Spending time in lakes rivers, or even your backyard pool can be a fun way to cool down on a hot day. But lurking below the surface are bugs that bite which can put a damper on your summertime fun. Getting bitten by an aquatic insect can be a painful experience that leads to inflammation, itchiness, and potential infections.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll identify the most common bugs that bite in fresh and saltwater environments. You’ll learn how to spot these critters before they get you, prevent bites and treat symptoms if you do get nipped underwater.
What Bugs That Bite in Water Should You Watch Out For?
Many insects and arachnids that dwell in water are perfectly harmless. But there are some predatory species that can give you a nasty nip if provoked. Here are the prime suspects to keep your eyes peeled for when you head into the water:
Giant Water Bugs
These creepy-looking bugs are the largest true bugs in North America growing up to 4 inches long. They lurk beneath the surface waiting to ambush small fish frogs, and unsuspecting swimmers. Their powerful front legs grasp prey like forceps while they inject toxin that liquifies tissue.
Though not venomous, their bites pack a serious wallop, with searing, needle-like pain that can linger for hours.
Water Scorpions
Despite the alarming name, these ominous-looking bugs are not true scorpions. They use their scorpion-like pincers to snatch prey like tadpoles, small fish, and aquatic insects.
Mercifully, their pinch is far less dangerous than a real scorpion sting, causing temporary sharp pain, swelling, and numbness. But it’s still wise to steer clear of these stealthy hunters.
Backswimmers
Found in pools, ponds, and slow-moving streams, backswimmers swim upside down, allowing them to ambush targets from below. They use their long, pointed beak to stab prey and inject digestive fluids.
If they mistake a foot or arm for food, their bites cause instant, searing pain, though they are not venomous.
Water Boatmen
While mostly harmless algae eaters, these oval-shaped bugs deliver a bite when threatened. Their small mouths can’t puncture skin, but they can give a sharp pinch with their legs and pointy abdomen.
Leeches
Though not insects, these slimy annelids are found in lakes, rivers, swamps, and ponds. They bite with a triple-jawed mouth to latch onto hosts and drink blood.
Their bite is not particularly painful, but it can introduce bacteria and continues bleeding profusely after the leech detaches.
Biting Aquatic Bugs in Saltwater
Swimmers venturing into the ocean should watch out for sea lice and thimble jellyfish. These tiny creatures deliver irritating stings, causing red welts and severe itching. Stingrays gliding along sandy bottoms can also whip up spine-covered tails in defense. Stepping on one results in excruciating, bleeding puncture wounds.
How to Prevent Painful Bites from Aquatic Bugs
The best line of defense against water bugs is to avoid encounters altogether. Here are some tips to bug-proof your water fun:
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Inspect pools, ponds, lakes, and other swimming holes and make sure no visible bugs are present before entering.
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Avoid areas with algae blooms and murky water where biting bugs love to hide.
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Don’t swim near vegetation where predators ambush prey.
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Wear water shoes or sandals to protect feet and ankles from bottom-dwellers.
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Avoid night swimming when some bugs are most active.
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Keep pool water sanitized and filtered to deter biting insects.
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Report any leeches in public swimming areas to management. Leech socks can help protect skin.
First Aid if Bitten by an Aquatic Bug
If you do suffer a bite, prompt first aid can ease symptoms:
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For leech bites, use salt, a fingernail, or credit card edge to detach the bloodsucker. Clean the wound and apply pressure to stop bleeding.
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Wash the bite with soap and water, then apply ice to reduce swelling and pain.
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Take OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort.
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Apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or baking soda paste to itchy bug bites.
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Watch for signs of infection like expanding redness, swelling, fever and discharge. Seek medical treatment for serious infections.
When to Seek Medical Care for Bites
Though most aquatic bug bites cause minor irritation, seek prompt medical attention if you experience:
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Difficulty breathing, dizziness or rapidly spreading skin reaction signaling a severe allergic reaction.
