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Biters and stingers

These are the house bugs that bite, sting or feed on blood. Some are mostly a nuisance and some can spread disease. Each one links to its own page with what to do.

The biters and stingers

13 kinds, most dangerous first. Tap one for photos, the danger rating and what to do.

American dog tickGet adviceBlacklegged tickGet adviceBrown dog tickGet adviceLone star tickGet adviceRocky Mountain wood tickGet adviceWestern blacklegged tickGet adviceBed bugBe carefulCat fleaBe carefulEastern yellowjacketBe carefulEuropean paper waspBe carefulHouse mosquitoBe carefulRed imported fire antBe carefulYellow fever mosquitoBe careful

Ticks

Ticks don't live in houses, with one exception: the brown dog tick can complete its life cycle indoors where dogs live. Others come in on people and pets. Check after time in tall grass or woods, and remove an attached tick with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight up. Watch for a rash or fever in the weeks after and tell a doctor about the bite.

Bed bugs and fleas

Bed bugs feed at night and hide in mattress seams and furniture. They are not known to spread disease, but bites itch and an infestation is hard to clear without help. Cat fleas bite both cats and dogs and will bite people when pets aren't around. Treating pets with a vet-recommended product is usually the first step.

Mosquitoes

The house mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito both bite indoors. Empty standing water around the house every week, from plant saucers to clogged gutters, and keep screens in good repair. See a doctor for fever, rash, headache or body aches after bites.

Wasps, yellowjackets and fire ants

Stings hurt but most are not dangerous. They can be for people allergic to them. Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or hives all over the body after a sting. Leave large nests to a professional, especially yellowjacket nests in the ground or inside walls.