What happens if a pincher bug bites you?

Pincher bugs, also known as earwigs, are a common insect found all over the world. They are characterized by their distinctive pincher-like tails, which is where they get their name. While pincher bugs are not aggressive insects, they will use their pincers to defend themselves if disturbed or threatened. A pincher bug bite is not normally a serious medical concern for humans, but the pincers can break the skin and cause mild to moderate pain, redness, and swelling in the bite area. Some basic first aid and home treatment is often sufficient for pincher bug bites. However, in rare cases, the bite may become infected or trigger an allergic reaction, requiring medical attention.

What are pincher bugs?

Pincher bugs belong to the insect order Dermaptera, represented by approximately 2,000 species worldwide. The most common pincher bugs found around homes and gardens include the European earwig, the ring-legged earwig, and the African earwig. These nocturnal insects are often reddish-brown in color and measure 10 to 25 mm in length as adults. They have flattened, elongate bodies, bead-like antennae, and signature pincers or forceps projecting from the tail-end. The pincers are an important sensory organ and used for defense, aggression, mating rituals, and caring for eggs. Pincher bugs are not venomous, but the pincers can deliver a pinch with their spiny grippers.

Where are they found?

Pincher bugs enjoy cool, damp locations and are widespread across the world. They often take shelter in moist, dark places such as beneath stones, logs, leaf piles, mulch, and other debris outdoors. Indoors, they may be found hiding in basements, crawl spaces, attics, closets, or under floorboards. Pincher bugs are mainly active at night and feed on a wide variety of organic material including plant matter, fungi, insects, and insect eggs. Sometimes pincher bugs wander indoors in search of food or shelter. This is when they occasionally encounter humans and pets, which brings us to the topic of pincher bug bites.

What happens when a pincher bug bites you?

Pincher bugs are not usually aggressive towards humans, but they will pinch in self-defense if disturbed, touched, or squashed. The pincers are designed to grasp and hold prey tightly, enabling the pincher bug to deliver a moderately painful bite. Here is a brief overview of what to expect from a pincher bug bite:

• Sharp pain when bitten – the pincers penetrate the skin easily.
• Redness and swelling around the bite mark as the skin reacts.
• Possible minor bleeding, pinprick wound.
• Moderate itching and discomfort around the bite.
• May take a week or two to fully heal.
• Low risk of complications in healthy individuals.

The bite normally causes localized effects only at the bite site. Systemic symptoms affecting the whole body are highly uncommon. Let’s now look at treating pincher bug bites at home.

Home treatment

Fortunately pincher bug bites can be managed at home with some basic first aid and care. Here are some tips:

• Clean the bite well with soap and water to lower infection risk.
• Apply an antiseptic cream to prevent infection.
• Cover with a bandage if still bleeding or oozing.
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth to relieve swelling and pain.
• Antihistamine pills can help stop itching.
• Over-the-counter pain medication can relieve discomfort.
• Keep the bite site clean and watch for signs of infection.

With proper first aid, pincher bug bites usually heal within a week or two. Call a doctor if severe signs and symptoms develop.

Signs of infection

Although rare, pincher bug bites can occasionally become infected if bacteria is introduced into the wound. Signs of an infected bite include:

• Increasing redness, swelling, pain at the bite site.
• Pus or foul-smelling discharge.
• Red streaks expanding from the bite.
• Fever, chills, and body aches.

See a doctor right away if an earwig bite shows signs of a worsening infection. Stronger antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the infection.

Risk of allergic reaction

Some people may be allergic to compounds found in pincher bug saliva/secretions and respond severely to a bite. Seek emergency care if signs of a serious allergic reaction develop including:

• Widespread hives, itchy rash.
• Swelling of the face, lips, throat area.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Rapid heart rate, dizziness.
• Nausea, abdominal cramps.

These reactions may require an epinephrine injection and other drugs. Those with a known earwig allergy should carry an EpiPen.

Who is at increased risk?

Most healthy adults and older children tolerate pincher bug bites well with minimal effects. Those at greater risk for complications include:

• Infants and young children.
• Elderly individuals.
• People with weakened immune systems.
• Individuals with known insect venom allergies.
• Those with underlying medical conditions like diabetes.

Higher risk individuals should take extra care to avoid pincher bugs and seek medical care promptly if bitten.

How to prevent pincher bug bites

Here are some tips to avoid being bitten by a pincher bug when they venture indoors:

• Seal cracks, crevices, and points of entry in the home.
• Remove piles of debris and yard waste around the exterior.
• Keep the yard tidy with regular mowing, pruning, and clearing of litter.
• Use perimeter pest control measures if earwigs are problematic.
• Store firewood away from the house.
• Collect pincher bugs gently in a jar for release outdoors.
• Avoid disturbing or handling pincher bugs.

With vigilance and proper exclusion techniques, pincher bug bites can often be prevented around the home environment.

When to seek medical treatment

For most healthy people, pincher bug bites can be treated at home without medical intervention. Doctors may need to step in if patients exhibit:

• Signs of a worsening infection like fever, swelling, red streaks.
• Symptoms suggesting a severe allergic reaction.
• Extensive swelling, oozing, or ulceration at the bite site.
• Numbness, tingling, or other neurological symptoms.
• No improvement within a week or two of home care.
• Multiple bites requiring pain and infection management.

Those at high risk including children, pregnant women, and elderly should also see a doctor for evaluation of any pincher bug bite. With prompt medical attention, even complicated cases generally recover well.

Tests and diagnosis

To diagnose a pincher bug bite, doctors consider:

• Patient history of an insect bite.
• Description of the bug if seen.
• Location of the bite on the body.
• Appearance of the wound – two puncture marks are typical.
• Local and systemic symptoms experienced.
• Time course – slow improvement may signal complications.

Other bites, skin conditions, and infections may initially look similar before a clear diagnosis is made. Rarely, laboratory tests are needed to identify infectious organisms or unusual reactants.

Medical treatments

Doctors can provide the following treatments for complicated pincher bug bites:

• Antibiotics – Prescribed if the bite is infected.
• Steroid cream – Used for itching and swelling.
• Antihistamines – Manage allergic reactions.
• Immunotherapy – For patients with severe allergies.
• Antivenom – Very rarely needed for toxic effects.
• Surgical drainage – For large abscesses.

With medical support, pincher bug bites can be treated effectively even if complications develop. Full recovery is expected.

Conclusion

In summary, pincher bug bites typically cause minor effects like pain, redness, and itching near the bite site. More significant reactions are uncommon. Home care measures are often adequate for treatment. However, see a doctor if the bite shows signs of infection, allergic reaction, or other concerning symptoms. Prompt medical attention can deal with any complications and promote healing. With proper first aid and follow up, pincher bug bites generally resolve without issue. Being aware and taking preventative steps can help avoid many bites in the first place.