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Failure of bite symptoms to improve within 24-48 hours.
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Expanding redness, skin hot to the touch, pus or other discharge indicating infection.
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Fever, chills, nausea, headache or other flu-like symptoms.
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Continued active bleeding from a leech or other bite.
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Severe pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter remedies.
With some smart prevention and first aid, you can still safely enjoy swimming holes, lakes and pools without getting bitten. But if you do suffer a nip from a water bug, prompt treatment can help minimize misery. Follow these tips so biting insects don’t take the fun out of your favorite water activities.
Where Do Water Bugs Live?Â
Water bugs live across the United States and other areas in North America. You can find various species in Georgia, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and many other states.Â
These insects typically live in slow-moving bodies of water filled with aquatic prey. Â Water bugs can also fly into swimming pools and gather outside residential areas with bright lights.
Types of Water BugsÂ
Dozens of giant water bug species exist worldwide, but you may only encounter one or two types depending on your location. Here are a few species:
- Lethocerus americanus. You can find this giant water bug throughout most regions in North America. This insect lives in creeks, marshes, ponds, streams, and other bodies of water. It survives the winter by living in mud. Â
- Lethocerus indicus. This water bug lives in Taiwan. Humans often cook this insect in sauces or steam it and eat it as a delicacy.Â
- Lethocerus uhleri. This species has striped middle and hind legs. It lives in many regions of North America, including Canada, the eastern United States, and Mexico.
BITTEN by a GIANT WATER BUG!
FAQ
What bugs can bite you in the water?
Common culprits include jellyfish, sea lice, and other tiny ocean critters. Be aware of the signs: Itching and Redness: Mild bites may cause localized itching and redness around the affected area.
What happens when a waterbug bites you?
Here are some key points about waterbug bites: Pain Level: The bite is often described as very painful, similar to a bee sting, due to the insect’s strong mandibles and the venom they inject. Symptoms: Besides pain, symptoms can include swelling, redness, and irritation around the bite site.
How painful is a giant water bug bite?
People who have been bitten indicate the bite is extremely painful–more painful than any other insect sting or bite they have ever experienced. Fortunately, the pain is relatively short-lived, and there are no long-term adverse effects.
What are the little bugs biting me at the beach?
No-see-ums, also known as biting midges, sand flies, or punkies, are tiny blood-sucking insects that thrive in warm, humid climates like Florida, the Gulf …
Can water bugs bite?
The short answer is: Water bugs can bite, but they typically won’t. ‘Like other true bugs—insects that belong to the order Hemiptera—they have a piercing/sucking mouthpart,’ says O’Neal. ‘They use it to feed on their prey, and it would hurt if they bit you with it.’
What are the symptoms of an infected bug bite?
The site of the bug bite is inflamed with a wider area that turns red and swollen. It is usually associated with pain. If the infection spreads it may lead to flu-like symptoms which include fever, body pain, cough and swollen lymph nodes.
Why do giant water bugs bite?
During the spring and summer, giant water bugs emerge from the water in search of mates. Once emerged, they are attracted to bright electric lights, which is why they are often called “electric light bugs.” If giant water bugs are stepped on or handled by humans, they will bite to defend themselves.
Do water bugs bite people at night?
The American Giant Water Bug is among the species known to bite people once or multiple times at night. Bugs of this species are quite capable of navigating around at night and can fly, targeting artificial light sources.
What happens if you get bitten by a giant water bug?
The bites are considered painful and harmless. On some occasions, the bites cause allergic reactions, and it is advisable to seek medical attention upon being bitten by a giant water bug. Below is a video of a man who intentionally let a water bug bite him.
How do you know if water bugs bite you?
Water algae or green watercolor is another sign many bugs that bite might be lurking inside. You can prevent getting bitten by bugs in water by always swimming in clear water and by cleaning your pool, a common home for water bugs and one of the most common places where bites are reported.