Knowing how to recognize different bug bites could protect you from severe allergic reactions—and even save a life.

Bug bites are unpleasant in any form, but being able to tell them apart can be crucial—especially for those with allergies. This quick guide to 10 common bug bites will help you identify the culprit and take the right action fast.

1. Mosquito

source: Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic / iStock

Mosquito bites vary in appearance depending on how long the insect fed. They can be small, round bumps or larger, more irregular welts. They’re intensely itchy, and scratching only worsens irritation.

2. Flea

source: Terminix

Flea bites usually appear in clusters or lines in the same area. They’re small, firm, red, and extremely itchy.

3. Lice

source: Nsns.Biz

Head lice bites resemble flea bites but are generally limited to the scalp, neck, and behind the ears.

4. Bedbug

source: Bed Bug Exterminator Pro

Bedbug bites look like mosquito bites but are often redder, itchier, and form a zig-zag pattern. If suspected, contact an exterminator immediately to eliminate them.

5. Tick

source: CropWatch / photo by Jim Kalisch, UNL Entomolog

Tick bites are identifiable by a red ring encircling a dark red or black center. Always remove ticks carefully using Vaseline or rubbing alcohol before tweezers. Keep the tick in a sealed container for testing, as they can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

6. Wasp

Wasp stings resemble mosquito bites but with a distinct puncture mark in the center. They can be both itchy and painful, with redness and swelling. Learn what to do immediately after a wasp sting.

7. Hornet

source: Nsns.biz

Hornet stings are typically more painful and inflamed than wasp stings, often causing significant swelling.

8. Bee

source: Hunker / Inventori/iStock

Bee stings are easily identified by the stinger left in the skin. Remove it promptly with tweezers, then clean the area to prevent infection.

9. Red Ant

source: Dan Langille’s Other Diary

Red ant (fire ant) bites resemble flea bites but cause immediate pain before becoming itchy.

10. Spider

Spider bites vary by species but are often hard, red, and both itchy and painful. Some may show two small puncture marks.