Such a Pest! Your Guide to Bug & Insect Bites

It's no secret that with the lush forests and dense wildlife throughout western Washington, there is no shortage of pests. Many of these creatures sting and bite, which you may find yourself treating more often in the summer months as you likely spend more time outside.

Let's look at some of the most common pests, how to avoid becoming their snack and what to do should you encounter them.

Spiders

The eight-legged critters are a fact of life in the Pacific Northwest, and the biggest concern is whether the spider you're faced with can harm you. There are two spiders found in Washington, according to the Department of Health, that are of medical significance: the black widow and yellow sac spider.

Adult female black widow spiders have dangerous venom. They are normally shiny black with an hourglass marking on the bottom of their abdomen. They typically prefer to flee rather than bite, unless they're protecting their eggs.

Yello sac spiders can be found in the Seattle area. They are fairly small, getting up to a hand-inch long, with yellow, white or greenish bodies.
To avoid spider bites, here are a few things you can do:

• Gently brush spiders away instead of crushing them as bites often occur when they're pressed against the skin.
• Check clothes and shoes before putting them on, especially if they've been stored away.
• Wear protective gear when handling or cleaning things like firewood, sheds, garages basements and crawl spaces.

If you suspect a black widow spider bite, you should seek medical attention right away. If possible, bring the spider with you to aid treatment.

Wasps

The wasp family is quite diverse with some of its members potentially becoming aggressive towards humans. They often scavenge human food and can be social or solitary.

The Washington Trail Association warns hikers to be award of at least three different types of wasps:

• Yellowjackets are about a half-inch in length, appear yellow and black and typically nest underground. They can be more aggressive than other wasps and can sting repeatedly.
• Hornets are a little larger than yellowjackets and typically appear black and white or pale yellow in color. They can sting repeatedly. Northern Giant Hornets, also known as murder hornets, are an invasive species to Washington state. Not known for attacking humans, they can sting repeatedly and their venom can be more painful than that of a honeybee.

To avoid being stung by a wasp, keep food and drink covered when eating outdoors and avoid wearing bright colors and any fragrant lotions, perfumes or other beauty products.

If a single bee or wasp approaches you, stay calm. If several are near you, leave the area as quickly as possible.

Bees

The most common bees in Washington are the honeybee and bumble bee, both of which play a vital role in our food supply through pollination. They have black and yellow bodies which appear round and fuzzy compared to wasps.

Both types of bees can sting aggressively when defending their colony, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings. They can swarm when looking for a new home and often build their nests in abandoned mice burrows, small cavities in walls or other similar spaces.

They may also swarm when searching for a new nesting site, often settling in abandoned rodent burrows, wall cavities or other small, sheltered spaces.

Strategies to prevent being stung by a bee are like those above for wasps. If you find a nest on your property, consider capturing a specimen or taking a picture to confirm the type of insect. If you confirm it's a honeybee colony, then contact a beekeeper for help removing the colony.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can pose a serious health risk, not only stinging repeatedly but also spreading disease to humans and animals.

The best way to avoid mosquito bites is to:

• Ensure windows, doors and screens close properly
• Stay indoors at night if possible as this is when mosquitoes are most active
• Wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat when going to the woods or wetlands
• Use mosquito repellent

Prevent mosquitoes from multiplying by emptying standing water, fixing leaky outdoor faucets or sprinklers and ensuring gutters drain properly.

Treatment

For any bite or sting, here are some steps you can take to treat it:

• If you are stung by a honeybee, remove the stinger
• Wash the bite with soap and water
• Apply ice to the bite to reduce pain and swelling
• Elevate the bite area if possible
• Do not attempt to remove venom and monitor symptoms

If you develop any unusual symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, throat tightness or swelling in the mouth or face, you are likely having an allergic reaction and should call 911.