Life Hack: How to treat an insect bite and when to visit the doctor

From ticks to midges, here’s what you need to know about insects that bite

Insect bites here are generally a nuisance more than a medical concern, but with the tick population on the rise, Lyme disease instances are also believed to be increasing.

Summer days in Ireland bring nicer weather, longer evenings, and, unfortunately, more insects that are likely to bite. This is a common complaint but with climate change, insects like midges and ticks are active earlier in the year and remain active later into autumn, with extended breeding and biting seasons thanks to frequent rain and higher humidity. Insect bites here are generally a nuisance more than a medical concern, but with the tick population on the rise, Lyme disease instances are also believed to be increasing.

There are a few insects to be aware of when it comes to bites. Midges are a common sight across the country and while these airborne creatures are tiny they are aggressive biters. Horseflies are another well-known biting insect commonly found in fields and, as the name suggests, around horses. Mosquitoes are probably one of the best-known biting insects in the world and while not terribly common in Ireland they are appearing here more frequently thanks to climate change.

Ticks are important to recognise, especially if you are walking through rural areas where their population is higher, such as tourist hotspot Killarney National Park.

If you have been bitten by an insect you will likely notice it on your skin very swiftly. Most bites lead to a mild reaction, including redness, swelling, and itching which can last from just a few hours up to two days.

More moderate reactions involve a larger localised response on the skin that is often mistaken for an infection. This presents as a swelling area over 10cm in size.

More worrying symptoms are rare but can be serious. These include allergic reactions and — very rarely — anaphylaxis. Tick bites are painless but could show as a bullseye rash, which is an early indicator of Lyme disease.

As well as the above, an insect bite can become infected, with signs of this including a spreading redness on the area, pus, and fever.

In general, for mild and moderate symptoms a pharmacy should be your first port of call to reduce itchiness, etc. if you suspect an infection, allergic reaction or that you may have been bitten by a tick and could develop Lyme disease, visit your GP.

When you are bitten by an insect there are some initial things you can do as first aid. First, clean the area of the bite with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and avoid scratching the area as this can cause an infection. You can speak to your local pharmacist for topical treatments or tablets. Such as antihistamine treatments.

If you are bitten by a tick the insect usually remains attached to the site but you can carefully remove it. Use a tick tool or fine tweezers to grip the tick and gently remove from your skin without squeezing. Clean the bite area with soap and water. If you are nervous about removing the tick you can contact your local GP for assistance.

There are times you should visit a doctor after an insect bite, such as if any of your symptoms persist or even get worse after two days. Worrying symptoms include a high fever or chills after receiving a bite. Any tick bite with a rash or flu-like symptoms should be further investigated. Plus if you have a history of allergic reactions it is wise to carry antihistamines on your person during summer if you think you may be at risk of an insect bite.

If you think you or someone else has anaphylaxis immediately ring 112 or 999.

There are a few easy steps you can take to deter insects from biting.

When walking through wooded or boggy areas where many of our common culprits like to linger, wear long sleeves and trousers to protect your arms and legs. You can also use an insect repellent spray. The time of day you go outside plays a role too: avoid going out at dusk or dawn as this is when midges swarm.

By installing a fly screen at home you can still enjoy a cool breeze without the unwanted visitors. I bought an inexpensive one in Lidl a few years ago and use it every summer, it’s one of my best investments to keep my home fly-free.

Ultimately, it’s impossible to avoid all insect bites forever but a well-stocked first aid kit and a bit of knowledge about the severity of some bites will go a long way to protect you each year.