Guide to Oregon's Stinging Insects and Bugs

Common Stinging Insects and Bugs Found in Oregon

Oregon's varied climate zones host an array of stinging and biting insects. While most are harmless to humans, some species can inflict painful stings and bites, or even transmit disease through their venom. It's helpful for Oregon locals and visitors alike to understand the most prevalent stinging creatures and how to avoid disturbing their nests or colonies.

Bees, Wasps and Hornets

Bees, wasps and hornets are the most notorious stinging insects found across Oregon. There are over 300 bee species and 100 species of wasps/hornets calling the state home, though only some are prone to aggressively defend themselves if provoked.

Honey Bees

Present statewide, honey bees mostly forage for plant pollen and nectar. Away from their hive they rarely sting unless trapped, crushed or otherwise threatened. But near the hive they will intensely guard the entrance and attack perceived intruders.

Bumble Bees

Bumble bees enjoy the nectar of flowering plants during spring and summer seasons when active. Though generally docile, foraging workers may sting in self defense if accidentally grabbed or touched.

Mud Dauber Wasps

These solitary wasps build mud nest tubes often seen on walls or under roof overhangs. Mud daubers rarely sting but can inflict a painful bite.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps craft open comb nests in trees, shrubs and on buildings throughout Oregon. Defensive workers viciously attack when nests are disturbed, causing repeated, painful stings.

Yellowjackets

Very common from early summer till fall, yellowjackets frequently turn up at outdoor barbecues and picnics attracted to sweet substances. Multiple disturbing stings are inflicted when provoking the large colony.

Hornets

The biggest wasps in Oregon. Bald faced hornets build large communal nests and aggressively defend against nest intruders. Their painful sting can remain swollen and itchy for a week.

Fire Ants

Invasive fire ants arrived in Oregon in recent years and continue spreading throughout the warm southwest region. Their small mounds appear in lawns, parks and fields. When disturbed, entire colonies swarm intruders and repeatedly sting.

Signs and Symptoms of Stings

Typical signs and symptoms from bee, wasp or fire ant stings may include:

• Instant, sharp pain or burning feeling
• A red welt on the skin
• A white or yellow blister at the sting site
• Itching and swelling around the sting area
• Dizziness, headache or nausea soon after multiple stings

Sting reactions can vary substantially between individuals. Potential allergic responses include swelling, hives, vomiting or diarrhea after just one sting.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Call 911 if stings cause any of the following life threatening reactions:

• Wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing
• Swelling away from the sting site or swelling of the face/airway
• Loss of consciousness

Anaphylaxis is a systemic allergic reaction requiring epinephrine and emergency medical care.

Spider Bites

Alongside stinging insects, Oregon is inhabited by two groups of venomous spiders capable of biting humans defensively.

Black Widow Spiders

Black widows - including the western variety - reside throughout Oregon residing in dark, undisturbed places like woodpiles, dense vegetation, garages and crawl spaces. When pressed up against human skin, they may inflict a bite in defense releasing neurotoxic venom.

Characteristic black widow bite symptoms include:

• Severe muscle cramps, rigidity and spasms throughout body
• Nausea, vomiting and profuse sweating around bite site
• High blood pressure, rapid heart beat and breathing difficulty
• Anxiety, restlessness and auditory distortions

Black widow bites rarely cause death with medical care. Yet without treatment severe symptoms persist between 2-3 days. Seek emergency assistance if bitten.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Though not native, brown recluse spiders sporadically hitchhike into Oregon often via transported boxes and crates. Their hemotoxic venom can destroy red blood cells, tissues and walls of small blood vessels.

Typical brown recluse bite symptoms include:

• Mild bite pain similar to a bee sting that heals quickly
• Recurring pain, itching and redness develops hours later
• A "bulls-eye" blister forms 24-72 hours later
• The open blister ulcerates into a large, necrotic wound

Seek prompt medical care for possible drug therapy and debridement procedures to counter tissue destruction.

Disease Transmitting Insects

Alongside their painful venom, some Oregon insects transmit viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases through bites:

Ticks

Ticks reside in brush and tall grass waiting to latch onto passing people and animals. Bites often go unseen allowing transmission of several illnesses:

• Lyme Disease - Spread through deer ticks carrying the Borrelia bacteria leading to fevers, headaches and rash.
• Ehrlichiosis - Caused by bacteria in lone star ticks provoking flu-like fever and muscle aches.

Mosquitoes

Different mosquito species occupy Oregon that acquire and spread certain diseases by taking blood meals from an infected animal host.

• West Nile Virus - Transmitted by Culex mosquitoes causing headaches, high fever and disorientation.
• Zika Virus - Currently limited but Aedes type mosquitoes spread this emerging pathogen responsible for birth defects.

Wearing insect repellent and appropriate clothing helps deter biting insects and the diseases they may carry.

Preventing Stings and Bites

Use the following tips to avoid unwanted encounters with Oregon's stinging and biting insects while spending time outdoors:

• Watch Your Step - Be careful not to disturb visible bee nests or ant mounds hidden along trails.
• Keep Food Covered - Securely wrap or seal food to not attract stinging insects with sweet smells.
• Wear Protective Clothing - Light colors, long sleeves and pants reduce exposed skin.
• Use Repellent - Apply skin or clothing insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Avoid Strong Scents - Perfume, soap and shampoo fragrances draw insects.
• Stay Calm - Remain composed and move carefully away if bees or wasps start buzzing nearby.

Taking sensible precautions greatly minimizes the likelihood of being stung while enjoying Oregon's beautiful parks and wilderness areas.

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.