Insect Bites

Insect bites and stings are common occurrences that typically result in mild discomfort. However, according to AAFA, for approximately 5% of the general population, insect bites and stings can trigger severe allergic reactions requiring immediate medical attention. Understanding the risks, symptoms, and preventive measures associated with insect allergies is crucial for effective management and safety.

Allergic reactions can be caused by both stinging and biting insects:​

• Stinging Insects: Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants inject venom through their stings. While most people experience temporary pain and swelling, others may develop severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.

• Biting Insects: Mosquitoes, fleas, certain flies, and bedbugs can cause allergic reactions through their bites, leading to redness, itching, and swelling.

Most insect bites and stings result in localized pain, redness, and swelling. However, allergic individuals may experience more severe symptoms, including:​

• Hives or widespread itching​

• Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue​

• Difficulty breathing​ 

• Dizziness or a sudden drop in blood

• Anaphylaxis—a life-threatening allergic reaction

Immediate medical attention is essential if any of these symptoms occur following an insect bite or sting.​

Prevention and Treatment:

To minimize the risk of insect sting allergies:

• Avoid Known Triggers: Be cautious in areas where stinging insects are prevalent.

• Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants to reduce skin exposure.​

• Use Insect Repellents: Apply EPA-approved insect repellents to deter biting insects.​

• Seek Medical Advice: If you've experienced allergic reactions to insect stings, consult our team of board-certified providers for evaluation and potential venom immunotherapy.​

Our board-certified team of providers offers many options to help you find relief from insect bites and stings, including:

• Antihistamine therapy

• Topical treatments

• Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EpiPen), Auvi-Q injection and/or Intranasal Epinephrine (Neffy)

• Venom immunotherapy

To help diagnose and treat your insect bite or sting allergies, we offer the following services:

• Skin testing for venom and mosquitos

• IgE testing for venom

Venom immunotherapy, or venom allergy shots, will involve regular weekly injections that allow for desensitization to bee venom (vespid, wasp, honeybee) and fire ant. Venom allergy shots will definitively ensure reduction in symptoms after bee sting reaction. Once full treatment is completed, venom immunotherapy reduces the risk of of having anaphylaxis up to the 80-90% according to the guideline published by the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Our board-certified providers are ready to help you understand insect allergies and develop personalized treatment plans at one of our three convenient locations. Make your appointment at the location near you today – we even offer Saturday hours. Prepare for your visit by reading our new patient information.