Bug bites are things no one wants to experience, yet many people do during the summer months. Mosquitoes are the most common culprit, but ticks, bees, ants and other bugs can either make their way into our house or remind us that they don’t like to be disturbed when we’re spending time outdoors.

Our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team highlights what you need to know about bug bite prevention below, so keep reading!

What Should I Do If I Get Bit by a Bug?

Before we talk about how you prevent bug bites, it’s important to know what to do if you do get bitten or stung since prevention tactics aren’t 100% effective.

The majority of bug bites and stings result in minor symptoms. Observing the site of redness, pain and/or swelling might help you determine whether your reaction to a bite or sting is minor. Pain, swelling and redness surrounding the sting site are all common reactions. If you think your bug bite or sting is minor, we’ve included some home remedies below.

How to Treat Insect Injuries

• Remove any stingers.
• Gently wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply a damp rag soaked in cold water or ice to the area of the bite or sting for 10 to 20 minutes. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
• Take an OTC pain reliever as needed.
• If the injury is on an arm or leg, elevate it.

What Should I Expect From a Bug Bite or Sting?

Most bug bites and stings are quite harmless, but they do produce irritation for several days, as previously stated. Any redness induced by an insect bite will usually last three days if it does not become infected, and swelling will last around a week.

It’s also common if the swelling from your bug bite appears to be worse in the morning, as swelling is usually worse after lying down all night. After a few hours of moving around, it will improve. Consider the suggestions below to help you prevent future bug bites!

Ways to Prevent Bug Bites

• Use insect repellent. To protect against bugs like mosquitoes and ticks, use insect repellent that contains 20 to 30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
• Wear appropriate clothing. If you are worried about getting bitten by mosquitoes or stung by some other type of insect, wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, like long sleeves, pants and closed-toed shoes instead of sandals.
• Limit activities that increase your risk. Activities like hiking, camping, doing yard work and visiting farms and forested areas all put you at a greater risk of getting stung or bitten.

Do you think your bug bite might be infected? If so, visit our AFC team today to get the treatment you need.