What bug bites and has wings?

There are many different types of biting and stinging insects that have wings. Some of the most common include mosquitoes, flies, bees, wasps, and ants. Identifying the insect that bit or stung you can be helpful to know how to treat the bite or sting and prevent future ones. This article will provide an overview of common winged insects that bite or sting humans, how to identify them, the effects of their bites/stings, and how to prevent and treat them.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are one of the most well-known biting pests. There are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide, and they are found on every continent except Antarctica. Female mosquitoes (males do not bite) use their long piercing mouthparts to suck blood from humans and animals. They need blood to develop eggs.

Some common identifying features of mosquitoes:

• Two wings
• Long legs
• Slender bodies
• Long mouthpart (proboscis) used for piercing skin and sucking blood

Mosquito bites usually cause small, red, itchy bumps on the skin that appear shortly after being bitten. Mosquitoes carry diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. They transmit these diseases by biting infected humans or animals and then spreading the pathogens when they bite another host.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

Here are some ways to avoid mosquito bites:

• Use EPA registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors
• Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk)
• Install or repair window and door screens
• Remove standing water near your home to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds

Treating Mosquito Bites

To treat mosquito bites:

• Wash the bite area with soap and water to remove saliva or pathogens
• Apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or baking soda paste to reduce itching
• Avoid scratching, which can cause infection
• If bite becomes severely swollen or infected, seek medical attention

Flies

There are over 120,000 known species of flies. Some common flies that bite humans include:

• Horse flies
• Deer flies
• Stable flies
• Black flies
• Sand flies

Identifying features of flies:

• Two wings
• Large compound eyes
• Short antennae
• Stout bodies
• Mouthparts designed for sucking or lapping

Bites from flies are painful and cause red bumps or welts, sometimes with a central puncture. Horse and deer flies have serrated mouthparts that can cut into skin. Their bites may bleed slightly. Some flies transmit diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery.

Preventing Fly Bites

To avoid fly bites:

• Use insect repellent
• Wear protective clothing
• Install screens on windows and doors
• Keep food covered and dispose of waste properly
• Use fly traps
• Keep animals and their living areas clean to reduce breeding sites

Treating Fly Bites

To treat fly bites:

• Wash the bite with soap and water
• Apply an antiseptic cream
• Take an antihistamine to reduce swelling and itching
• Apply hydrocortisone cream
• Use a cold pack to reduce pain and swelling

Bees, Wasps, and Hornets

Bees, wasps, and hornets are stinging insects with many similar features:

• Two pairs of wings
• Slightly hairy bodies
• Long dangling legs
• Stinger at tip of abdomen

Some ways to tell them apart:

• Bees – Fuzzy, plump bodies. Feed on pollen and nectar.
• Wasps – Slender, smooth bodies with skinny legs. Feed on other insects.
• Hornets – Larger than wasps with prominent aerial nests.

Stings from these insects cause immediate pain and a puncture wound. Redness, swelling, and itching may develop. They can sting multiple times. People may have severe allergic reactions to the venom in stings, including anaphylaxis.

Preventing Stings

Here are some tips for avoiding stings:

• Remain calm around bees, wasps, and hornets
• Wear shoes outside
• Avoid wearing perfumes or scented products
• Wear light colored, smooth fabrics
• Keep food covered outdoors
• Wear protective clothing near nests
• Do not disturb or stand near nests

Treating Stings

Follow these steps for treating stings:

• Remove the stinger by scraping it out with a fingernail or credit card
• Wash the wound with soap and water
• Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling
• Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine
• Apply hydrocortisone cream
• Monitor for signs of allergic reaction and seek emergency care if they develop

Ants

There are over 12,000 species of ants. They live in colonies and have the following features:

• Elbowed antennae
• Constricted waist between thorax and abdomen
• Forewings larger than hindwings
• Powerful jaws for grabbing food

Some ants that bite and sting include:

• Fire ants – Red colored. Give a painful sting that forms a white pustule.
• Harvester ants – Large, commonly found in deserts. Have a painful sting.
• Carpenter ants – Large black ants that can inflict painful bites.

Ant stings and bites cause burning pain. Blisters, pustules, or localized swelling may occur. Rarely, people may have severe allergic reactions.

Preventing Ant Bites/Stings

To prevent ant bites/stings:

• Wear closed toe shoes outdoors
• Avoid sitting or placing items directly on the ground
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET
• Carefully inspect fruit and vegetables
• Have ant mounds removed by a professional

Treating Ant Bites/Stings

Follow these tips for treating bites/stings:

• Clean the bite with soap and water
• Use tape to remove any remaining ants or pincers
• Apply ice to relieve pain and swelling
• Take antihistamines to reduce itching
• Apply hydrocortisone cream
• Watch for signs of infection

Identifying Biting Insects

Use this table to help identify what insect bit you based on signs and symptoms:

When to Seek Medical Care

Most insect bites and stings can be treated at home. Seek medical attention if you:

• Have signs of anaphylaxis after a sting including trouble breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, or swelling of the lips/face
• Experience excessive redness, swelling, oozing, or worsening pain at the bite site
• Develop a fever or flu-like illness after the bite
• Have multiple bites or stings
• Are bitten in the mouth or throat area
• Are bitten by a spider (could be venomous)

Preventing Bites and Stings

You can take the following general precautions to avoid insect bites and stings:

• Use EPA registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing when outdoors.
• Wear lightweight, long sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Avoid perfumes, colognes, and scented products.
• Keep food and drinks covered or inside.
• Wear shoes outside at all times.
• Avoid standing near beehives, nests, or ant mounds.
• Stay away from areas with stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
• Make sure window and door screens are installed properly.
• Keep garbage cans covered and dispose of waste frequently.
• Inspect items closely before grabbing or putting hands in hidden areas.

Being able to identify biting insects and knowing how to prevent bites and stings is important for staying healthy and comfortable outdoors. Most bites and stings can be managed at home but call your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. Taking precautions when spending time outside will help keep these pesky insects from ruining your fun.

Conclusion

Insects that commonly bite or sting humans and have wings include mosquitoes, flies, bees, wasps, hornets, and ants. These insects can be identified by their physical characteristics such as size, body shape, mouthparts, and features like antennae. Their bites and stings may cause itching, pain, swelling, redness, and blisters or pustules. While most insect bites and stings are harmless, some can transmit disease or cause severe allergic reactions. Prevent bites and stings by using repellent, avoiding nests, wearing protective clothing, eliminating standing water sources, and taking other precautions. Knowing how to recognize the insect that bit you and getting appropriate first aid for bites and stings can help prevent complications. Seek medical attention if you have signs of anaphylaxis, get bitten in the mouth or throat, have excessive swelling or oozing, or other concerning symptoms develop after a bite or sting. Taking preventative measures and being able to identify winged biting insects allows you to enjoy the outdoors more comfortably and safely.