Insect repellents work well for biting, non-venomous insects,but not against angry stinging insects. The most effective repellent is DEET, available in sprays and lotions.

Keep your distance from insects that bite. Stay away from gardens, hedges, garbage cans, and picnic grounds. If you do come across one of the ornery critters, don't swat at it, flail your arms, or make sudden movements. This may trigger an attack.

Be careful what you wear. Bright colors and floral patterns attract them. Insects are attracted by smell so avoid perfumes, cosmetics, hairspray, lotions, etc.

Venomous insects (wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, all bees, fire ants) attack as a defense mechanism, injecting painful, toxic venom to punish you so you'll stay away next time.

The stinger must be removed. Home remedies include baking soda or meat tenderizer compresses to "draw out" or destroy protein-based venom. For pain and swelling, use anti-inflammatory drugs. For itching, use topical antihistamines, anesthetics/analgesics, or topical hydrocortisone. To prevent infection, use topical antibacterials.

Non-venomous insects (chiggers, fleas, lice, scabies, bed bugs, ticks, mosquitoes) bite injecting anticoagulant saliva in order to feed on your blood. Itching is the main symptom. Topical antihistamines and anesthetics are for quick temporary relief; hydrocortisone cream has slower onset, but longer effect.

Although local irritation and "allergic" reactions may occur from non-venomous bites, severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock only happen from venom stings.

When should you see the doctor or go to the ER? Tammy Meehan, M.D., UI pediatrician, suggests using over-the-counter Benadryl as a first line of defense. "Call your physician if you feel light-headed, nauseated, or have any difficulty breathing following a bite or sting."

The allergies of a sting

At one time or another, everyone has been bitten or stung by an insect--a mosquito, a bee, wasp, or other bug. Most people don't have problems beyond the irritating itch and some possible localized soreness.

But for others, an insect bite can be life threatening. These people have insect venom allergies. The reactions can vary from severe swelling and hives to breathing problems, nausea, vomiting, and anaphylactic shock. Once you have experienced an allergic response, you are more likely to react the next time you are bitten.

Anaphylactic shock is an allergic reaction that can be fatal, either through swelling that shuts off airways or through a dramatic drop in blood pressure.

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