Australia is notorious for its many stinging insects and poisonous animals. While the majority of insect bites in Australia cause a mild reaction that clears up in a few days, some insect bites and stings can be deadly.
In this guide to insect bites in Australia, we walk you through the most common types of bites and stings, how to treat them and what to do in the case of a severe allergic reaction.
Australian insect bites identification
There are many types of insect bites in Australia that are painful but will heal on their own in a few days. However, there are other types which may require medical attention. Knowing how to identify the signs of a serious bite or sting can help you provide the right first aid to handle the situation.
Bites usually leave a puncture in the skin and clear up in a few days. On the other hand, an insect sting will puncture the skin and leave behind saliva, faeces or venom. Stings usually clear up in a few days, but in some people they may cause an allergic reaction with further complications.
Bee stings and wasp stings
Bees and wasps aren’t usually aggressive, but may sting if they feel threatened. These types of stings often cause pain, swelling and itchiness, however they can also cause severe allergic reactions in some people.
If the stinger remains in your skin, use a fingernail or credit card to flick it out. Avoid using tweezers as this can release more venom. Next, clean the sting site with soap and water and pat dry gently. You can use pain relief medication or a cold pack to manage pain and swelling.
If the sting site is itchy, oral antihistamines may help calm the itchiness. If pain and swelling do not go down after a couple of days, seek medical assistance. A doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help deal with the symptoms.
Ant bites and stings
The most painful ant stings in Australia come from the fire ant, bull ant, jack jumper ant and carpenter ant. The pain from an ant sting can last up to an hour.
The symptoms of ant bites and stings include:
- A burning or fiery sensation at the bite site
- Redness and swelling
- Blistering
To treat an ant bite, wash the area with soap and water to clean it. Then apply a cold compress to manage pain and swelling. If blisters form, do not burst them as this can lead to infection.
Some people may have a severe reaction to ant bites that requires emergency medical help. Call 000 if a person is having difficulty breathing or is unconscious.
Tick bites
Ticks are small, blood-sucking bugs that can attach to your skin when you are walking in the bush. Tick bites are often harmless, however they may trigger a mild to severe allergic reaction in some people. Certain ticks may pass on diseases when they bite.
The symptoms of a tick bite include:
- Pain and swelling at the site
- Rash or blisters
- Burning sensation
Health Direct recommends not removing the tick with force, especially if you are allergic to ticks. Instead, you can use a product that freezes the tick so that it falls off.
Once the tick has been removed, you can apply an antiseptic cream and wound dressing to the site. Keep an eye out for signs of infection. If you notice any liquid seeping from the wound, muscle weakness or paralysis, seek medical help straight away.
Mosquito bites
Mosquito bites can cause pain and itchiness, but they rarely cause an allergic reaction. Some mosquitoes carry dangerous and deadly diseases.
Most mosquito bites can be treated with antiseptic liquid or a soothing gel. You can also use cold packs to manage swelling.
If you experience nausea, vomiting, fever or chills, you should seek urgent medical help. It may be a sign of a mosquito-borne disease.
Spider bites
Spiders aren’t insects, but they can have painful and sometimes fatal bites. Most garden and house spiders aren’t dangerous to humans, but a bite from the red back spider or the funnel-web spider could be fatal.
The signs and symptoms of a dangerous spider bite usually appear quickly. They include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe pain
- Numbness around the mouth
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle pain
If a person is experiencing any of these symptoms, they require urgent medical attention. Call 000 immediately.
Non-serious spider bites can be treated using a snake and spider bite kit.
Also read: How to treat a snake bite effectively.
Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Insect bites and stings can cause an allergic reaction in some people, and in some cases that reaction can be deadly.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur within seconds of being exposed to the allergen. The symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain and vomitin
- Swelling of the face and throat
- Hives
- Faintness or loss of consciousness
The best way to treat anaphylaxis is with an epinephrine auto injector such as the EpiPen. This contains a single dose of epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) which helps reverse the effects of anaphylaxis.
People who have a known severe allergy should carry an EpiPen with them. Schools, workplaces and healthcare providers should have an anaphylaxis kit on hand to deal with unexpected emergencies that arise.
Giving the right first aid to someone who is having an anaphylactic shock could save their life.
Find out more: What to do if your child goes into anaphylactic shock.
Preventing insect bites in Australia
It’s normal to experience insect bites now and then, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and those under your care. Preventative measures include:
- Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, thick socks and boots
- Use insect repellents
- Stay away from insect nests
- Bring a camping first aid kit when in the bush
Insect bites and stings can range from a minor first aid issue to a serious, life-threatening emergency. Understanding the risks and being prepared to handle whatever situation arises is the best way to protect yourself and those under your care.
