Bugs That Bite in Arkansas: Identify and Treat Mosquito, Tick, Spider, Bed Bug and More

Bugs That Bite in Arkansas: How to Identify and Treat 13 Common Bug Bites

Arkansas is home to a diverse range of bugs that can bite and sting. Mosquitos, ticks, bed bugs, spiders, and more insect species reside in the state. Learning how to identify different bug bites is important so you can get the proper treatment and protect yourself from future bites.

Bug bites in Arkansas often cause red, itchy welts on the skin. While some are harmless, others can transmit dangerous diseases. Bites should be avoided as much as possible through protective measures. However, if you do get bitten, there are simple home remedies and first aid options to treat symptoms.

Here are 13 bugs in Arkansas that bite, how to identify them, and what you can do to find relief from the itch and reduce your risk of disease transmission.

Mosquitos

Mosquitos are common across Arkansas during warmer months. There are over 50 species in the state that are active from spring through fall.

Only female mosquitos bite. They use blood to develop their eggs. Mosquito bites appear as small, raised itchy bumps on the skin that are red around the edges.

Mosquitos can transmit dangerous diseases like West Nile virus, malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, and dengue fever through their bites. Using EPA registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus is recommended to prevent bites.

To ease mosquito itching and swelling, apply hydrocortisone cream or a cold compress. Oral antihistamines like Benadryl can also help reduce the reaction. See a doctor if severe swelling, rash, fever or other signs of infection develop.

Chiggers

Chiggers are tiny red mites belonging to the Trombiculidae family. They thrive in tall grasses and bushes during summer and fall. When they attach to the skin, chiggers inject digestive enzymes that damage skin cells.

Chigger bites usually don’t feel painful at first. After a few hours, red welts accompanied by intense itching develop. The bumps may look like pimples or blisters on a red base. The ankles, groin, waistline, and armpits are common sites for chigger bites.

To ease discomfort, take an anti-itch bath, apply hydrocortisone cream, and take oral antihistamines. Avoid scratching as this can lead to infection. Thoroughly wash and dry clothes to kill any lingering chiggers.

Ticks

Several tick species are found in Arkansas forests, grasslands, and brush including Lone star ticks, American dog ticks, and blacklegged ticks. Ticks wait on vegetation and latch on to passing hosts to suck blood.

Tick bites often go unnoticed at first since their saliva contains anesthetic. A few days later, redness and swelling signal where they fed. Some people may develop a bullseye shaped rash.

Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, and other dangerous illnesses. Check for and safely remove any attached ticks promptly. Keep the bite area clean and use antibiotic ointment.

See a doctor for embedded tick mouths, rashes, or flu-like symptoms which could indicate disease. A single dose of doxycycline after a tick bite may prevent Lyme disease.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are sneaky pests that hide in mattresses and furniture during the day and feed on sleepers at night. Their bites often appear in clustered lines or zigzag patterns.

The small, flattened bugs inject an anesthetic and anticoagulant when they bite so you likely won’t notice when it happens. Afterward you may see swollen red bumps or patches of rash. Bed bug bites are very itchy.

Getting rid of bed bugs requires professional pest control. To find relief, use hydrocortisone cream and anti-itch medicines. Apply a cold pack or baking soda paste to reduce swelling. Avoid scratching the rash to prevent infection.

Fleas

Fleas thrive outdoors in Arkansas but also infest homes with pets like dogs and cats. They jump onto people to hitch rides and get blood meals.

Flea bites trigger small, red bumps that often appear in groups. The bites tend to be very itchy with a hard central puncture point. Fleas can also transmit typhus and plague in rare cases.

Use medicated shampoos on pets and treat your home to destroy fleas. Apply hydrocortisone cream, cold compresses, and oral Benadryl to alleviate itching and swelling from flea bites. See a doctor for severe reactions.

Fire Ants

Red imported fire ants are aggressive stinging pests found throughout Arkansas. Their mounds in fields, lawns, and parks contain hundreds to thousands of ants ready to attack.

Fire ant stings cause a burning sensation followed by the formation of itchy, fluid-filled pustules on the skin. The bumps often blister and ooze due to the ant’s toxic venom.

Taking an oral antihistamine and applying sting relief sprays, gels, or creams can reduce discomfort. Avoid breaking the blisters which can lead to infection. See a doctor if stings cover large areas of the body or any signs of anaphylaxis occur.

Spiders

Venomous spiders like black widows, brown recluses, and hobo spiders reside in Arkansas. Their bites contain toxic compounds that destroy skin tissue and can make you sick.

