In the UK, we’re fortunate not to have many dangerous insects. Still, even non-venomous insect bites can cause itchy lumps and, for some, a serious allergic reaction.
To help you reduce the chances of insect stings and bites, here is Pest-Tech’s guide to uK insects that bite and sting.
The Importance Of Identifying Biting Insects
While insect bites and stings might only seem like a minor irritation to most of us, they can be dangerous. Most insect bites are caused by bugs that suck blood to feed from, which can cause the spread of infectious diseases such as Lyme Disease, Tularemia or bacterial infections. Stings involve injecting venom into your body, which can be dangerous if you’re allergic to it.
Knowing what kind of insect bit or stung, you can help you to treat the problem more effectively and know what symptoms to watch out for. If you’re allergic to a specific type of insect, then you need to be particularly wary when you’re around bugs.
If you’ve not yet been bitten, you can prevent insect bites and stings by understanding the type of insect you’re dealing with. For example, bees are less likely to sting than wasps, as bees die after stinging and will only do so if they feel seriously threatened. By knowing the difference between bees and wasps, you can understand how to behave to reduce your risk of being stung.
These are some of the most common biting and stinging insects found in the UK. While the species you might encounter will vary depending on your location, and this isn’t a complete list, these are the bugs you’re most likely to encounter.
Wasps
When you think of stinging insects, wasps are often the first thing you imagine. Wasp stings can be incredibly painful and because wasps don’t die when they sting, they can do it multiple times. As such, wasps are particularly dangerous if you disturb their nests.
Like bees, wasps are winged, yellow and black-striped insects, but they don’t swarm like bees and instead fly in lines or alone. You can learn more about wasp control using our online resources, including our guide to the life cycle of the wasp and our blog post on how to get rid of a wasp nest.
Bees
Bees are great for the environment, and it is important that we protect them. Unfortunately, bees sting if provoked and will die shortly afterwards. As such, it’s vital that you try to avoid a bee sting if you can. The best way to do this is to avoid disturbing bee nests and keep yourself away from them where possible.
If you find a structure with honeycomb partners and bees swarming around it inside your home or on your property, then you need to act fast. Pest-Tech offers bee relocation services to remove bees from properties throughout Kent without killing them. You can also learn more about different species of bees, such as the ivy bee, by reading our blog.
Hornets
Hornets are very similar in appearance to wasps but much larger. As a result of their size, hornet stings can be painful, so it’s best to avoid them. The best way to keep hornets away is to avoid leaving drinks or foods uncovered and to use insect repellent in areas where hornets are commonly found.
If you find a hornet nest on your property, contact your local pest control company as soon as possible. European hornets are native to this country, but the invasive Asian hornet can be incredibly dangerous to wildlife in the UK. The main difference between the two is that European hornets have brown legs, while Asian hornets have yellow back legs and dark stripes on their bodies. If you see an Asian hornet, you should report it immediately using the Asian Hornet Watch App or by emailing alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.
Mosquitos
Mosquitos are most commonly associated with tropical climates, but there are more than 30 species of mosquitos found in the UK. Mosquitos feed on blood from humans and other animals to give them the protein they need to reproduce, leaving behind small puncture marks that can be itchy and easily get infected.
The best way to reduce your chances of mosquito bites is to use a bug repellant that contains DEET, also known as N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide or diethyltoluamide. This yellow oil is an effective way to get rid of mosquitos, but you can also try natural mosquito repellants and techniques such as wearing protective clothing or using a mosquito net when spending time outside.
Midges
While you might think midges are the same as mosquitos, they are actually different species of the order Diptera. Only female midges bite, as they need the blood for protein to mature their eggs. These tiny flying insects are only between 2-3mm in length, making them smaller than mosquitos, but their bites are still just as irritating.
Midge bites can be painful and itchy, and it’s difficult to avoid them if you find yourself in a cloud of these minute menaces. Most prevalent in Scotland, midges can also be found in other parts of the UK, usually in the spring and summer months and around heavily wooded areas. To avoid midge bites, use an insect repellent containing DEET, as like mosquitos, midges are particularly susceptible to this ingredient.
Horseflies
There are more than 7000 fly species found in the UK, many of which bite humans. Horseflies are most likely to bite, and horsefly bites can be particularly painful. That’s because, unlike many other biting insects, horseflies don’t release an anaesthetic into your bloodstream as they bite. As such, you’ll feel the bite, and it can be very painful.
Horseflies are large insects that are agile in flight and often found near wooded areas or marshes. They are attracted to large, dark mammals, so while they often bite deer and horses, they will also bite humans if given the chance. Wearing light colours that cover most of your body can be an effective way to deter horseflies. If you need support removing a fly infestation of any species, then find a local fly control provider.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches don’t often bite humans, but they may nibble on your extremities, such as your feet or hands, to eat away at dried skin. The two most common cockroach species found in the UK are the oriental cockroach and the German cockroach. Oriental cockroaches have dark brown bodies and long antennae, while German cockroaches are smaller, tan in colour and have two dark stripes on their backs.
