Bug Bite Symptoms And Effects You Should Never Ignore

by Lauren Swigger

mosquito outside on a leaf, while the leaf is covered in droplets of rain

It is important to recognize the harmful effects of bug bites before planning to travel or participate in outdoor activities. This knowledge can help you prevent bug bites and diseases altogether as well as allow you to enjoy your experiences as you know how to keep yourself safe.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are among various types of species of small flies and reside in forests, tall grass, and marshes. Mosquitoes are known for causing itchy, red bumps on the skin. This is caused by an allergic reaction to the bug’s saliva. Mosquitoes are also known for carrying and transmitting various diseases like Malaria, Dengue virus, Zika, and the West Nile virus.

close up of a mosquito with a green background

Symptoms of these diseases often include:

Fever
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Joint swelling
Rashes

These diseases can have long-lasting effects and potentially fatal symptoms.

Ticks

Ticks are a species that is a part of the parasitic arachnid family. They reside in shady and moist areas, usually around ground level. They are also attracted to tall grass and low shrubs, which makes it easy for them to encounter humans.

A red bodied tick with black legs rests on a leaf

Symptoms of a tick bite can include:

Fever
Chills
Pain
Headaches
Tiredness
Itchiness or irritation, but usually not right away
Skin rash

Ticks are carriers of various diseases such as Lyme disease, Tularemia, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky mountain spotted fever, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis. When encountering a tick bite, make sure to monitor these symptoms and see a doctor if symptoms worsen.

Fly bites

Flies such as black flies, horse flies, biting flies, stable flies, and sand flies are all species of flies that leave painful bug bites on humans and animals. These flies reside in areas such as damp, wooded environments, marshes, and coastal areas.

a close up of a deer fly resting on a leaf

The symptoms of fly bites include:

Itchy or sharp, painful sores, scabs, and bumps on the skin
Headaches
Nausea
Fever
Swelling
Rashes

These types of flies can also be carriers of diseases such as Yellow fever, Dengue, and Chikungunya.

Prevention

Cover up

Wear light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester.
Wear long pants and tucked-in long-sleeved shirts with closed-toe shoes or boots and a hat.
Tape the cuffs of your pants or tuck them inside your socks or shoes. This will provide extra protection against crawling insects like ticks.

Insect Repellent

TotalSTOP DEET-Free Insect Repellent

Bug bite prevention is very important, and you can safely exercise it with TotalSTOP. TotalSTOP is a DEET-free insect repellent utilizing Icaridin as an active ingredient. Icaridin is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the CDC, and is EPA-Registered. It provides long-lasting, 12-hour protection from all kinds of ticks and mosquitos and 10-hour protection from black flies.

Icaridin is approved for use in 40+ countries, and TotalSTOP is perfect for the whole family including individuals with skin sensitivities, children that are 6+ months, pregnant, and nursing mothers!

TotalSTOP is available in spray & wipes. It is non-toxic, odourless & water-resistant with a non-greasy formula that lasts all day.