How to Spot and Prevent Common Bug Bites and Stings
Oklahoma is full of opportunities for outdoor fun. Bites and stings from mosquitoes, wasps, spiders, ticks and other tiny creatures can quickly ruin a good time. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few of Oklahoma’s most common pests, share tips on avoiding them and offer some best practices if you are stung or bitten.
Everyday Insects and Arachnids
Oklahoma hosts a wide variety of insects and arachnids. The following are some of the most common that can cause adverse reactions.
Mosquitoes
Present in Oklahoma during usually March through November, mosquitoes thrive in standing water such as ponds, birdbaths and puddles. With 60 different species found in Oklahoma, mosquitoes also carry and can sometimes transmit viruses to humans and household pets. Their bites may itch and become red and swollen over a few days.
Wasps
Yellowjackets and paper wasps are active in summer and early fall, often nesting in covered areas. They can be aggressive and sting multiple times, causing painful welts, redness, and for some individuals, more severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.
Bees
Although less aggressive than wasps, bees can still pose problems for those allergic to their stings. In spring and summer, they forage near flowering plants and nest underground or in sheltered areas like the insides of trees or shrubs. Bee stings can cause pain, redness, swelling and even anaphylaxis that demands immediate medical attention.
Spiders
Oklahoma is home to the brown recluse and black widow spiders, among many other varieties. Their bites can be uncomfortable and dangerous, causing symptoms from mild pain and swelling to severe reactions that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Ticks
Ticks, found in Oklahoma’s grassy and wooded areas from early spring to late fall, can transmit diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease. Tick bites may cause fever, rash and fatigue. Without treatment, these illnesses can cause severe life-threatening complications. Alpha Gal is an allergic disease caused by the bite of the Lone Star Tick. This causes a severe allergic reaction when eating mammalian meat. There is no cure or treatment but symptoms can something lessen with time.
Pest Prevention Tips
Before going outside, take steps to keep you and your family safe from allergic reactions and insect-borne sickness. Here are some easy tips to give yourself some peace of mind and keep the pests away.
● Wear protective clothing: Put on long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk.
● Use insect repellent: Apply repellents with DEET or other CDC-recommended ingredients (and remember to rinse your body when returning indoors). https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/environmental-hazards-risks/mosquitoes-ticks-and-other-arthropods#repel
● Put a lid on it: Keep food and drinks covered when eating outdoors.
● Eliminate standing water: Empty and clean containers like birdbaths and flower pots regularly to prevent mosquito breeding.
● Plant strategically: Place flowers and other plants away from high-traffic areas to keep bees and spiders away from walking paths.
● Perform tick checks: After being in nature, thoroughly check yourself and your pets for ticks and remove any found immediately.
When to Seek Treatment
If you experience severe reactions to bee or wasp stings, such as difficulty breathing, swelling or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately. For mosquito bites, monitor for symptoms like fever, headache, or rash, which could indicate a mosquito-borne illness. Promptly consult a healthcare provider if these symptoms arise. You may not feel a tick or spider bite when it happens, but they can occasionally be extremely dangerous. If bitten by a spider, report any significant pain, fatigue, muscle spasms or tissue damage to your doctor. Tick bites in particular can lead to long-term illness. If you feel tired or develop a fever or rash, don’t wait to seek medical help. Symptoms of tick-borne diseases can develop days or weeks after a bite, so continuous monitoring is crucial.
Get Ahead of Allergic Reactions
Start taking preventative measures and ease your symptoms by speaking with an allergist about the right options for you. Proper care, education and treatment can help keep you safe, comfortable and confident as you venture outdoors.