Bites and stings
Most insect bites and stings in the UK are harmless and can be looked after at home. Sometimes though — with an allergic reaction, a bite from a larger animal, or symptoms that get worse — you may need medical help quickly. This section covers common bites and stings, what to do at home, and when to seek advice.
Get advice about your symptoms
If you are unwell and unsure what to do, use one of the routes below. They are free and available across the UK, and can direct you to the right service.
- Check your symptoms online at 111.nhs.uk
- Call 111 for free 24-hour advice from NHS 111
- Speak to a pharmacist for advice on minor problems — no appointment needed
- Contact your GP for non-urgent medical problems
Call 999 immediately in a life-threatening emergency — for example loss of consciousness, severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding or a suspected stroke.
What this section covers
- Insect bites and stings
- Nettle and plant stings
- Human and animal bites
- Snake and spider bites in the UK
- Signs of an allergic reaction to look out for
Explore this section
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In this section
- Allergic reactions to bites and stingsHow to spot an allergic reaction to a bite or sting, from mild to anaphylaxis. What to do.
- Bat bitesBat bites are rare in the UK but carry a rabies risk. Every bat bite needs urgent medical…
- High temperature after a bite or stingFever after a bite or sting can mean infection or, rarely, a tick-borne illness. When to seek help.
- Human and animal bitesBites that break the skin have a high infection risk and usually need medical assessment.
- Insect bites and stingsInsect bites and stings — self-care with ice, antihistamines, and when to worry about infection or allergy.
- Nettle and plant stingsNettles and plant stings — self-care for itching and rash, and when to worry about giant hogweed.
- Pain relief for bites and stingsParacetamol, ibuprofen and antihistamines for bite and sting discomfort. Safe use and cautions.
- Snake bitesThe UK's only venomous native snake is the adder. All snake bites need medical assessment.
- Spider bitesSpider bites in the UK are usually harmless. Self-care for the bite, and when to see a doctor.