Medicine Online
Any medical inquiries? Search MOL for answers:
Home > Medical Articles > Articles beginning with I > Insect Bites and Stings > Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Medical Web Links
MOL Site Map
Medical Tips
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Insect Bites and Stings


Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

An insect bite refers to a puncture wound in the skin caused by an insect when it stings or bites a human.

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

Insects are found everywhere, even in cities. The areas of highest risk are those with shrubbery or trees. Cluttered or unclean areas also pose a risk. Insects that are responsible for numerous visits to emergency departments in North America include the following:

  • ants
  • black widow spiders
  • brown recluse spiders
  • bumblebees
  • fleas
  • honeybees
  • hornets
  • lice
  • scorpions
  • tarantulas
  • ticks
  • wasps
  • yellow jackets

  • HomeSitemap Contact UsAdvertisingPress RoomGive Us Your FeedbackRead Our Terms & Conditions and Our DisclaimerPrivacy Statement