Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Insect bites and stings - infographic

1-minute read

Explore this infographic to learn about the insects that can cause infections and allergic reactions, the symptoms and treatments you should be aware of and tips to prevent bites and stings.

Download this infographic in PDF format (2MB) to print it

Infographic to learn more about bites and stings of insects in Australia

Share this infographic on your site

Download the code to embed this infographic on your website or blog.

Healthdirect Australia’s terms of use apply to your use of this infographic widget.

More information

Learn more about insect bites and stings including what they are, symptoms, treatments and prevention.

Last reviewed: November 2016

Related Pages

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Insect stings (bee sting, spider bites) information | myVMC

Insect stings and bites from bees, wasps and spiders are usually mild but can cause life threatening anaphylaxis or be fatal if a massive sting occurs.

Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website

Insect bites & insect stings in children | Raising Children Network

You can treat many insect bites and insect stings yourself. But if your child has an unusual reaction to an insect bite or sting, seek medical attention.

Read more on Raising Children Network website

Parenting and Child Health - Health Topics - Bites and stings

Most insect bites and stings are not poisonous but the bites of some insects such as wasps, bees and some spiders can be harmful. If a child is bitten and it is possible to save the insect, this may help with treatment it if is poisonous.

Read more on Women's and Children's Health Network website

Bites and stings - Farmer Health | Farmer Health

There are many Australian animal and insect species that bite or sting. In general, most bites and stings, such as those from mosquitos and ants, are not serious and dont require medical treatment. If the bite or sting is from...

Read more on The National Centre for Farmer Health website

Kids' Health - Topics - Bites and stings

Occasionally some unfortunate people are bitten by these creatures, but most bites and stings are from much smaller beasties - like flying, jumping and crawling insects, quite small spiders and some things which look pretty tame really (sandflies, mosquitoes and fleas, to name just a few).

Read more on Women's and Children's Health Network website

First aid for bites and stings

Serious allergic reactions occur in approximately 2 per cent of stings from ants, bees and wasps.

Read more on WA Health website

Bee stings - myDr.com.au

The best way to deal with a bee sting is to scrape it off with a sideways motion using a firm object such as the blade of a knife, a credit card or even a fingernail.

Read more on myDr website

Fleas - including symptoms, treatment and prevention :: SA Health

Fleas are wingless insects which have an irritating bite and are common pests on domestic cats and dogs and other animals.

Read more on SA Health website

Bites and Stings

Read more on Queensland Health website

First aid for bites and stings - myDr.com.au

First aid tips for bites and stings from some of Australia's deadliest snakes, spiders, ticks and marine animals.

Read more on myDr website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice and information you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo