Latest news with #bites
Irish Times
04-08-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
14 tips to prevent and treat insect bites and stings
A downside to hot weather is all the bugs that can feast on or sting us. Is there anything you can do to avoid this? And what should you do if you are attacked? Here's what pharmacists have to say about the best ways to prevent and treat stings and bites. Know which bugs to be wary of Pest controllers in Britain have warned of a rise in wasp activity due to recent heatwaves, something that is borne out by pharmacists. 'I am definitely seeing more wasps around at the moment,' says Claire Nevinson, senior pharmacist at Boots. 'We have seen an increase in people presenting with infected insect bites since April.' 'It is a bit of a shock when you are stung by a wasp,' says independent pharmacist Ian Budd. 'It is painful and, if you're unlucky, it can trigger an allergic reaction. Hornets and bees are less aggressive. Horsefly bites can cause inflammation and sometimes infection, because it is difficult to stop scratching them. Then there are midges.' There are mosquitoes in Ireland and Britain , although not the kind that carry malaria; however, they can still cause issues, says Budd. 'And we have ticks, in grassy and wooded areas, some of which carry Lyme disease.' READ MORE It is important to be more vigilant when you are in certain environments, says Virginia Chachati, a registered pharmacist and public health content creator. 'Midges and mosquitoes tend to be in forests and long grasses,' she says, so you need to watch out if you are camping or hiking. Some bugs are drawn to other animals, she adds: 'If you're visiting farm animals and want to pet them, just be aware that they may be carrying ticks.' Midges and mosquitoes can also be found anywhere there is still water, adds Chachati. 'Wherever there's water, even a puddle that sits for a long time, bugs can lay eggs and then multiply very quickly – in a few hours or days. So make sure you don't have still water around. Drain paddling pools after use. If the bugs are hungry, they will come and bite you.' Nevinson says you should take particular precautions if you're out in the morning or as the sun goes down. 'That is when the mosquitoes and midges will be at their worst.' Cover up with light, loose clothing 'Make sure you wear long sleeves and long trousers, particularly if you're camping or outdoors a lot,' says Nevinson. Anything not covered could be open to attack. Budd says: 'It is quite common to get bitten around the ankles and wrists – anywhere exposed is at risk.' [ Laura Kennedy: Long-haul flight tips from snore-proof ear plugs to tummy-friendly food Opens in new window ] Chachati advises wearing light colours. 'Some bugs, especially hornets, can be really attracted to darker colours because they're trying to hide from predators,' she says. 'If you're walking through long grass and you are wearing white trousers, it is also much easier to see if ticks have latched on to your trousers, and then you can easily pick them off. Definitely wear a hat as well, because some people get bites on their scalp, especially if they don't have hair.' Keep colours neutral, as 'yellow and bright colours can attract wasps', she says. Don't irritate wasps 'Sadly, it is just being in the wrong place at the wrong time with a wasp,' says Nevinson. 'Wasps will be particularly attracted if you're having a picnic. If there is food around, the wasps will hover around it.' With wasps, staying still is a good idea, rather than flapping your arms. Photograph: iStock 'If you're waving your hands around,' says Chachati, 'those air currents are going to really bother them and knock them out of the air, and they don't want to be knocked, so they're going to do whatever they can to defend themselves. Staying really still is a good idea.' This is easier said than done: 'If they land on you, you could use a piece of paper to gently slide under it, and put a see-through cup on top. Then take it away and release it.' Wear repellent Chachati has worked in travel clinics: 'Deet would be the number one thing I recommend, including for children. Use the highest percentage that you can tolerate without it irritating the skin.' In some places, 'if you get bitten, you can get diseases like malaria, dengue fever, Zika and tick-borne encephalitis. If you can't use Deet, there are other repellents such as icaridin and IR3535.' 'Deet is a really effective insect repellent,' says Budd. 'But there are questions about whether it is environmentally responsible for it to be used in large quantities. There are alternatives, like some citronella-based insect repellents, which are kinder to the environment. If you are still getting bitten with those, maybe move to the chemical ones.' Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent. Photograph: iStock 'Always put on your sunscreen, then put your insect repellent on top,' says Chachati. 