If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

Summer means bug bites. Most bug bites are not serious. The most common bug bites come from bees, wasps, and mosquitos. Less common bug bites include fleas, spiders, and ticks. A bug bite might itch, sting, swell, or turn red. The only sure way to avoid them is to stay indoors. But if you want to enjoy the outdoors, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of a bite.

Prevention and Treatment

There are no guarantees you can avoid a bug bite. However, these tips can help:

• Avoid areas where you know there are bugs.
• Apply bug spray.
• Dress appropriately (long sleeves and long pants).
• Prepare for allergic reactions. Keep antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (brand name: Benadryl), or epinephrine on hand. You can buy many antihistamines over-the-counter, but epinephrine is a prescription medicine. You’ll have it only if you have a history of anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction).
• Cover food to reduce attraction of flies and ants.
• Keep your yard trimmed.

If you have been bitten by a bug, follow these steps to relieve the discomfort:

• For bees, remove bee stinger.
• Wash a bug bite with soap and water.
• Take acetaminophen (one brand: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (one brand: Advil) for pain and inflammation.
• Take diphenhydramine (brand name: Benadryl) for the itching and swelling.
• Apply an anti-itch cream to the bite.
• Watch for changes in the bite, such as a rash.
• Apply a cold compress to the bite.

Things to consider

While most bug bites are harmless, there is some danger associated with the bites.

• Look for signs of a serious allergic reaction. Symptoms may include tightness in your chest; swelling in your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; dizziness; and nausea or vomiting.
• Before you travel outside Canada, research the types of insects that are common to the region you are visiting. Some insects are more common during certain times of the year.
• Certain spider bites contain venom. This includes bites from the Brown recluse (rare in Canada).
• A bite from a deer tick can lead to Lyme disease.