Wet or dry, spring and summer bring plenty of bugs to Colorado! Don’t be caught off guard by these tiny biters. Here’s what you should know about common bugs and bug season in Colorado and how to protect yourself from bites.
Bugs You May Encounter
While many bugs are simply a nuisance, some can cause real trouble. Spiders, chiggers, bees, and lice can give you a reason to be cautious. Ticks, however, deserve extra attention. They’re common in grassy areas and can attach to your skin as you brush by. Although most tick bites don’t lead to illness, they can spread diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Tips to Avoid Bug Bites
Most bug bites aren’t dangerous, but they can cause itching, pain, or mild discomfort. Insects like bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants often sting and cause pain. Mosquito and flea bites tend to itch. In the U.S., some mosquitoes carry West Nile virus. Travelers should be aware of other mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria.
Even though most bites are harmless, it can be unsettling when you find a red, itchy bump. Thankfully, most heal quickly without issues. Still, stings from wasps, hornets, bees, and fire ants can be painful or trigger a severe allergic reaction. Some spider bites can even require emergency care.
How to Stay Protected during Bug Season
Here’s how to lower your chances of being bitten:
- Avoid bothering insects
- Use insect repellent
- Wear protective clothing
- Keep food covered while outside
- If you have severe allergies to insect stings, carry an emergency epinephrine kit
When using insect repellent, read the label and follow instructions. Reapply as directed for continued protection. A higher percentage of active ingredient generally lasts longer, up to about 50% DEET.
If you’re also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first, let it dry, then put on insect repellent. Avoid using products that combine sunscreen and repellent. Don’t put repellent on skin that’s under clothing.
Some clothing and gear (like boots, pants, socks, and tents) come pre-treated with permethrin, an insecticide. You can also treat items yourself—just be sure to follow the instructions closely. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
Cover Up
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and a hat. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks. Some insects, like tsetse flies, can bite through thin fabrics, so thicker materials can help.
Check Where You’re Staying
Choose places with air conditioning or screens on windows and doors to keep bugs out. If staying somewhere that doesn’t have those, sleep under a permethrin-treated bed net. While outdoors, consider area repellents like mosquito coils.
Be Aware Year-Round
Bug bites are most common in the summer, but they’re not limited to that season. Travelers should be mindful of areas with bugs all year long and take steps to stay safe.
Diseases Spread by Insects and Ticks
Bugs can transmit viruses (like dengue and yellow fever), bacteria (like Lyme disease and plague), and parasites (like malaria and sleeping sickness). While the risk is generally low in the U.S., be extra careful if traveling internationally.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?
Mosquitoes bite because female mosquitoes feed on blood for protein. They use specialized mouthparts to pierce skin and draw blood. As they feed, they inject saliva into your skin. Proteins in their saliva cause your body to react, which leads to itching and swelling.
Mosquitoes choose their targets based on scent, carbon dioxide, and chemicals in sweat.
Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Get rid of standing water
- Wear light-colored clothing
- Use insect repellent
- Avoid times of day when mosquitoes are most active
- Wear long sleeves and pants
- Use insect nets
Some foods, like garlic, may help repel mosquitoes naturally.
What to Do If You’re Bitten during Bug Season
If you get bitten or stung, here’s what you can do at home:
- For painful bites, take an over-the-counter pain reliever (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen), following label instructions.
- For itchy bites, use an ice pack or an anti-itch cream (like hydrocortisone). An oral antihistamine may help, too.
- To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack.
Watch for Serious Allergic Reactions
Seek immediate medical help if you notice:
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness
These could be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Final Thoughts
Bug season in Colorado can catch anyone off guard. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just spending time outside, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect yourself. By following these simple precautions, you can stay safe and enjoy the outdoors. If you have concerns about bug bites or allergic reactions, contact Asthma & Allergy Associates.