7 Most Common Bug Bites in East Tennessee and How to Treat Them

As we enjoy more time outdoors during the summer, bug bites and stings become common. Most bites cause nothing more than temporary itching or irritation. However, some can lead to allergic reactions, infections or more serious health concerns. Knowing what caused the bite and when to seek treatment can help you stay safe all season long. 

At Covenant Health, our urgent care centers are here to help you stay informed and get the care you need.  

Mosquito Bites 

Mosquitoes are among the most common biting insects in East Tennessee. They are especially active around standing water, wooded areas and outdoor gathering spaces. Mosquito bites typically appear as small, raised, itchy bumps. Some people may develop larger areas of redness and swelling. Most symptoms improve within a few days. 

How to Treat: Wash the area with soap and water and apply a cool compress to reduce itching and swelling. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams may also help relieve symptoms. 

When to Seek Care: Most mosquito bites can be treated at home. However, seek medical care if you develop severe swelling, signs of infection such as increasing redness or drainage, fever or symptoms of an allergic reaction. If itching or discomfort does not improve after several days, a healthcare provider can recommend additional treatment.

Tick Bites 

Tick bites are receiving increased attention this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emergency department visits for tick bites in many parts of the United States reached their highest April levels since 2017. 

Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, trails, tall grass and brushy landscapes throughout East Tennessee. Many tick bites are painless and may go unnoticed. Because some ticks can spread diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, prompt removal is important.  

How to Treat: If you find a tick attached to your skin, use fine tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Removing ticks quickly can help reduce the risk of disease transmission.  

When to Seek Care: Watch for symptoms such as fever, rash, fatigue or flu-like illness after a bite. If these symptoms occur, it is time to visit a doctor. You should also seek medical attention if you are unable to remove the tick completely or are unsure how long it was attached. 

For more information about tick safety, see Covenant Health’s article on ticks and Lyme disease. 

Bee Wasp and Hornet Stings 

Bee, wasp and hornet stings can happen while gardening, hiking, attending outdoor events or simply spending time in the backyard. Most stings cause immediate pain, redness and swelling. Bees typically leave behind a stinger, while wasps and hornets can sting more than once.  

How to Treat: If a bee leaves a stinger behind, remove it as quickly as possible by scraping it away with a fingernail or the edge of a credit card, then wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. 

When to Seek Care: Bee, wasp and hornet stings are among the most common causes of severe allergic reactions. If you have been prescribed an epinephrine auto injector such as an EpiPen, use it immediately at the first sign of a severe allergic reaction and call 9-1-1. Seek emergency care or call 9-1-1 if you have trouble breathing, throat swelling, fainting or other signs of anaphylaxis.

Fire Ant Stings 

Fire ants are commonly found in lawns, parks, playgrounds and fields across Tennessee. Their stings cause a burning sensation followed by red bumps that often develop into small white blisters. Because fire ants usually attack in groups, people often experience multiple stings at once. 

How to Treat: Avoid scratching the area and keep it clean.  

When to Seek Care: Contact a healthcare provider if swelling becomes severe or if you develop signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, pain, drainage, fever or chills. Skin infections can sometimes develop after insect bites and may require medical treatment. 

Brown Recluse Spider Bites 

Brown recluse spiders are found throughout Tennessee and often hide in basements, garages, sheds, closets and woodpiles. Some bites cause mild redness and discomfort. Others may become increasingly painful and develop blistering or skin damage over time. 

How to Treat: Immediately wash the area with soap and water and use ice and elevation to reduce swelling.  

When to Seek Care: If a suspected spider bite becomes darker, more painful or continues to worsen, seek medical evaluation.

Black Widow Spider Bites 

Black widow spider bites are less common but can produce more serious symptoms. While the bite itself may be difficult to see, some people develop muscle cramps, severe pain, nausea or abdominal discomfort within hours.  

How to Treat: Medical attention should be sought promptly if a black widow bite is suspected, regardless of symptoms. Antivenom may be required. Wash the bite site with soap and water and use ice to alleviate pain.  

When to Seek Care: Always seek care if a black widow spider bite is suspected.

Bed Bug Bites 

Bed bugs are most often found in mattresses, furniture, hotels and other sleeping areas. Their bites commonly appear in lines or clusters on exposed skin such as the arms, neck, shoulders or face. The bites are often very itchy but generally do not pose serious health risks. 

How to Treat: Wash the area and use over-the-counter anti-itch treatments can help relieve discomfort. 

When to Seek Care: If you have signs of infection or allergic reaction, seek medical attention. 

Signs of an Allergic Reaction 

Most bug bites and stings cause mild symptoms, but some can trigger a serious allergic reaction. 

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms: 

• Widespread hives 

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat 

• Trouble breathing 

• Wheezing 

• Dizziness or fainting.  

If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, call 9-1-1 right away. 

“If a bite or sting isn’t improving, becomes increasingly painful, shows signs of infection or causes symptoms such as significant swelling or difficulty breathing, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention,” said Cedric Palmer, MD, a Covenant Health urgent care physician. “Early evaluation can help prevent more serious complications and get you back to enjoying the outdoors safely.” 

When to Seek Care 

Covenant Health’s urgent care and primary care teams are here to help when bites and stings require medical attention. If you are unsure whether a reaction is normal or if treatment is needed for worsening symptoms, visit a Covenant Health Urgent Care location or call 865-374-0411 to find care near you. Our experienced providers can help you get the right care at the right time, so you can continue enjoying everything East Tennessee has to offer.