Bug bites are unpleasant \u2014 no matter what kind of bite they are. However, being able to identify the different types of bug bites could be the difference between life and death to someone who suffers from an allergy. Print out this list of 10 common bug bites so you\u2019re prepared in a potentially high-risk situation.<\/p>\n
1. Mosquito
\nmosquito bite
\nMosquito bites take on two different forms depending on how long the mosquito was sucking the blood for. They\u2019ll either be a small circle-type shape, or a bigger, more elongated blob. It goes without saying that they\u2019re extremely itchy, and scratching them will only make the itch worse.<\/p>\n
2. Flea
\nfleas
\nsource: Terminix
\nFlea bites are easy to identify because the flea will generally bite multiple times in the same area. The bites are small, somewhat hard, red, and extremely itchy.<\/p>\n
3. Lice
\nlice \u2013 common bites
\nsource: Nsns.Biz
\nBites from head lice can look very similar to flea bites. However, you\u2019ll be able to distinguish them because they\u2019re usually contained to the head, back of the neck, and behind the ears.<\/p>\n
4. Bedbug<\/p>\n
Bedbug bites look similar to mosquito bites, but they are usually redder, itchier, and appear in a zig-zag pattern. If you suspect you\u2019ve been bitten by a bedbug, call an exterminator immediately. It\u2019s the only way you\u2019ll be able to rid these horrible pests from your home.<\/p>\n
5. Tick<\/p>\n
source: CropWatch \/ photo by Jim Kalisch, UNL Entomolog
\nTick bites are unique because a red ring will appear around a dark red or sometimes black dot. It\u2019s important to remove the tick properly (by drowning it with Vaseline or rubbing alcohol before using tweezers to pull it out). It\u2019s not a bad idea to put the tick in an airtight container and take it to your doctor to have it tested for lyme disease and rocky mountain spotted fever.<\/p>\n
6. Wasp<\/p>\n
A wasp sting will have the appearance of a mosquito bite, but there will be a noticeable mark in the center of the bite. These bites can be a combination of itchy and painful, and the area will often turn red and become swollen.<\/p>\n
Not sure what to do if a wasp stings you? Here\u2019s what you should do immediately after a wasp sting.<\/p>\n
7. Hornet<\/p>\n
source: Nsns.biz
\n8. Bee<\/p>\n
source: Hunker \/ Inventori\/iStock
\nAlthough honey bees don\u2019t sting as often as wasps or hornets, they do happen. You\u2019ll be able to easily recognize a bee sting because they leave their stinger in the skin the second they sting. Remove the stinger with tweezers and clean the area with a disinfectant if you notice you have a bite.<\/p>\n
9. Red Ant<\/p>\n
source: Dan Langille\u2019s Other Diary
\nRed ant bites tend to look a lot like flea bites, but there\u2019s one main difference. While flea bites are immediately itchy, red ant (or fire ant) bites are instantly painful.<\/p>\n
10. Spider<\/p>\n
Although spider bites differ based on the type of spider, they are generally hard, red, and can be a combination of itchy and painful. In some cases, you may even be able to see two tiny puncture marks where the spider bit. Click here to learn more about the different types of spider bites and when you should seek medical attention for one.<\/p>\n\n