In Southeast Texas, bug bites and stings are part of life. Fire ants, mosquitoes, wasps, bees, and spiders are everywhere this time of year — in your backyard, on job sites, at ballparks, and around wooded areas. While many bites are just uncomfortable, others can quickly escalate into a medical emergency.
At Beaumont Emergency Hospital, we treat insect bites and stings that go beyond the typical redness or itching. Whether it’s a sting that’s causing severe swelling or a sudden reaction that affects your breathing or blood pressure, our emergency team is here 24 hours a day to help you feel better quickly. With on-site labs, access to emergency medications, and IV treatments available when symptoms are more serious, we deliver fast, effective care when it matters most.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Not every bite or sting needs ER treatment, but there are warning signs you shouldn’t ignore. Visit the ER immediately if you experience:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chest tightness or rapid heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting after a bite or sting
- A rash that spreads rapidly
- Intense pain or swelling that continues to worsen
- Fever or signs of infection (pus, warmth, red streaks)
These symptoms may indicate a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or a developing infection that needs prompt treatment.
Common Southeast Texas Culprits
Stinging insects: Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants can cause reactions ranging from mild welts to serious swelling and breathing difficulty due to venom.
Biting insects: Mosquitoes, fleas, lice, and bed bugs may lead to itchy, inflamed skin or skin infections from excessive scratching.
Venomous spiders:
- Black Widow: Recognized by its red hourglass shape, these spiders can cause pain, muscle cramps, or nausea. Seek care if symptoms worsen.
- Brown Recluse: Identified by a violin-shaped mark, these bites can result in skin damage, blisters, or fever.
- Brown Widow: Less toxic but increasingly common; bites may still lead to discomfort or reactions in sensitive individuals.
Symptoms to Watch For
Mild reactions can include redness, swelling, itching, or sneezing. While these symptoms are often manageable at home, more severe signs like facial swelling, throat tightness, trouble breathing, or fainting require immediate medical attention.
Treatment at Beaumont Emergency Hospital
Our team responds quickly to insect-related emergencies with:
- Antihistamines to reduce swelling and itching
- Steroids or epinephrine for more serious reactions
- IV fluids or breathing treatments if respiratory symptoms are present
- On-site labs to ensure fast, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment
Prevention Tips
- Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas
- Use insect repellent and avoid strong fragrances that attract bugs
- Keep food sealed when outside, and secure windows and doors indoors
- If you have known allergies, carry an epinephrine auto-injector and let others know how to help in an emergency
When in Doubt, Get Checked
Many patients come in unsure if their symptoms are serious enough for emergency care. Our answer? If you’re worried, let us take a look. It’s always better to rule out a severe reaction or infection than wait too long.
Beaumont Emergency Hospital is open 24/7 with board-certified physicians and no long wait times. From painful stings to fast-moving rashes, we’re ready to help you feel better, faster.