Insect bites and stings Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.
Answers to questions about insect bites and stings
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- I think I have bedbugs - how can I get rid of them?
- I have recently found a flea on my cat. Do fleas bite humans and if so, what can I do to prevent them from biting me?
- Can I use diethyltoluamide (DEET) on my child? If so, how often should it be applied?
I think I have bedbugs - how can I get rid of them?
If you have bedbugs there are a number of things you can do to remove them and prevent re-infestation.
Explanation
Bedbugs feed on your blood at night and hide during the day in cracks and crevices of mattresses, bed frames, walls and floors. Bedbugs are small, flat, round, brown creatures that look a bit like lentils. Bites from bedbugs are usually painless and don't carry any disease. Occasionally people who have been bitten develop small swellings, inflammation and blistering. Bedbugs tend to bite areas that aren't covered by bed clothes such as the face, neck, hands and arms. You may notice spots of blood on your bed sheets and a sickly-sweet, almond smell from the scent glands of the bedbugs.
If you have bedbugs, it's important not to move any furniture from room to room as this can cause the bedbugs to spread. Contact a pest control company who will inspect your property. Insecticidal sprays are used to treat the problem and several applications may be required to completely remove the bedbugs. Block any cracks in your walls and floors to prevent the bedbugs from returning.
Sources
- Factsheet on biting bugs. Essex Health Protection Unit, 2006. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 7 March 2009
- Insect bites and stings - making a diagnosis. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 7 March 2009
I have recently found a flea on my cat. Do fleas bite humans and if so, what can I do to prevent them from biting me?
Yes, cat fleas can bite humans but there are several things you can do to treat your cat and prevent the fleas from spreading.
Explanation
Bites from cat fleas are usually grouped in lines or clusters. Flea bites are often found on the leg below the knee and also on the forearm. If you have been bitten by a cat flea, a red swollen area will appear on your skin between five and 30 minutes afterwards. The bite will feel itchy but try to resist the temptation to scratch the area as this can cause infection.
If you think your cat has fleas, it's important to treat your pet and also your house with insecticide. Fleas are carriers of the cat and dog tapeworm that may infect humans. If your cat has fleas, it will scratch and groom excessively.
There are a number of things you can do to treat your cat and prevent the fleas spreading. Follow the steps listed here.
- Remove any fleas from your cat using a fine-tooth comb.
- Take your cat to the vet for flea treatment.
- Vacuum all rugs and carpets.
- Apply an insecticide to the floors and bedding, and also to furniture and areas where your cat rests or sleeps.
- Wash bed linen in hot water to make sure you get rid of all the eggs.
Make sure you keep the insecticide out of reach of children and away from skin and eyes. Don't spray near to an aquarium as some insecticides are toxic to fish.
Sources
- Insect bites and stings - making a diagnosis. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 7 March 2009
- Factsheet on biting bugs. Essex Health Protection Unit, www.hpa.org.uk, 2006
- Bob Martin multi-purpose flea spray. Veterinary Medicines Directorate. www.vmd.gov.uk, accessed 7 March 2009
Can I use diethyltoluamide (DEET) on my child? If so, how often should it be applied?
Yes, you can use the mosquito repellent diethyltoluamide (DEET) on your child if he or she is over the age of two months.
Explanation
Insect repellent products containing DEET are the most effective at preventing mosquito bites. DEET is available in a range of formulations including sprays, lotions and as a roll-on. It can be used safely on the skin of children who are over the age of two months.
The length of time your child is protected from mosquito bites will depend on the concentration of DEET. Insect repellents containing 20% DEET will protect your child for up to three hours, 30% for six hours and 50% for 12 hours. Concentrations over 50% give no added protection.
You must apply DEET after sun cream otherwise it can reduce the effectiveness of the sun cream. Make sure that your child doesn't swallow the repellent and spray it away from his or her eyes or mouth.
There are other precautions you can take to prevent your child from getting bitten.
- Cover your child with long and loose-fitting clothing, especially at night time.
- Spray insecticide into your child's room before bedtime to kill mosquitoes that may have entered the room during the day.
- Use a mosquito net impregnated with an insecticide.
- Use air conditioning in your child's room to reduce the temperature.
Sources
- Malaria prophylaxis - management. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 7 March 2009
- Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 57th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. 2009
- Benzocaine. electronic Medicines Compendium. www.emc.medicines.org.uk, accessed 28 February 2009
- Chiodini P, Hill D, Lalloo D, et al. Guidelines for malaria prevention in travellers from the United Kingdom 2007. Health Protection Agency, January 2007. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 7 March 2009
- Lalloo DL, Hill DR. Preventing malaria in travellers. BMJ 2008; 336(7657):1362-66 www.bmj.com
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: July 2009
Insect bites and stings factsheet
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