Protect Yourself This Summer: Stings and Bites from Horseflies, Wasps, Jellyfish, and More

Summer is a vibrant season filled with outdoor adventures, but it also comes with a variety of stinging and biting insects and marine creatures. From horseflies and wasps to jellyfish, understanding how to stay safe can help prevent painful encounters and serious health issues.

One of the common culprits in the garden is the humble nettle. Although small, nettles pack a punch with tiny hairs called trichomes that inject irritants like histamine into the skin, causing redness, swelling, pain, and the characteristic itchy rash known as urticaria or hives. While traditional advice suggests rubbing a dock leaf on the sting, evidence supporting this method is limited. Instead, applying calamine lotion or antihistamines provides more reliable relief. Wearing gloves while gathering wild plants or foraging can prevent stings.

Insects such as bees, wasps, and horseflies become more active as temperatures rise. Their stings typically cause localized pain and swelling, which can often be managed with pain relievers and antihistamines. However, caution is essential, as some insect bites may lead to infections like cellulitis, requiring medical attention. Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, although rare, can be life-threatening. Recognizing symptoms such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness and seeking immediate emergency care is crucial.

Ticks are another summer concern. These tiny arachnids can carry diseases like Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. To avoid infection, remove attached ticks carefully with fine-tipped tweezers by pulling steadily and avoiding squeezing the body. Watching for symptoms such as the bullseye rash or flu-like signs after a bite warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Marine stings from jellyfish and similar creatures are common near coastal areas. While most UK jellyfish cause minor rashes, species like the lion’s mane or Portuguese Man o’War should be avoided. If stung, rinsing the area with seawater and removing tentacles with tweezers or a credit card is recommended—never use fresh water or urine, as these can worsen the sting. Severe allergic reactions are possible, requiring immediate medical attention.

In all cases, prevention is the best strategy—use insect repellent, protective clothing, and careful behavior. Keep an eye out for signs of infection or allergic reactions following stings or bites, and seek medical care as needed to ensure safety during summer activities.