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common stinging or biting insects or spiders

overview

many insects, such as the following, cause mild reactions:

some insects are more likely than others to cause allergic or toxic reactions.

  • a bee leaves its stinger behind and then dies after stinging. africanized honeybees, the so-called killer bees, are more aggressive than common honeybees and often attack together in great numbers. reaction to bee stings can range from minor skin swelling and redness to a serious allergic reaction.
  • wasps, including hornets and yellow jackets, can sting over and over. yellow jackets cause the greatest number of allergic reactions.
  • a fire ant attaches to a person by biting with its jaws. then, pivoting its head, it stings from its abdomen in a circular pattern at multiple sites.

bites and stings are more serious if you develop one or more of the following conditions after an insect or spider bite or sting:

credits

current as of: july 10, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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