'When they land on you, they will be repelled by the insect repellent, because that is the outermost layer you've applied on your skin. Deet can lower the sun protection factor of the sunscreen, so you will need to reapply it more often.' It can also transfer ink to your skin, so be careful when handling printed matter while wearing it, says Chachati. Go fragrance-free 'It is a myth that only dirty people get bitten,' says Budd. 'Bugs are drawn to scents, not bad hygiene.' 'Don't wear perfumes, deodorants or moisturisers that are heavily scented,' says Chachati. 'These can attract bugs to you, because you smell like flowers.' Drinking alcohol could make you more attractive to mosquitos. Photograph: iStock Possibly avoid alcohol 'There was a very small study in 2002 where they tested whether or not drinking beer would make mosquitoes more likely to bite you,' says Chachati. 'Out of 13 people, the majority of them did get bites from mosquitoes [after beer ingestion compared with before ingestion]. So avoid drinking beer at barbecues,' which can be challenging, she concedes. Budd says it is also a myth that drinking gin and tonic is helpful: 'Originally, in countries where there was malaria, people would have loads of tonic water because they believed the quinine in the tonic protected them – you'd have to drink a lot of tonic water for it to be effective.' Clean bites and stings before treating If you do get a bite or sting, 'it is always best to wash the skin with soap and water to try to avoid any bacteria getting inside the wound,' says Chachati. 'If you don't have access to soap and water, you can use antiseptic wipes or cream.' 'In the main, if you just have a simple bite or a sting, it will sort itself out,' says Nevinson. 'If there is swelling, cold compresses are really good. If it's on a limb, keep it raised to prevent that swelling getting any worse.' 'Hydrocortisone cream is really good for inflammation,' says Budd. If you want to try something more natural, lavender or tea-tree oil 'may deter the insects, but they're also natural antiseptics once you've been bitten. Aloe vera is cooling and anti-inflammatory.' Don't scratch 'Antihistamine creams or tablets can really help with the itching, because scratching that itch makes it worse,' says Budd. 'It increases the inflammation and your risk of infection. When you're scratching the skin, you are interfering with the natural skin barrier, and you can be introducing bacteria into the inflamed area by taking away all the top layers of cells.' Use fine tweezers to remove a tick, grabbing it really close to the skin Remove stings and ticks carefully 'When a tick bites, the whole animal is attached to you,' says Budd. 'Use fine-tip tweezers, grab it really close to the skin, and pull upwards slowly with a steady and even force. Clean the area afterwards with soap and water.' Nevinson says: 'If a red ring appears around the bite, that is an indication that it could be Lyme disease, and it's really important you seek medical help. As long as it is treated quickly, it can be easily dealt with.' Chachati recommends keeping the tick to be tested. [ Ticks in Ireland: Lyme disease-carrying insects are coming for us and they're likely to hang around longer too Opens in new window ] 'Don't use tweezers for a bee sting,' says Budd, 'because you can push more venom into your skin. Scrape it sideways, either with your [clean] fingernail or a bank card. When you get stung by a bee, the sting continues to pump venom, even when the bee is gone. So you definitely need to remove that. Wasps and hornets do not leave a stinger in the skin after they have stung you, they have retractable stingers.' Take antimalarials 'Malaria can kill you,' says Chachati. Mosquitoes kill more people than any other creature in the world because of the various diseases they carry and it is essential to take antimalarials if you are going to a region where malaria is carried by mosquitoes. 'Look at a malaria map or the Fit for Travel website and always speak to a professional about which antimalarials to take.' Know when to seek medical help 'Your individual reaction to proteins in the saliva of the bug that has bitten you or the venom from a sting can cause an allergic reaction,' says Budd, 'from mild swelling to severe anaphylaxis, where it starts affecting your breathing and your tongue is swelling. This is usually picked up early on in life and you will need to carry an EpiPen. For a mild allergic reaction, an antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream should help. