Introduction
Different types of insects can be harmful to children when they bite, sting or spray fluids that can get into the eyes or on the skin.
Some insects will sting, bite or release irritating fluid to protect themselves from animals and humans that can hurt them.
It is important that your child learns about different types of harmful insects, how to stay away from them and what to do if they are bitten or stung.
Scorpions
Scorpions are found in gardens and forests, often under rocks and in burrows. They have two sharp pincers or claws at the front, a long tail that curves over their body and a sharp stinger on the end of the tail.
Scorpions will move their tail to push their stinger into the skin to release venom.They will sting when they are accidentally grabbed, picked up or stepped on.
Centipedes
Centipedes are found under rotting leaves, logs, and rocks. They are long and flat, have many legs on each side of their body and a small pair of legs with sharp claws that are folded under their mouth.
Centipedes move quickly and will push their claws into the skin to release venom. They will sting when they are accidentally grabbed, picked up or stepped on.
Millipedes
Millipedes are found under rotting leaves, soil, logs, rocks, and tree bark. They are long, tube-shaped and have many legs on each side of their body.
Some types of millipedes will spray a toxic fluid when they are accidentally grabbed, picked up, stepped on or feel threatened.
Stink bugs
Stink bugs are very common and can be found in parks and gardens. They are flat, have two long antennae and are shaped like a shield. Stink bugs will release a foul-smelling spray to protect themselves when they are threatened, disturbed, or crushed by accident.
Signs and symptoms
Scorpions
Symptoms of a scorpion sting can be different depending on the type of scorpion, how many times your child was stung and their general health.
Some common symptoms can include:
- Intense pain
- swelling
- redness
- numbness
- tingling.
Centipedes
Symptoms of a centipede sting can be different depending on the type of centipede, how many times your child was stung and their general health.
Some common symptoms can include:
- intense pain
- swelling
- redness
- numbness
- tingling.
Millipedes
Toxic fluid from millipedes can get in the eyes and on the skin. Symptoms can include:
- brown staining on the skin
- burning
- itching
- blisters
- pain in the eyes
- watery eyes
- inflammation in the eyes.
Stink bugs
Foul-smelling liquid from stink bugs can get in the eyes and on the skin. Symptoms can include:
- pain
- redness
- irritation.
Anaphylaxis and insect stings
Some children are at risk of severe allergic reactions to insect stings. This is called anaphylaxis.
Signs of anaphylaxis include:
- wheezing, difficult, or noisy breathing
- swelling of the tongue
- swelling or tightness in the throat
- a persistent cough
- difficulty talking or a hoarse voice
- dizziness
- becoming pale and floppy in young children
- collapsing.
Children at risk of anaphylaxis may also vomit.
If your child has signs of anaphylaxis, you should:
- follow your child’s ASCIA action plan for anaphylaxis if you have one
- use an EpiPen® or Anapen®, if there is one available
- call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
Diagnosis
Generally, reactions to insect stings and sprays do not need a diagnosis.
Children who have an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, will need to see a specialist doctor, such as an immunologist or allergist, for testing and treatment.
Treatment
First aid for scorpion and centipede stings
- wash the area with soap and water and keep it clean and dry. apply an antiseptic if available.
- apply an ice pack (wrapped in a thin cotton cloth) or cool running water to reduce the swelling and relieve the pain. do not apply an ice pack to the eye.
- pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used to manage severe pain.
Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for further information and advice.
First aid for millipede and stink bug spray
Eyes
- hold the eye open and flush the eye with running water for 15 minutes
- go to your local doctor or nearest emergency department as soon as possible for a full eye check.
Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for further information and advice.
Skin
- wash the skin with soap and water
- watch your child for any blistering, broken skin, bleeding or infection
- call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for further information and advice.
Brown discolouration on the skin from a millipede should settle without treatment.
See your local doctor as soon as possible if you notice signs of infection in the skin days after the sting or spray.
Signs of infection can include:
- redness
- pain
- feeling very warm.
Management
Preventing stings and sprays from harmful insects
Teaching your child to leave insects and animals alone is one of the most important ways you can help prevent stings. It is helpful to recognise where these insects live and places they might live, including:
- under compost or leaf litter
- under rocks and logs
- on plants.
If your child comes across a harmful insect while playing outdoors, it is important that they do not try to hit or swat the insects or destroy their home.
Disturbing insects or destroying their homes can cause these insects to react, making it more likely that your child will get stung or sprayed.