It might be rare that cockroaches bite humans, and they’re not known to carry as many diseases as other insect pests, but dealing with a cockroach infestation can be challenging. These resilient insects can be difficult to eradicate, so consider exploring professional cockroach control if you find signs of roaches on your property.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs feed on human blood, so if you find yourself dealing with an infestation, you will likely notice itchy, raised bumps on your skin, usually in a cluster or line. Bed bug bites are usually found on exposed skin, such as your hands, feet, neck and arms.
Getting rid of bed bugs can be challenging, as these tiny pests crawl into crevices within bedding and soft furnishings. Bed bugs can lie dormant for up to a year without food, so without thorough bed bug removal, you might find that the problem returns.
Ants
The most common species of ants found in the UK, black ants, don’t usually bite humans, but other species, such as pharaoh ants, can bite, and red ants can both bite and sting.
To avoid ant bites, wear protective clothing and use insect repellant to deter them. Ants are attracted to sugar, so try to clean your property and avoid leaving sugary crumbs on your furniture or clothing after eating. If you’re concerned about an ant infestation, then you can explore ant control solutions.
Fleas
Fleas are irritating pests often found in homes with pets, but they can also be bought into properties without animals through secondhand clothing, used furniture or contact with infected items, such as flea-infested public transport seats.
Flea bites leave small, itchy lumps and can be painful and annoying. While flea bites aren’t usually a health issue, a flea infestation can be difficult to remove. Learn more about how dogs catch fleas and how to avoid them, as well as professional flea control services on our website.
Ticks
Ticks are small critters that look a little like spiders and are usually found in wooded or grassy areas and near lakes and rivers. While most tick bites are harmless and don’t hurt, ticks can spread Lyme Disease, which can cause serious health complications.
To avoid tick bites, try to keep yourself covered and wear light clothing so you can spot ticks quickly. If you do see a tick on your skin, make sure you gently remove it using a tick removal tool or a pair of tweezers, as ticks burrow into the skin, and if not removed properly, they can cause a skin infection.
Spiders
Most spiders found in the UK aren’t poisonous, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t bite you. It is rare to see a spider bite in the UK, but some non-native species have been known to travel to this country in cargo and make their way into homes inside packaging. Also, some native species might bite if they feel cornered.
Whether you’re concerned about an unusual-looking spider or are just scared of spiders, you can get spider control services to remove them quickly.
Ladybirds
Ladybirds are one the least dangerous biting insects in the UK. These beautiful insects rarely bite humans, and it’s usually the more aggressive, invasive species, such as the harlequin ladybird, that bite humans.
If you are bitten by a ladybird, you might not even notice, as they are so small and don’t have big mouths, so their bites don’t usually hurt. It’s rare that ladybirds can cause an allergic reaction, but they can cause destruction in your garden. If you’re worried about ladybirds on your property, consider exploring ladybird pest control services.
How To Treat An Insect Bite Or Sting
If you’ve been bitten by an insect, then it helps if you can identify the species. You’ll then know whether you’re able to catch diseases from them or if you’re allergic to them.
Whether you know the species of insect or not, you need to be proactive. You might notice itchy red lumps at the site of the bite or sting. Check if there is anything in the wound, such as a sting, and if there is, carefully remove it with a pair of sterilised tweezers. Then, clean the area with anti-bacterial soap and water.
Once the wound is clean and free from debris, you should try to reduce swelling by using an ice pack. To avoid infection, make sure the ice pack is wrapped in a clean cloth. Taking antihistamines can help to limit swelling and make you less itchy, while painkillers can be useful if your skin is sore.
If you’re allergic to insects, then you might get fluid-filled blisters or a large swollen red mark at the site of the bite. For skin irritation and extreme redness, talk to your pharmacist, who might be able to provide steroid creams and other treatments.
While you can treat insect bites at home, if you notice your throat feeling tight or you get a fever, then this could be a sign of a serious allergic reaction. To be safe, always contact your doctor or go to the hospital if you are concerned.
How To Avoid Insect Bites And Stings
Insect bites are never fun, so avoiding them is the best tactic where possible. To prevent insect bites away from home, such as when you’re on holiday, out camping or spending time near long grass, using insect repellent can help make your skin less attractive to bugs.
If you notice insect pests in your home, then the most effective solution is to work with professional pest control providers to remove the infestation. Pest-Tech operates throughout Maidstone, Kent and the surrounding area, offering fast, reliable solutions that will eliminate all bugs, larvae, eggs and nests, if necessary.
Banish the biters and get your home or business premises pest-free in no time with our expert insect control. Contact us on 01622 296055 to find out more and book your insect pest control visit.