The last two summers were like no other in living memory with the “outdoor summer” and the visits that led to more insect and insect bites.
The COVID-19 pandemic that has struck the globe is spreading more easily inside than outside.
This has resulted in most people meeting in the great outdoors – but this comes with its own risks.
Regardless of what you might think, Ireland has plenty of insects, bugs, and arachnids that love to bite people. And some of their bites can be quite painful.
Extra.ie has compiled a list of the bites you’re likely to get in an Irish summer.
Flea bite
Flea bites appear as small red bumps in clusters, usually in warm-blooded areas such as the groin and armpits. Image: Getty
Flea bites appear as small red bumps in clusters, usually in warm-blooded areas such as the groin and armpits.
Fleas usually prefer animals, but in some cases they can be transmitted to humans.
The bites are usually quite itchy and leave red spots behind. To treat the bites, try not to scratch them, use an ice pack to relieve the itching, and apply antiseptic cream.
Horse fly bite
Horse fly bites are some of the smartest of all insect bites in Ireland. Victims will usually know right away that they have been bitten by a horsefly as it is very painful and itchy. Image: Getty
Horse fly bites are some of the smartest of all insect bites in Ireland. Victims will usually know right away that they have been bitten by a horsefly as it is very painful and itchy.
Their bite is different from others in that they have razor-sharp jaws that cut into the skin instead of simply piercing it. Because of this, they can lead to infection much more easily.
For most people, a horsefly bite is completely harmless, but it can be very uncomfortable as it usually develops into large, red, puffy, and very itchy bumps within minutes. Brake victims have reported feeling hot, sick and weak.
It is important to keep a horsefly bite clean and it is recommended that you clean the affected area with warm water and an antiseptic soap.
An over-the-counter steroid cream can also help with wound healing, and an ibuprofen gel can help with swelling and pain. The bite shouldn’t be scratched and an ice pack will help calm it down.
Spider bite
Most spider bites in Ireland are harmless but cause mild pain and irritation. Image: Getty
Most spider bites in Ireland are harmless but cause mild pain and irritation. They usually leave a tiny puncture wound on your skin and you can actually see a spider scurrying away after feeling a bite.
The symptoms for most spider bites are mild pain. However, noble false widow spider bites can be very painful and in some cases cause nausea. If you think you may have been bitten by a fake widow, you should see a doctor.
An ice pack should be used to relieve pain, and it is a good idea to hold up the bitten area.
Mosquito bite
Mosquito bites are quite rare in Ireland. They like to bite people’s ankles, knees and necks. Image: Getty
Mosquito bites are quite rare in Ireland. They like to bite people’s ankles, knees and necks.
They are usually painless, but they can be very itchy and swollen. Usually bumps will form and the area will turn red.
If the bite is followed by cold and flu symptoms, it is recommended to see a doctor as they transmit diseases.
To treat a mosquito bite, use an over-the-counter antihistamine and keep the area bitten clean.
Tick bite
The past two summers were vividly remembered like no other as the government and public health experts both pushed the public for a summer outdoors. Image: Getty Images
Ticks prefer warmer blood. As a result, they are more likely to bite in areas with warmer blood, such as B. in the groin, behind the knee and in the armpits.
Ticks, which are actually arachnids and not insects, like to feed on human blood and therefore often get caught when the bite is discovered. Most often they leave a red mark, but not always.
Tick bites are often harmless, but they can lead to serious Lyme disease. In most cases, the bite will be itchy for a few days.
To treat a tick bite, apply an antiseptic cream and ice pack to relieve the itching.
Mosquito bite
Mosquito bites are notorious in Ireland during the summer months and can be particularly bad in hilly areas. Image: Getty
Mosquito bites are notorious in Ireland during the summer months and can be particularly bad in hilly areas.
Depending on the victim, the bite can be very irritating and itchy. However, a mosquito bite has no serious effects.
Mosquitoes usually travel in huge swarms and can be devastating if a victim is attacked by a swarm.
To treat a mosquito bite, an ice pack should be used to calm the bite and avoid scratching the area.
