It’s summer, and with the rising temperatures and a tendency to wear less clothing, it means more exposed skin for creeping, crawling (and flying) critters to feast upon. If you’ve ever noticed an itchy, raised, or even painful bug bite and aren’t sure what the culprit was, we’ve got you covered. We’re taking a look at 18 common bugs and demystifying what their bites look like. Be warned, the following pictures might be enough to make you break out in hives.
Asian lady beetle bite
Bee sting
Unless threatened, bees are highly unlikely to sting someone and, since they’re so vital to our ecosystem, they shouldn’t needlessly be harmed for simply being nearby. That being said, sometimes people get stung. The sting will hurt, and it typically leaves a raised, flesh-colored bump with a single sting mark in the center. Some people may also develop a red rash around the sting that feels warm to the touch. For those who are allergic, stings could cause anaphylactic shock, which requires emergency treatment.
Black widow bite
Although highly feared, black widow spiders rarely bite people. These nocturnal arachnids prefer to stay hidden, but female black widows will bite if they feel threatened or you disturb their nest. A typical bite has two puncture wounds close together, where the spider’s venom was injected. Within 20 minutes, symptoms like pain, swelling, cramps, and weakness might develop. More severe cases might include respiratory problems and fainting, and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Blister beetle blisters
If you’ve never heard of the blister beetle, consider yourself lucky. These field-loving insects come in a variety of colors and are found throughout the world. While they don’t have teeth or stingers, they do secrete a chemical called cantharidin on their bodies that, if touched, can cause painful, liquid-filled blisters to form on the skin (hence their creepy name). These blisters look similar to burns and will heal on their own, but should be kept clean and never punctured.
Brown recluse bite
The brown recluse really doesn’t want to bite you, but if threatened, it will. While most people can handle this venomous bite, young children, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system might need immediate medical attention. The bite, often painless, can feel similar to a bee sting. It will look like a small, raised red bump with a tiny white blister in the center and tiny fang marks. Sometimes, the bite will cause tissue death (necrosis) and begin to grow, requiring treatment by a doctor.
Centipede bite
These fast moving, multilegged crawlers also pack a venomous punch. While smaller species, which can be found around the world, don’t have enough venom to cause more pain than a bee sting, larger varieties can cause quite a bit of pain. A centipede bite has two fang marks and generally swells around the bite area. Some bites might cause widespread swelling and a burning pain sensation. Thankfully, centipede bites aren’t deadly and will usually heal on their own within a few days.
Fire ant sting
Although we typically think of fire ants biting their victims, in actuality, they’re stinging them. For those who aren’t allergic to this potent and painful sting, they’ll typically experience an immediate burning sensation followed by tiny, raised red bumps that often form whiteheads in the center. These bumps, thanks to the venom solenopsin, can itch terribly and last for a few days to a week. More severe cases can cause anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.
