Bugs and Insects in Arkansas That Bite Humans

Bugs in Arkansas That Bite

Arkansas is home to a diverse array of insects and bugs. While the majority of these creatures are harmless, some can bite or sting, leading to pain, itching, swelling, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Identifying bug bites or stings is an important first step in getting proper treatment. This article will cover 13 of the most common bugs in Arkansas that bite or sting humans.

Mosquitos

Mosquitos are likely the most familiar bugs that deliver irritating bites. There are over 50 different species of mosquitos in Arkansas, several of which are significant nuisances to people. Mosquitos pierce the skin with their long, pointed mouthparts and feed on blood. The saliva they inject contains proteins that most people are allergic to, causing itchy bumps and swelling. Mosquito bites sometimes occur in clusters or lines of multiple bites. These insects are most active from spring through fall, especially at dawn and dusk.

Some of the most bothersome mosquito species in Arkansas include the southern house mosquito, Asian tiger mosquito, yellow fever mosquito, and floodwater mosquitos. Fortunately, only a couple of these species are significant carriers of disease. Mosquitos can transmit West Nile virus, La Crosse encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, Western equine encephalitis, and heartworm in dogs.

Chiggers

Chiggers, also called redbugs or harvest mites, are tiny arachnids that are often found in tall grass and weeds. The larval stage bites humans and feeds on skin cells. Chigger bites usually occur around the ankles, waistline, armpits, or anywhere tight clothing presses against the skin. Their saliva contains enzymes that digest skin cells, causing irritating welts or pimple-like bumps. Chigger bites are intensely itchy, sometimes lasting up to 2 weeks.

Ticks

Several different tick species reside in Arkansas and bite humans or pets if given the opportunity. Tick bites often go unnoticed at first since their saliva contains numbing agents. They attach to the skin and feed on blood for several days before dropping off. Common early symptoms include small red bumps or a rash near the bite site. However, some tick species can transmit bacterial infections, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia.

The most prevalent ticks in Arkansas include the Lone star tick, American dog tick, brown dog tick, deer tick or blacklegged tick, and Gulf Coast tick. Performing daily tick checks after being outdoors can help remove ticks before they have time to transmit any infections.

Bed Bugs

While not typically found outdoors, bed bugs have made a resurgence in recent years across the U.S., including Arkansas. These sneaky nocturnal insects feed exclusively on blood, most often biting exposed skin on the face, neck, shoulders, and arms while people sleep. Because they inject an anesthetic while feeding, the bites rarely wake people up. Small, itchy red bumps are one of the first signs of a bed bug infestation. They could also indicate flea bites or mosquito bites.

Eliminating bed bugs requires professional pest control. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk, like thoroughly inspecting motel rooms before unpacking, keeping luggage off floors and beds during travel, and decluttering bedrooms.

Fleas

Cat fleas, dog fleas, and human fleas all occasionally bite people in Arkansas when their preferred host is unavailable. Flea bites commonly occur around the legs, ankles, and feet, leading to red bumps with a light reddish halo. Fleas survive outdoors in vegetation and leaf litter before jumping on humans or pets that walk by. Their bites can be extremely itchy and may bleed if scratched excessively.

Treating flea bites involves washing with soap and water to remove allergens and applying hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or baking soda paste to relieve itching. Combating fleas requires treating infested pets with veterinary-approved flea prevention products and thoroughly cleaning the home.

Fire Ants

Several fire ant species live throughout Arkansas, most notably the red imported fire ant. Fire ants deliver a sharp, burning sting when they bite using their mandibles and stinger. A day or two later, small itchy blisters filled with fluid or pus may form at the site. Fire ants swarm quickly when their mound is disturbed and can sting repeatedly in a circular pattern as they climb up legs.

Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and over-the-counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone to relieve itching after fire ant bites. Some people have severe allergic reactions and require emergency medical care. Avoid disturbing fire ant mounds, wear closed-toe shoes outdoors, and treat lawns with professional pest control measures when necessary.

Wasps, Hornets & Yellowjackets

Stinging insects like wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets are very common in Arkansas during warmer months. They build nests under roof overhangs, inside old rodent burrows, or in other sheltered spots outdoors. The insects aggressively defend their nests if physically threatened. Most hymenoptera in this group can sting repeatedly.

Typical wasp, hornet, and yellowjacket stings cause immediate, intense pain and swelling at the site. Applying ice and taking oral antihistamines can help reduce discomfort. Individuals with insect venom allergies may require emergency medical treatment for severe reactions like difficulty breathing.

Spiders

Most spider bites are harmless, despite widespread fears. Very few spider species in Arkansas, like the brown recluse or black widow, can inflict bites toxic to people. Spider bites do not typically hurt at first. Mild swelling or redness may occur over 2-8 hours, followed by bruising or blisters.

Black widow bites cause painful muscle cramping near the site in addition to general sickness. Seek medical care for severe pain, nausea, sweating, and abdominal cramping after a bite. Brown recluse spider bites can cause tissue damage and necrosis due to venom compounds.

Biting Midges

Biting midges are tiny flies, also known as no-see-ums or punkies. They inflict painfully itchy bites, typically along the scalp, hairline, ears, neck, shoulders, and waist. Biting midges thrive near water sources in Arkansas. They need very little light and mostly feed right after dawn or before dusk, making them difficult to detect.

Protect against biting midges by using DEET insect repellent and wearing loose, long clothing near bodies of water during peak seasons. Treat the irritation from bites with OTC anti-itch creams. Consider using fine mesh bug netting while fishing to limit exposure.

Deer Flies

Male deer flies mainly consume plant nectar, but females aggressively bite animals and humans to obtain blood to produce eggs. Deer flies have dark bands across their wings and posses incredibly painful bites often compared to being stabbed with a hypodermic needle.

Repel deer flies by applying insect repellent containing DEET directly to clothing and hats. Promptly clean and cover bites with antibiotic ointment to avoid infection. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and swelling. Deer fly populations peak from late spring through mid summer.

Horse Flies

Horse flies and deer flies belong to the same family, Tabanidae. However, horse flies prefer host animals like cattle, horses, and mules near farms rather than wooded areas. Only female horse flies drink blood, delivering a sharp, painful bite. They repeatedly land and bite if not deterred, leading to oozing wounds prone to infection.

Avoid horse fly bites by wearing light-colored clothing, eliminating standing water or manure piles on farms, and using approved fly sprays on livestock animals. If bitten, thoroughly clean the wound and apply antibiotic ointment. Anti-itch creams can provide some relief.

Stable Flies

Stable flies are also in the family Muscidae and primarily pester livestock like cattle, horses, and dogs. But they readily bite humans as well, especially around barns, stables, kennels, and pastures. Stable fly bites feel like sharp needle pricks that may bleed slightly. They can swarm in high numbers during mid to late summer.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.