03/12/2026
Knowing what bit you changes what you do next. 🌿
Mosquito: single raised welt, intense itching, appears within minutes.
Ant: for common ants — small red bump with local irritation. Fire ant (southern US): distinctive white fluid-filled pustule at the sting site, burning sensation, multiple stings in a cluster pattern. Fire ant stings are among the most recognizable bites in the region.
Tick: a concentric expanding red ring — if that bullseye pattern appears in the hours or days after a bite from time spent outdoors, see a doctor even if it does not hurt. This is the primary symptom of Lyme disease, which is endemic across the Northeast, upper Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. Early treatment is highly effective.
Bed bug: a group of welts in a line or cluster, usually on skin that was covered by clothing or bedding during sleep.
Scorpion: visible entry point, immediate intense local pain, possible numbness spreading outward. Most US scorpion stings cause pain but are not dangerous to healthy adults. The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is the exception — it is the only US scorpion considered medically significant and can cause more serious symptoms, particularly in children, the elderly, and people with health conditions. Seek medical attention promptly in the Southwest if symptoms go beyond local pain.
Honey bee: welt with white central point, stinger may remain embedded — remove it by scraping with a card, never by squeezing.
Flea: multiple small red bites scattered across the area, especially on ankles and lower legs.
Spider: depressed central point with surrounding redness — watch whether it enlarges over the following hours. Brown recluse and black widow bites are uncommon but can cause serious reactions and warrant medical evaluation.
Wasp / yellow jacket: raised welt without a stinger, typically more immediately painful than a bee sting.
If you experience difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or dizziness after any sting or bite, go to the emergency room immediately.
This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional if you are uncertain about a bite or if symptoms concern you.
