Bug Bite Identification Photo Gallery
Identifying Bug Bites can be a challenge because of how similar they can feel and appear. Everyone has a different immune reaction to being bitten or stung, so the amount of inflammation and level of severity will vary.
Most bites from common insects will heal quickly and easily, while others may be more painful or require medical care.
These photos and their descriptions can help you identify insect bites/stings.
Bed Bugs
by Hermann Luyken is marked with CC0 1.0
- Appearance –several red welts in linear groupings, can be flat or inflamed
- Reaction – burning, itchy, sometimes swollen
- Location – neck, arms, or torso
Bees
- Appearance – pinprick-like red bump or swelling
- Reaction – initial sharp pain, stinging, swelling, can trigger a severe allergic reaction in some people
- Location – anywhere, especially exposed skin
Fleas
- Appearance – similar to bed bugs, small, red bumps in linear clusters
- Reaction – very itchy, can become sore or develop a rash
- Location – likely on legs or ankles
Mosquitoes
These common bites are annoying but typically heal quickly. They do have the potential to expose you to mosquito-borne disease, so be sure to use bug spray outdoors.
- Appearance – puffy, pink, round bump, may have a raised dot in the center
- Reaction – very itchy and can sting
- Location – anywhere, especially exposed skin
Spiders
"Spider Bites" by chantellervheerden is marked with CC PDM 1.0
Most spiders are nonvenomous, but there are several poisonous varieties to watch for. We’ve included information about bites from the Black Widow (left) and Brown Recluse (right).
- Appearance (nonvenomous) – small red marks or welts
- Black Widow – one to two bite marks
- Brown Recluse – blister, surrounded by a bruised or red area, then fills with blood and ruptures/scars
- Reaction (nonvenomous) – pain around the bite, redness, swelling
- Black Widow – sharp pain, redness, swelling, cramping in the torso, nausea, sweating, anxiety, or muscle weakness
- Brown Recluse – little to no immediate discomfort, but pain about an hour later, itchiness, nausea, fatigue, chills
- Location – anywhere, especially exposed skin
Here is a resource for more information about dangerous spider bites.
Ticks
Tick bites have the potential to transmit Lyme disease as well as other pathogens through their bites. Use bug spray to prevent these bites, especially if hiking.
- Appearance – slight swelling or rash
- Reaction – minimal reaction, it can be challenging to know if you’ve been bitten unless you catch the tick on you, see that it has dropped off, or discover a bull’s eye-shaped lesion (above) which is a hallmark symptom of Lyme disease
- Location – they seek out warm areas on the body, so they frequently bite in the armpits, behind the knees, or on the head/neck
Fire Ants
“Fire Ant bite” by euthman is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Some ants can bite, some can sting, fire ants do both.
- Appearance – red spot that turns into a very itchy white bump
- Reaction – immediate pain, redness, swelling, itchiness
- Location – likely on legs or ankles
Call May Exterminating for Professional Pest Control
If you’re noticing frequent insect bites while you’re indoors, let us know, and we can help you determine if you’re experiencing an infestation. Get started with May Exterminating today!