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, dizziness or swelling of the face, seek emergency help.' [ From the archive: How to deal with health issues that arise when we travel abroad Opens in new window ] Also see a doctor if, 'a couple of days after being bitten or stung, you notice that there is pus, a hot, swollen red area around the bite that is noticeably spreading, or if you develop a fever, as these can be signs of infection,' says Budd. Ceiling fans disturb airflow, making it harder for bugs to land on you. Photograph: iStock Disturb the airflow 'Keep the air conditioning or ceiling fan on,' says Chachati, 'because that disturbs the airflow, so it stops mosquitoes from being able to land. It also makes the room cool, which they dislike, and disperses carbon dioxide, making it difficult for mosquitoes to detect humans.' Keep windows closed for this to be effective, she says, 'and definitely use a mosquito net over your bed and windows'. Take a shower 'Bugs are attracted to body heat and sweat,' says Budd. 'If your skin is warmer, you are more likely to attract bugs. If you have been exercising, there might be more lactic acid in your sweat, and insects are attracted to that, too.' Some people are just more delicious than others 'There is no specific reason why one person gets bitten more than another,' says Nevinson, 'but you often hear people talking about being prone to bites. It is likely to be to do with the skin type and the scent on the skin, which could be a result of a number of different things, diet or hormone-related.' Budd explains: 'Everyone has their own unique skin microbiome and it can make you either less or more attractive to biting insects. Your genetics can influence this. For some reason, people with blood type O may attract more mosquitoes.' He adds: 'Being pregnant could make you more attractive to biting insects because your skin temperature can be warmer.' Chachati says: 'It depends on your immune system and how you react to bites. Some people might be more sensitive compared with others. Mosquito bites may be worse in certain parts of the world that you are not used to being in, depending on how your immune system reacts. The first few bites may be quite a difficult experience to go through and then, if you get bitten again later in the holiday, it may not be as bad because your body knows how to handle it better.' – Guardian
CNET
23-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
Mosquito Bites Might Not Be Random. Find Out What Makes You a Target
Summer is by far my favorite season. The warm temps and sunny weather mean I can spend more time outside doing things I love, particularly around water. And since I live at the coast in Florida, that means I'm spending a lot of time these days paddleboarding, kayaking and my new favorite hobby, shelling. But that tranquil time in nature is soon spoiled when I find myself covered in red, itchy bumps. If you're like me, you get frustrated by the number of mosquito bites you acquire. It's downright infuriating when I come inside sporting several new welts, especially when my friends report that they don't have a single one. Why is that? I did some research and found that it's not because I'm particularly unlucky. There are actually scientific reasons why mosquitoes single out certain people. Here's why mosquitoes bite and how you can make yourself less of a target this summer. For more, learn about how to safely remove a tick and how you can alter the colors of your hydrangeas. Why do mosquitoes bite? Contrary to what you might think, mosquitoes don't bite people for food; they feed on plant nectar. Only female mosquitoes bite, and they do so to receive proteins from your blood needed to develop their eggs. Why are some people more prone to bites? There are several factors that impact why some people are more prone to mosquito bites than others: Blood type A common belief is that mosquitoes are attracted to certain blood types, considering mosquitoes bite humans for their blood. Blood type is determined by genetics, and each blood type is created based on the different sets of specific proteins, called antigens, on the surface of red blood cells. There are four main blood types: A, B, AB and O. While there are no firm conclusions as to which blood type is more attractive to mosquitoes, several studies have suggested people with type O are most appetizing to mosquitoes. A 2019 study observed mosquito feeding behavior when presented with different blood type samples, and found mosquitoes fed from the type O feeder more than any other. A 2004 study also found that mosquitoes land on blood group O secretors (83.3%) significantly more than group A secretors (46.5%). However, these studies are not definitive, and much is still up in the air about mosquito preferences when it comes to blood type. Clothing color Mosquitoes are highly visual hunters when it comes to finding a human to bite. This means movement and dark clothing colors like black, navy and red can stand out to a mosquito. Research has shown that mosquitoes are more attracted to the color black, but there has been little additional research into why this is the case. Carbon dioxide Mosquitoes use sight and smell to find hosts to bite. One of the quickest ways