How to spot insect bites: Spider, tick, bee, bed bug and mosquito

Experts have revealed what some of the most common insect and spider bites look like – and how to spot and treat each one.

Five of the most common bites all leave behind itchy lumps or stinging sensations and The Sydney Children’s Hospital has detailed the best treatment for each. 

But while home treatments are important to know in the short-term, if your child is bitten by an unknown or dangerous insect it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.  

When it comes to treating spider bites it’s important to wash the area and relive pain with ice or an antiseptic cream, but if pain continues or you know it’s a venomous species visit the nearest hospital – especially if it’s a child.

Mosquito bites are extremely common in Australia and become even more apparent after wet weather, to treat the notoriously itchy bites wash the area with soap, apply an ice pack or an anti-itch cream. 

Ticks can be commonly found in armpits or the scalp after a bushwalk or day out in nature; in the instance of a bite do not pull the bug out, simply apply a Wart Off Spray or a Lyclear cream to the tick or visit a medial centre so it can be removed properly.

Mosquito bites are common in Australia and become even more apparent after wet weather, to treat the itchy bites wash the area with soap, apply an ice pack or an anti-itch cream

If treating yourself wait 10 minutes for the bug to die and carefully brush it off the skin, always wash the area thoroughly with soap after a tick removal. 

If the bitten area after a few days resembles a ‘bulls-eye’ pattern seek medical attention as it may be a sign of Lyme Disease, the most common illness from ticks. 

Bed bugs are known to create itchy welts on the skin but to treat the bites apply a chemist cream or take oral medication to reduce the burning sensation and the need to scratch. 

Bed bugs are known to create itchy welts on the skin but to treat the bites apply a chemist cream or take oral medication to reduce the burning sensation and the need to scratch

Bee stings are often known to leave a sharp pain but it is important to remove the stinger from the wound with tweezers then wash the area with water.

Apply ice to the stung area to reduce swelling or pain and if an allergic reaction occurs seek medical attention immediately.