Insect Bites and Stings

You can treat many insect bites and insect stings yourself. But if your child has an unusual reaction to an insect bite or sting, seek medical attention.

Links to information on bites, burns, cuts and pests

Unlike a bee, which can only sting once (and leaves the stinger behind in the skin), the European wasp can sting repeatedly.

Most insect bites and stings result in a localised itch and swelling that settles within a few days. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insects are usually due to bees, wasps or the Australian Jack Jumper ant. Insect bites are a less common cause of anaphylaxis than insect stings. Fortunately, effective treatments are available to treat allergic reactions to bites and stings.

Bee sting is the leading cause of hospitalisation from venomous creatures in Australia.

The best way to deal with a bee sting is to scrape it off with a sideways motion using a firm object such as the blade of a knife, a credit card or even a fingernail.

Allergic reactions to Bites and Stings, Jack Jumper Ant Allergy, Tick Allergy

Barmah Forest virus infection is spread to humans by mosquito bites - mosquitoes bite animals infected with Barmah Forest virus and bite humans.