Spider bites cause redness, stinging pain, swelling, and blistering at the site surrounded by a pale ring. Black widow bites may also trigger muscle cramps and abdominal pain.

Clean the bite area with soap and water if possible. Apply cold compresses and elevate the wound to reduce swelling. Take analgesics for pain relief. Seek medical treatment for systemic symptoms or severe reactions which may require antivenom.

Wasps, Hornets, Yellowjackets

Stinging insects like wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets are active during summer and fall in Arkansas. They become aggressive when threatened and will sting repeatedly.

Stings result in a sharp pain followed by swelling, redness, and tenderness. The site may develop into an itchy rash. Cold compresses, oral antihistamines, and sting relief sprays can provide symptom relief.

Seek emergency care if you experience signs of anaphylaxis including breathing difficulties, nausea, dizziness, or swelling of the lips or throat. These indicate a severe systemic reaction requiring epinephrine.

Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs are landed true bugs that infest lawns, grains, and crops during hot summer months. Though tiny, their bites pack a punch and can cause severe irritation.

Bites appear as red welts with a small puncture point in the center. They are usually found on the legs since chinch bugs jump from lower vegetation onto passersby.

To help reduce swelling and itchiness, apply hydrocortisone cream. An antihistamine taken orally can also relieve symptoms. Avoid scratching the bumps and treat lawns to control chinch bug infestations.

Deer Flies

Deer flies are aggressive, biting flies that inhabit fields and woodlands in Arkansas. Only the females feed on blood, while males get nectar from flowers.

Deer fly bites are painful and develop into large, red, swollen bumps. They usually occur on the upper body, head, or arms. The bites may continue oozing and itching for up to a week.

Wash the bite with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment. Anti-itch creams, cold compresses, and antihistamines can provide relief from symptoms. Avoid scratching the bites which can lead to infection.

Horse Flies

Horse flies are large biting flies that thrive near wetlands in Arkansas during summer. Females use scissor-like mouthparts to rip open flesh and lap up blood.

Bites appear as large, painful, red lumps, usually on the arms or legs. They may develop a bluish tinge as they heal. Horse fly bites can take weeks to fully heal and are very itchy.

Using a steroid cream and taking an oral antihistamine can reduce swelling and itching. Apply a cold compress and avoid picking or scratching the bite. Keep the wound clean while healing since horse fly bites are prone to infection.

Mosquito Hawks (Crane Flies)

Mosquito hawks, also known as crane flies, are large, harmless flies that resemble giant mosquitos. They do not actually eat mosquitos, nor do they bite.

Sometimes crane flies are mistaken for giant mosquitos which can cause panic. But these insects have no means of biting or stinging humans. The long filaments at their rear ends help identify them.

Crane flies may be a nuisance when they enter homes or appear in large swarms. But they are not dangerous. Their “bites” are likely a reaction to something else or a skin irritation, not caused by crane flies.

Blister Beetles

Oil beetles, also called blister beetles, are found across the southern U.S. including Arkansas. When threatened, they excrete cantharidin which irritates skin and causes blistering.

Blister beetle dermatitis causes redness, burning, and large, painful blisters at the contact site. The blisters have a yellowish fluid inside and are very irritating. Ingesting beetles can be toxic.

If skin contact occurs, wash immediately with soap and water to remove the cantharidin. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover the blisters. Blister fluid contains irritant so avoid bursting them. Seek medical treatment for swallowed beetles.

Protecting Yourself from Bug Bites in Arkansas

You can reduce bug bites by taking some simple precautions:

• Use EPA approved insect repellents like those containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when going outdoors.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when out in wooded, grassy areas or wetlands where ticks, mosquitos, and flies thrive.
• Treat lawns and outdoor spaces around homes to control fleas, ticks, chiggers, and other bugs.
• Avoid sitting directly on grass or the ground where chiggers and ticks dwell.
• Keep skin covered and avoid using scented products when mosquitos are active.
• Stay away from fire ant mounds and be alert when outdoors.
• Seal cracks, install screens, and use fans to keep bugs out of your home.
• Inspect yourself thoroughly for ticks if you've been in wooded or high grass areas.
• Remove spider webs and reduce clutter where spiders may hide inside your home.

Promptly treating any bug bites also helps prevent infection and disease transmission. Seek medical care if you experience signs of a severe reaction or flu-like illness after a bite.

Identifying different bug bites in Arkansas based on appearance and symptoms will guide proper treatment. Being able to recognize potentially dangerous pests like ticks, spiders, and mosquitos is key to protecting your health.

While bug bites can't always be avoided, taking preventive and proactive measures will reduce your risk and help relieve discomfort if you do get bitten.

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.