Across the country, kids big and small are getting ready to celebrate another Halloween night of costumes, activities, sweet treats and fun with friends. In fact, in 2021 alone, over 42 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 went trick-or-treating, according to the latest data compiled by the US Census Bureau.
But aside from the one night when adults will no doubt spot creepy, child-sized crawlies scurrying along the sidewalks and near brightly decorated homes and in doorways, plenty of real insects and arachnids also lurk year-round.
Parents and caregivers often have questions about what to do if their child is bitten or stung and when to look for signs of infection. On the Pulse has compiled some resources below to help families stay safe and healthy.
bed bug bites
Bed bug bites typically cause itchy, red bumps and are usually less than ½ inch in size. Although some may appear larger and look like hives, this is a normal reaction to a bed bug. The size of the hive does not necessarily mean a bite is infected, and bed bugs do not transmit infectious diseases. Learn more here.
spider bites
There are more than 50 spiders in the US that have venom. Most spider bites cause local pain, redness, and swelling at the site of the bite, which can last a day or two. Most bites cause reactions that aren’t serious, often resembling a bee sting, although some spiders, like the black widow, can produce a more serious reaction. Learn more here.
mosquito bites
There are 170 species of mosquitoes in North America. Bites from these insects cause itchy, red bumps that often resemble hives and are most common on exposed parts of the body, such as the face and arms. Bites on the top of the face can cause severe swelling around the eye and last for several days, especially in young children. Although rare, mosquitoes can transmit serious blood-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV) in the United States and Canada, while they can transmit malaria and yellow fever in Africa and South America. Learn more here.
Bee or yellow jacket sting
Over 95 percent of stings come from honey bees or wasps. The main symptoms are pain, itching, swelling and redness at the injection site, and a burning sensation that typically lasts for a few hours, often followed by itching. The swelling can sometimes last for 48 hours and can vary in size. Bee stings can also turn red for up to three days, but this is not an indicator of infection, which is rare with this type of sting. Learn more here.
Fire ant sting
Colonies of fire ants live in small mounds, typically about 6 inches tall, and are found in various regions of the United States. The main symptoms of a fire ant sting are pain, burning, swelling, and redness at the sting site. About 1 to 2% of children experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis within two hours of a fire ant sting. Learn more here.
scorpion sting
There are about 40 species of scorpions in the US, most of which are nocturnal. All scorpion stings cause pain, tingling, and numbness at the sting site. There is often no swelling or redness around the sting, but pain can be severe for the first two hours, with symptoms easing within 24 hours. Most people won’t notice any serious symptoms from a scorpion sting, but if they do occur, they will likely start within the first two or three hours after the sting. Learn more here.
Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you use it.
