sting repeatedly.
If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness after any sting or bite, go to an emergency room immediately. This is a sign of anaphylaxis and requires urgent treatment.
This post is for general information only. If you are unsure about a bite or your symptoms concern you, consult a healthcare professional.
🦟 Recognise the bite. Know what to do next.
