Blister beetles can be dangerous, even fatal to animals. But what about us? Do blister beetles bite humans too? And what are the effects of their bites? We cover all of this below.
Blister beetles are a fascinating group of insects found all over the world.
They vary in size and color but are most commonly black or orange and less than an inch long.
The big question when it comes to these bugs is: do they bite?
Well, the answer is no.
While some species of blister beetles will pinch if provoked, they typically don’t bite humans.
In this article, I will explore the behavior of blister beetles, the potential dangers, and what to do if you come into contact with one.
Are Blister Beetles Dangerous?
Blister beetles are dangerous as they secrete a defense liquid that contains cantharidin.
This is an irritant and is powerful enough to cause severe burns or blisters on exposed human skin.
That being said, these risks rarely occur in day-to-day life unless you come into direct contact with the bug.
Do Blister Beetles Bite or Sting?
Blister beetles don’t typically bite or sting, but direct contact can cause blisters, as we mentioned.
Blister beetles release a chemical defense called cantharidin.
This stuff is poisonous to animals and can lead to skin inflammation if it contacts human skin.
The allergic reaction caused is known as “blistering” and can be very uncomfortable.
Thankfully, blister beetles do not actively seek to bite humans or animals, but they can inadvertently cause a lot of harm.
Are They Poisonous/Venomous?
Blister beetles are not venomous. However, they do contain cantharidin which can be toxic if ingested.
Cantharidin is used by species of blister beetles as an effective defense mechanism against predator attack.
Ingestion of cantharidin can lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and even shock in large doses.
Direct contact with blister beetles will only cause skin irritation.
Ultimately, people should take caution when handling these insects, as their toxicity should not be taken lightly.
How To Treat Blister Beetle Bites?
If you’ve experienced a blister beetle bite, you’ll likely experience some key symptoms.
The most common is a red bump accompanied by sharp pain and itching. In some cases, multiple bites can result in swelling, body aches, and a blister-like appearance.
Treating blister beetle bites can be an unpleasant experience.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to help soothe the reaction.
To provide relief, apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to the affected area.
Ensure to clean the affected area with mild soap. Next, thoroughly rinse off any remaining residue.
Taking an antihistamine like Benadryl can also help reduce inflammation and itching.
You should avoid scratching, as this could increase pain and lead to a skin infection.
Additionally, it may be helpful to apply ice or cold compression to the area. This will help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen could relieve symptoms associated with blister beetle bites.
Sometimes, a physician may prescribe antibiotics or medicated ointments for more severe reactions.
If you are experiencing serious allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek medical attention immediately.
Overall, it is important to take precautionary measures when dealing with blister beetles to avoid potential contact with their toxins.
How To Avoid Blister Beetles In Your Home/Garden?
The best way to avoid blister beetles in your home or garden is to be proactive.
If you own horses or have alfalfa hay in your garden for any other purpose, be especially vigilant.
Check for signs of them frequently, such as beetle larvae and adult blister beetles around the house.
Move the vegetation away from any openings in your home or basement.
Inspect stored items like firewood and mulch since these can sometimes harbor insects.
Handpick any beetles you see and dispose of them promptly.
However, it may also be necessary to use insect controls like sprays, dust, or baits if a serious infestation develops.
Additionally, keeping debris piles away from your property can help prevent an infestation.
Blister beetles usually congregate in them and move into your yard.
Taking all of these steps can significantly reduce the risk of encountering one of these critters!
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Should You Pop Blister Beetle Blisters?
Blister beetle zits can be extremely irritating and uncomfortable.
Generally speaking, it is a good idea to resist the urge to pop them.
Puncturing them could cause additional discomfort and risk of infection.
Instead, applying an anti-itch cream can help relieve any itching or burning sensations you may experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you touch a blister beetle?
If you touch a blister beetle, you may experience intense pain and irritation on your skin.
Blister beetles contain cantharidin, which is a toxic chemical released when the insect is disturbed.
This acidic secretion produces a severe burning effect wherever it comes in contact with your skin as well as causing redness, blisters, or welts.
If large amounts of cantharidin are ingested, it can be dangerous, so it’s best to avoid touching blister beetles if possible.
What does a blister bug bite look like?
Blister bug bites usually cause redness, swelling, and a hard bump or blister with an itchy patch at the site of the bite.
The blister may be clear or filled with a whitish fluid.
Blister bugs can also cause fever, rash, and general sickness in some cases.
Additionally, the area around a blister bug bite may become red and swollen over several days after the bite occurs.
How do you treat a blister beetle bite?
First, the area should be washed gently with soap and water.
To further reduce irritation, an ice pack should be applied for 20 minutes at a time.
If pain persists, a topical anesthetic or steroid cream can be used as directed on the product label.
As with any insect bite, seek medical attention if symptoms persist or if there is excessive swelling, redness, or pain.
Where do blister beetles live?
Blister beetles are found throughout much of the world. They inhabit a variety of ecosystems, including grasslands, deserts, and forests.
The most encountered species live in temperate regions in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Some species are also present in South Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
Blister beetles prefer warm climates and can frequently be found attracted to lights at night during summer months.
Their favorite habitats include alfalfa hay, but any place where they can find grasshoppers is usually good for them.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, blister beetles can bite if handled carelessly or disturbed by a human.
They are often founds in fields where they can get access to grasshoppers or in alfalfa hay, which is one of their favorite haunts.
Although the bite is usually harmless and doesn’t cause any major health concerns.
If you’ve been bitten by a beetle, it’s best to apply antiseptic cream to limit skin inflammation.
It is wise to take preventative measures to avoid contact with blister beetles whenever possible.
By taking preventative measures, you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of blister beetle bites.
1 Comment. Leave new
my yard is full of blister beetles.