mosquitoes can sniff out a person is through the carbon dioxide emitted when we breathe. According to research published in the journal Chemical Senses, mosquitoes use an organ called a maxillary palp for carbon dioxide detection and can sense it from 164 feet away. Because carbon dioxide is a huge attractor, people who emit more of it -- larger individuals and people who are breathing heavily when working out -- are more attractive to a mosquito. Body odor and sweat Mosquitoes are attracted to more substances and compounds than just carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes can find people to bite by smelling substances present on human skin and in sweat, including lactic acid, uric acid and ammonia. A new study found that mosquitoes are attracted to compounds called carboxylic acids that every human produces through sebum, a waxy coating, on their skin. The sebum is eaten by the millions of beneficial microorganisms found on human skin, which produces more carboxylic acid -- and will, in turn, produce an odor similar to cheese or smelly feet that appears to attract mosquitoes. Lead researchers on this study said mosquitoes are sensitive to human odor and that even perfumes or colognes can't mask it. Researchers are still learning why certain body odors are more attractive to mosquitoes, but they do know that genetics, bacteria on the skin and exercise all play a factor. Genetics impact the amount of uric acid emitted, while exercise increases lactic acid buildup. Beer In a small study, mosquitoes were observed to land on participants more frequently after consuming a small amount of beer. But before you swear off outdoor brews, know that the study only had 14 participants, and it found that mosquitoes may only be marginally more attracted to people who have been drinking beer. The size and severity of a bite relate to how your immune system responds to the saliva introduced by the mosquito when it bites. Suriyawut Suriya/EyeEm/Getty Images Why do some people swell from mosquito bites more than others? Mosquito bites can range in size from small little spots to large welts. Why is this the case? Bites affect people differently. The size and severity of a bite relate to how your immune system responds to the saliva introduced by the mosquito when it bites. When mosquitoes bite, they inject some saliva when drawing blood. This saliva contains certain anticoagulants and proteins, triggering the immune system to respond to these foreign substances. Our body responds by releasing histamine -- a chemical released by white blood cells when your immune system is fighting allergens -- which causes the itchiness and inflammation of the bite. How to prevent mosquito bites The best way to handle a mosquito bite is to not get them in the first place -- but oftentimes, that's easier said than done. Some common ways to prevent mosquito bites include: Use repellents and bug sprays Use natural repellants (citronella essential oil Avoid going outside at dawn or dusk Avoid dark-colored clothing, specifically black Avoid standing water and try to eliminate standing water near your home Use mosquito netting when camping or sleeping outdoors Wear long sleeves and pants Prevent mosquito bites when traveling internationally If you're using DEET insect repellent, make sure to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines (PDF) about the strength and proper application. Repellants are highly effective in preventing mosquito bites. Amanda Capritto/CNET How to treat mosquito bites Mosquito bites, while annoying, are often not severe and will resolve in a few days. In the meantime, there are several treatments to alleviate the itchiness and inflammation: Clean with rubbing alcohol if a fresh bite Take an oatmeal bath Use over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl or Claritin Apply mild corticosteroid creams Use aloe vera to reduce inflammation Try a cold compress or ice pack for 10 minutes Though difficult, try as best you can to not itch the bite too roughly to prevent any sort of skin reaction or infection. Mosquito-borne diseases and illnesses While the majority of mosquito bites result in welts that heal in a few days, mosquitoes are known carriers of many deadly diseases and illnesses, including but not limited to: Mosquitoes are often considered one of the deadliest animals on earth. Mosquito-borne diseases kill more than 725,000 people a year the World Health Organization estimates, with malaria accounting for the vast majority of deaths (600,000). While malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases hit Sub-Saharan Africa the hardest, mosquitoes pose a risk to every continent and nation. Most types of mosquitoes in the US are nuisance mosquitoes -- mosquitoes that do not spread germs that make people sick -- but there have been outbreaks of West Nile, dengue, chikungunya and Zika in a few states and territories. There are several steps