Summer Bites and Stings

June 23, 2026

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but warmer weather also brings increased exposure to insects and pests that can bite or sting. While many bites are harmless, some can cause allergic reactions, infections, or spread illness.¹ Know how to prevent bites — and what to do if one happens — can help keep you safe.

Tick Bites
Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grass, hiking trails, and even backyards. Some ticks can carry illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Powassan virus – which can be fatal.² Ticks are small and often difficult to notice, so prevention and early removal are important.

Best ways to limit tick bite exposure:

  1. Wear long sleeves and long pants when in wooded or grassy areas²
  2. Tuck pants into socks when hiking²
  3. Use insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin³
  4. Stay on cleared trails and avoid tall grass²
  5. Perform full-body tick checks after spending time outdoors²
  6. Shower soon after coming indoors²


Note: After spending time in wooded, grassy, or outdoor areas where ticks live, perform a full-body tick check as soon as possible to help prevent tick-borne illnesses.

What to do if you find a tick:

  1. Remove the tick promptly using fine-tipped tweezers²
  2. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull straight upward slowly²
  3. Avoid twisting or crushing the tick²
  4. Clean the bite area with soap and water²


Note: You may place the tick in a sealed zip-lock baggie or container in case identification is needed later by a healthcare provider.²

Call your Healthcare Provider if you develop:
• Rash or “bullseye” rash²
• Fever²
• Fatigue²
• Joint pain²
• Flu-like symptoms²

Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes are one of the most common summer pests. Besides causing itching and irritation, mosquitoes can spread illnesses such as West Nile Virus.⁴ Mosquito activity is usually highest during early morning and evening hours.⁴

  1. Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus³
  2. Wear long sleeves and light-colored clothing outdoors⁴
  3. Remove standing water around your home⁴
  4. Empty buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, and kiddie pools regularly⁴
  5. Keep windows and doors screened⁴


What to do if you get bit:
Most mosquito bites improve within a few days. To reduce itching and swelling:

• Wash the area with soap and water⁵
• Apply anti-itch cream or calamine lotion⁵
• Use a cold compress⁵
• Avoid scratching to prevent infection⁵

Seek medical attention if you have:

• Fever⁴
• Severe swelling⁵
• Difficulty breathing⁵
• Signs of infection⁵
• Flu-like symptoms after multiple bites⁴

Bee and Wasp Stings

Bees, wasps, and hornets are most active during the summer months. Stings can be painful and may cause serious allergic reactions in some people.⁶

Best ways to limit sting exposure:

  1. Avoid walking barefoot outdoors⁶
  2. Keep food and drinks covered outside⁶
  3. Stay calm around flying insects⁶
  4. Avoid wearing strong perfumes or bright floral clothing⁶
  5. Be cautious near trash cans, flowers, and outdoor eating areas⁶


What to do if stung:

  1. Remove the stinger if visible by scraping it away gently⁶
  2. Wash the area with soap and water⁶
  3. Apply ice to reduce swelling⁶
  4. Use antihistamines or anti-itch cream if needed⁶


Call 911 immediately if you experience:

• Trouble breathing⁶
• Swelling of the face or throat⁶
• Dizziness⁶
• Severe allergic reaction symptoms⁶

Spider Bites

Most spiders are harmless, but some bites can cause pain, redness, or swelling.⁷

Best ways to limit spider bite exposure:

  1. Wear gloves when cleaning garages, sheds, or wood piles⁷
  2. Shake out shoes, towels, and clothing stored outdoors⁷
  3. Keep storage areas clean and uncluttered⁷


What to do if bit:

• Wash the area with soap and water⁷
• Apply a cold compress⁷
• Keep the area elevated if swollen⁷

Seek medical care if:

• Pain worsens⁷
• You develop fever or muscle cramps⁷
• The bite becomes severely swollen or discolored⁷

Fire Ant & Other Insect Bites

Fire ants and other biting insects can cause painful welts, itching, and skin irritation.⁸

Prevention tips:

  1. Wear shoes outdoors⁸
  2. Avoid disturbing ant mounds or nests⁸
  3. Use insect repellents when spending time outside³


Treatment:

• Wash the area⁸
• Apply cold compresses⁸
• Avoid scratching⁸
• Use anti-itch creams if needed⁸

Seek care if you experience severe swelling or allergic reactions.⁸

©2026ProgressiveHealth
References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Summer Health and Safety Tips
2. CDC – Tick Bite Prevention and Lyme Disease Information
3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Insect Repellent Safety
4. CDC – Mosquito Bite Prevention
5. Mayo Clinic – Insect Bite and Sting Care
6. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology – Insect Sting Allergies
7. Cleveland Clinic – Spider Bite Prevention and Treatment
8. MedlinePlus – Insect Bites and Stings Health Information