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Sting vs. Bite: What Does an All Natural Bug Repellent Cover?

March 19th, 2010 Posted in Mosquitoes & Repellent, Stinging Insects

Although mosquitoes can be a pain, they are not the only pest out there looking to pierce your skin. Between mosquitoes, ticks and wasps, it’s amazing if we don’t end each summer season riddled with red bumps.

But did you know that when you wear all natural bug repellent, you block biting but NOT stinging pests?

Both hurt, so what’s the difference between pests that sting and others that bite?

Read on to learn about the sting vs. the bite:

• Difference Between Stinging & Biting Insects
• Why Each Are Dangerous
• How to Prevent Each

Difference Between Stinging & Biting Insects

Although both stinging and biting insects are pests, they harm you for two separate reasons. Stinging and biting insects can be split into two categories: venomous and non-venomous, respectively.

Examples of venomous insects

• Wasps
• Bees
• Hornets
• Ants

Examples of non-venomous insects

• Mosquitoes
• Sand Flies
• Chiggers
• Fleas
• Lice
• Bugs
• Ticks

What is the difference?
Venomous insects attack humans when they feel threatened, their stings are a defense mechanism. You feel the pain from the venom they inject into you with their stings. But venomous insects can also cause more severe reactions, such as anaphylactic shock.

Non-venomous insects bite to feed on your blood. Sometimes irritation or allergic reactions can occur. You should still protect yourself with all natural bug repellent, but they are typically not as serious as venomous stings.

Why Each Are Dangerous

Just the name alone, venomous stings, sounds dangerous. But just because other insects’ bites are non-venomous they can still transmit diseases or a rare allergic reaction.

Effects of venomous stings

• Very painful
• Red
• Swollen up to 12 inches around the site (this is called a local reaction)

In certain individuals, more severe reactions can occur throughout the whole body. This is called a systemic reaction. Symptoms include redness, hives and swelling away from the sting site.

Important note about allergies to stings and bites: If you know you are allergic to any insect bites, carry a card, bracelet or necklace to warn others. If a doctor prescribes medication in case of a reaction, such as an EpiPen, you and those close to you should know how to use it.

Effects of non-venomous bites
Often, bites from insects like mosquitoes and fleas just leave you with annoying, itchy bumps. Allergic reactions are rare but it’s still important to use all natural bug repellent to avoid bites.

Infected pests can still spread diseases through their bites, such as:

• Malaria
• Yellow Fever
• Lyme disease
• Typhus
• Encephalitis

Now that you know the dangers of biting and stinging insects, you should prevent yourself from ever being a victim of these pests.

How to Prevent Each

Preventing against stings and preventing against bites requires different types of protection.

The biggest difference in protection? All natural bug repellent works on non-venomous insects, but not on stinging insects.

Whether your are bitten or stung, there are certain preventative measures to take against each.

How to prevent stinging insects

• Don’t wear perfume or scented lotions
• Contain food odors at picnics or in outdoor garbage areas
• Avoid bright clothing outdoors
• Destroy all hives or nests near your home (be careful when doing this or call a professional)
• Protect your property with organic home and garden pest control sprays

How to prevent biting insects

• Cover as much skin as possible when outside
• Don’t leave ankles, wrists or your neck exposed
• Avoid swamps, dense woods and brush
• Examine any exposed skin for ticks after being outdoors
• Use all natural bug repellent every time you’re outside

So this summer, don’t become a pin cushion for pests. Prevent yourself from being stung and use all natural bug repellent to make biting pests someone else’s problem.