you can take to control mosquito populations and minimize risk. Make sure to properly cover and store water containers around your home and drain any standing water to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. For treatments, you can use an outdoor adulticide to kill adult mosquitoes or larvicides to treat bodies of standing water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be drained. Infected bites will often look extremely red, swollen and warm or have a red streak that spreads outward from the bite. See a health care provider if you have signs of infection or if symptoms worsen. For more, read about the five smart ways to repel mosquitoes this summer, the mosquito forecast tool launched by Google and Off, and how you can make your own DIY traps for mosquitoes, hornets and other flying pests. More tips for your yard and garden
CBC
21-06-2025
- General
- CBC
It's blackfly season — here's what you need to know to avoid bites
It's blackfly season — here's what you need to know to avoid bites 8 minutes ago Duration 1:43
Daily Mail
07-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Hotel guest who was bitten 30 times by bed bugs in infested room tells how she woke up to see them 'crawling on the bed'
A woman was left with more than 30 red and itchy bites on her body after staying in a hotel room infested with bed bugs. Sharon Aggarwal, 53, shut herself in the bathroom for two hours after she woke up in the middle of the night 'scratching' at a three-star hotel in Henley-on-Thames. The IT worker, who frequently travels to the picturesque town in Oxfordshire for work, said she pulled back the sheet and could see several bugs 'crawling on the bed'. Mrs Aggarwal said she squashed a large one on the pillow and was horrified to see blood spurt out of it. The 53-year-old from the Midlands was staying at The Catherine Wheel last month - a historic 12th century pub and guesthouse that is now owned by JD Wetherspoon. Mrs Aggarwal told MailOnline: 'I suddenly woke up in the middle of the night - all itchy. 'I pulled the sheet back and all I could see were these things crawling on the bed. It was pretty gross. I squished on of them and blood spurted out onto me. 'After seeing them all over the news a couple of years ago, I was like oh no, I know what this is. 'I looked at my hand and I could see these bites. Then there was this quite big one on the pillow. I was like "oh God that was right by my head". 'At this point, I just went into the bathroom and shut the door. It was around 3am in the middle of the night. I just stayed there until 5am until the sun started to come up. 'I was covered in bites. I had like two on my face, three or four on my neck and another three around the waistband of my pyjamas. 'Then about ten on one hand and around seven or eight on the other.' Mrs Aggarwal said the bites were unlike anything that she had experienced before - and the itching only started to subside when she went to the pharmacist. 'I've been bitten by mosquitos in the past but these were the most itchy things. 'They came up like big welts on my face so I also went to the pharmacist to take some antihistamines. 'I had to take them every six hours.' Mrs Aggarwal said she managed to trap one of the bed bugs under a pint glass and showed it to the night porter at The Catherine Wheel. She said she also called the JD Wetherspoon customer service line to complain and left a note at reception when she checked out. 'I did not hear back from the Catherine Wheel for ages. It's not exactly the Ritz but I would expect it to be clean,' she said. 'This is a popular hotel and they have a busy summer period coming up. Obviously they have the Henley Regatta and Festival. 'The hotel did get back to me and admitted they did have bed bugs in the room but could not find them. 'I said sleep in the bed and you'll find them. I heard that environmental health are investigating as well and will eradicate the bugs. 'I've since heard back from Wetherspoons and they have offered to reimburse me for the night and the room.' A spokesman for Wetherspoons confirmed the presence of bed bugs in the room and said it had been 'immediately taken out of use'. He said: 'We were informed by a guest staying in the hotel on May 6 of the suspected presence of bed bugs in her room. 'This was confirmed after her departure and the room was immediately taken out of use. 'We are liaising directly with the guest concerned to address her concerns. Like all hotel operators, Wetherspoons has procedures in place to minimise this problem. 'These include daily checks by trained staff when servicing hotel rooms and regular preventative visits by qualified contracts, which means episodes such as this are rare.'
CTV News
21-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Tick Season has started
Ottawa Watch Paging Dr. Paul: Our resident pediatrician on how to protect your home and how to remove them if you get bitten.
