July 2025

Bug Bites and Ticks: How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Them

Summer in Colorado means more time outside - hiking, biking, and playing in the backyard.
Along with all the fun, though, come insect bites and the occasional tick. While most bug bites
are harmless and go away on their own, some can cause irritation or even illness. Today, provider Lauren Carei (PA-C) gives a run-down on what families need to know to stay safe and informed.

Common Bug Bites in Colorado

Mosquitoes:
These are the most common summer nuisance. In most cases, mosquito bites
cause minor itching and swelling. However, in Colorado, mosquitoes can sometimes carry West
Nile virus, which can lead to flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, headache, muscle
aches/weakness, rash) and, in rare cases, more serious complications like meningitis and
encephalitis. The good news? Serious illness from West Nile virus is very uncommon, especially
in children, and the treatment for most cases is supportive care.

Bees and Wasps:
 Stings from bees, wasps, and hornets can be painful and cause swelling. For
most kids, a sting is a minor inconvenience. However, if your child has difficulty breathing,
swelling of the face or throat, or hives away from the sting site, seek emergency care for a
possible allergic reaction.

Spiders:
 Most spider bites in Colorado are harmless. The black widow is the only venomous
spider in our region that may cause symptoms like muscle pain and cramping. Bites from black
widows are rare and usually not life-threatening in healthy children.

Ticks: While ticks are more common in other parts of the U.S., we still see them
here—especially in grassy, wooded, or brushy areas. Most tick bites in Colorado do not result in
illness. However, it's smart to stay informed:

• Lyme Disease: This illness is caused by bacteria transmitted by deer ticks. While Lyme
  disease is well known, it is extremely rare in Colorado. Most Lyme cases occur in the
  Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest.
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF): Despite its name, RMSF is not common in the
  Rocky Mountain region. It is more often found in the southeastern U.S.

How to Prevent Bug and Tick Bites

• Natural insect repellents including ingredients such as citronella or eucalyptus may be
  effective, but repellents containing DEET or picaridin are likely to be more effective, so
  use insect repellent with DEET (10–30% for children) or picaridin, especially during
  dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Dress kids in long sleeves, pants, and socks when hiking or in wooded areas.
• Do a full-body tick check after outdoor activities—especially around ears, neck, hairline,
  and under arms.
• Keep your yard tidy by mowing the lawn regularly and removing leaf piles or brush.
• Stay away from standing water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitos.

What to Expect

• Most insect bites cause a red bump. Some are larger (like a hive). Some have a small
  water blister in the center. These are normal reactions to an insect bite.
• Most insect bites are itchy for several days.
• Any pinkness or redness usually lasts 3 days.
• The swelling may last up to 7 days.
• Insect bites of the upper face can cause severe swelling around the eye. This is harmless.
• The swelling is usually worse in the morning after lying down all night. It will improve
  after standing for a few hours.

Treating Bug Bites and Tick Bites

For Most Bug Bites:

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream like hydrocortisone or oral antihistamines (like
  Zyrtec or Benadryl) for itch relief.
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to help with any pain.

For Tick Bites:

1. Remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp as close to the skin as possible and
   pull straight out without twisting.
2. Clean the area with soap and water.
3. Watch for any unusual symptoms (rash, fever, fatigue) for up to 30 days and contact
   your pediatrician if they occur.
   

When to Call Your Pediatrician
Reach out to us if:

• A bug bite looks infected (red, warm, pus, or increasing pain).
• Your child develops a fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms after a tick or mosquito bite.
• You’re not sure if your child needs treatment or you just want peace of mind.

Enjoy the Outdoors, Safely

Bug bites are a normal part of summer, but they don’t have to ruin the fun. With the right
precautions and a little knowledge, your family can enjoy everything Colorado has to offer with
confidence.

If you ever have questions or concerns about insect or tick bites, we’re here to help!