13 common bug bites and how to spot them

Sophia MitrokostasJun 10, 2023, 19:13 IST

Identifying different bugs and their corresponding bites is important.Thomson Reuters

Not all bug bites are equally dangerous, so it's important to know what to look out for.
Tick bites sometimes look like a bullseye, while mite bites are itchy and can look like a rash.

Bug bites can be hard to identify, especially when there are so many household critters that can leave you with a bite.

While most insects you’ll encounter are harmless, there are a few specific bites that might warrant a trip to the doctor and it's important to be able to identify these potentially dangerous bites.

From tick bites to wasp and hornet stings, each bug leaves behind distinct marks and symptoms that are worth knowing. Stock up on calamine lotion and check out this guide to identifying some of the most common bug bites and the symptoms associated with each.

Dangerous tick bites sometimes look like a bullseye.

The "bullseye" rash is sometimes seen in people with Lyme disease.CDC/Wikimedia Commons

Bedbug bites often show up in a line.

Bedbug bites are small and show up in a line.Oliver Arend/Wikimedia Commons

Mosquito bites are puffy and itchy.

Mosquito bites can swell, especially if you scratch them.Ekaterina Karetkina/Shutterstock

Mite bites are extremely itchy and could look like a rash.

Mite bites appear similar to a rash.Slturis/Wikimedia Commons

Ant bites are usually painful and can become infected.

Ant bites can blister.Wikimedia Commons

Lice bites are almost too small to see.

Lice bites are too small to see, but you can definitely feel them.Joe Corrigan/Getty Images

Horsefly bites are painful and potentially dangerous.

The bite is red with a pale area.National Health Services

Wasp and hornet stings can stay swollen for up to a week.

Swelling can last up to a week.Kai Hendry/Flickr/2.0 Attribution

Midge or gnat bites look like mosquito bites.

Midge bites start as small, itchy bumps.National Health Services

A black widow spider bite has two fang marks.

You'll notice two puncture marks.David~O/Flickr/2.0 Attribution

Brown recluse spider bites might form a blister and need swift medical attention.

It might resemble a bruise.Wikimedia Commons

Bee stings look like hives and could still contain a stinger.

The surrounding area will be red.Wikimedia Commons

Flea bites are small and scattered.

Flea bites are tiny.Wikimedia Commons

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