Bites and stings are one of the most common health complaints. A bite or sting can often cause nothing more than a mild skin irritation and redness, but in more severe cases a person might need to seek medical treatment for allergic reaction or pain. There are a number of creatures that bite and sting. This group includes, but is certainly not limited to, ticks, scorpions, bees, ants, spiders and flies. Bug bites and or stings can occur virtually anywhere you might happen to be, whether indoors or outside, during the day or at night, and in any climate or weather type.  Getting a bite or sting anywhere in or around the mouth warrants medical care right away, as being stung in or around a mucous membrane can cause fatal swelling. One main concern of bug bites, primarily from mosquitoes, is the very real risk of contracting a disease. These diseases, such as malaria, West Nile virus, and dengue fever however, are more of a concern for those traveling outside the United States.
     One group of insects that can cause painful but rarely dangerous bites, are bees, wasps, and hornets. A bee will sting once, and after doing so leaves its stinger behind. The bee then dies. The stinger in the skin will be painful, but can usually be removed without much discomfort. There might be a small area of redness and swelling, but this should subside quickly. Wasps and hornets however, do not lose their stingers when attacking, and will sting repeatedly in the same area. They also are able to bite while stinging, so the pain is intensified.
     Spider bites can be among some of the painful forms of bites. Not all spider bites are painful, but there are some spiders that can cause great injury to a person of they are bitten. A main worry about spider bites is the amount of, and the toxicity of the venom that is injected. There are two kinds of spider venom.  The first is necrotic venom, which attacks the tissues of the body around the bite, and sometimes attacks major organs. The second is neurotoxic, which directly attacks the nervous system. Spider bites, as with any bite, should be watched closely, and medical attention sought if necessary.
     Scorpions don’t bite, but they do sting, and when they do it is extremely painful. The symptoms of a scorpion sting include minor swelling, numbness in the area, burning right away, and a tingling sensation. Scorpion stings are rarely fatal, and with quick thinking and medical care if necessary (such as in the elderly, immune compromised, or very young) a person is unlikely to have complications.
     Bites and stings of any kind, can often be avoided by taking a few precautions. Using screens can prevent bugs and pests from getting into through your open windows and doors. Avoiding wearing a lot of perfume and scented hand lotions will help keep you from attracting unwanted pests.  Keeping a close eye on your surroundings, and not putting hands and feet into dark places is always a good way to avoid being bitten or stung, and treating yourself, and your outdoor equipment with bug repellent will also aid in helping to keep you bite and sting free.