Dangerous insects of Thailand

Thailand is a country with a warm climate and rich nature, where insects play an important role in the ecosystem. However, some of them can pose a serious danger to people. Dangerous insects can carry infections, cause allergic reactions or painful bites.
Travelers who come to Thailand may encounter unpleasant surprises in the form of bites from mosquitoes, sand flies, ticks, scorpions or poisonous spiders. To avoid health problems, it is important to know in advance which insects pose a threat, where they live and what precautions will help protect against them.

How to avoid unpleasant encounters and bites?

●       Use repellents, especially in the evening and at night.

●       Wear protective clothing when walking in forests and rural areas.

●       Choose hotels and accommodations with mosquito nets on the windows.

●       Avoid leaving food on open surfaces to avoid attracting ants and midges.

What are the main risks that insects pose?

●       Transmission of dangerous diseases (malaria, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis).

●       Severe allergic reactions and swelling after bites from poisonous insects.

●       Infections following bites from ticks, spiders and scorpions.

Understanding potential risks will help make your vacation safe and comfortable. Below we will look at the most dangerous blood-sucking insects that you can encounter in Thailand.

Dangerous blood-sucking insects

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are one of the main health threats in Thailand. They carry dengue fever, malaria, Zika virus and Japanese encephalitis. Dangerous mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti and Anopheles , are active at different times of the day:

●       Aedes mosquitoes (Dengue, Zika) bite during the day, especially in the morning and evening.

●       Anopheles mosquitoes (malaria) are most active at night.

How to protect yourself from mosquitoes:

●       Use repellents containing DEET, IR3535 or picaridin.

●       Wear long clothing, especially in rural areas.

●       Sleep under mosquito nets if there are bodies of water nearby.

●       Use mosquito coils and electric fumigators.

What to do if bitten by a mosquito:

●       Treat the bite site with an antiseptic or hydrocortisone ointment.

●       If you develop a high fever, body aches, or a rash, seek immediate medical attention (Dengue symptoms).

Sand midges

Sand flies ( Phlebotomus spp. ) are tiny insects that live in forests, near rivers and swamps. They are active in the evenings and at night. Sand fly bites can be extremely itchy and painful, leaving red welts that take a long time to heal.

But the main danger is the risk of transmitting diseases such as leptomaniasis and bacterial infections.

How to protect yourself from midge bites:

●       Apply repellents containing DEET or natural citronella oils.

●       Wear long pants and shirts, especially outdoors.

●       Use antiseptics and antihistamine ointments if bites appear.

What to do if bitten:

●       Wash the skin with an antiseptic (alcohol, chlorhexidine).

●       Apply an anti-itch cream (for example, Fenistil).

●       If swelling occurs or the wound does not heal for a long time, consult a doctor.

Ticks

Ticks in Thailand are found in national parks, jungles and farms. They can carry diseases such as Scrabini fever, Lyme disease and hemorrhagic fever.

Ticks often attack unnoticed and can attach to the skin for several hours or days, injecting anesthetic saliva.

How to avoid a tick bite:

●       Use repellents containing permethrin when hiking in the woods.

●       Inspect the body after walking in the jungle.

●       Wear closed clothing and shoes.

What to do if bitten by a tick:

1. Do not pull out the tick with your hands – it is better to use tweezers and unscrew it slowly and carefully.
2. Treat the bite site with an antiseptic (alcohol, hydrogen peroxide).
3. Monitor the symptoms - if you develop a fever, weakness, or redness of the skin around the bite, you should see a doctor.

Poisonous and stinging insects of Thailand

In Thailand, you can encounter several types of poisonous and stinging insects, the bites of which can cause pain, swelling, allergic reactions and, in rare cases, serious complications. These insects do not attack people without reason, but contact with them can be accidental, especially if a person is relaxing in nature, in forested areas or leaves things on the ground.

Scorpios

Where do they live?

Scorpions are found in forests, on farms, near rivers and even in cities, especially in shady and damp places. They can crawl into shoes, bags or under rocks, so it is important to be careful.

How dangerous is their venom?

In Thailand, the most common species is the black forest scorpion (Heterometrus). Their venom is not fatal, but causes severe pain, burning, swelling, and numbness in the area bitten. People allergic to scorpion venom may experience dizziness, fever, and convulsions.

How to avoid being bitten?

●       Always check your shoes and clothes if they have been outside.

●       Do not leave backpacks and tents open in the forest.

●       Do not try to catch or touch scorpions with your hands.

What to do if bitten?

1. Wash the bite site with an antiseptic (alcohol, chlorhexidine).
2. Apply ice to the bite to reduce pain and swelling.
3. Take an antihistamine (such as Loratadine) if you experience signs of an allergy.
4. If pain and swelling increase, go to the hospital.

Scolopendras

Where do they live?

Thailand is home to the giant Chinese centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes), which can reach 20-25 cm in length. These insects live in tropical forests, under rocks, in garbage, and even in houses, where they hide in dark and damp places.

Why is a centipede bite dangerous?

●       Scolopendra venom contains cytotoxins that cause intense pain, swelling and inflammation.

●       Numbness of the limbs, dizziness, vomiting and fever may occur.

●       In rare cases (in people with allergies) anaphylactic shock is possible.

How to avoid being bitten?

●       Avoid walking barefoot at night in natural areas.

●       Check beds and shoes before going to bed or putting on shoes.

●       Do not try to catch a centipede - they are very fast and aggressive.

What to do if bitten?

1. Wash the wound with soap and water, then with an antiseptic.
2. Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
3. Take a pain reliever and antihistamine (Ibuprofen, Loratadine).
4. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, fever or breathing problems, seek immediate medical attention.

Poisonous caterpillars

Where do they live?

Poisonous caterpillars are found in forests, parks, trees and bushes. Many of them are covered with brightly colored hairs that contain irritating toxins.

What is the danger of contact with a caterpillar?

●       Touching a poisonous caterpillar can cause severe itching, rash, redness and swelling.

●       In severe cases, allergic reactions, fever, and dizziness develop.

How to avoid contact?

●       Don't touch the bright and fluffy caterpillars.

●       Avoid sitting under trees in areas where contact with insects may occur.

What to do upon contact?

●       Carefully remove the caterpillar hairs from the skin using duct tape.

●       Rinse the skin with water and apply antihistamine cream.

●       If severe swelling, difficulty breathing or dizziness occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Fire ants

Where do they live?

Fire ants ( Solenopsis invicta ) live in the soil, under rocks, in the grass. They are often found in parks, on beaches and near bodies of water.

Why is the bite dangerous?

●       A burning sensation and pain, like a burn, that lasts for several hours.

●       Swelling and redness at the site of the bite.

●       Allergy sufferers may experience anaphylactic shock.

What to do if bitten?

1. Wash the skin with soap and water and apply antihistamine cream.
2. If the reaction is severe, take an antihistamine.
3. If you have difficulty breathing, go to the hospital immediately.

Dangerous spiders

Black widow and karakurt - how dangerous are they in Thailand?

Where do they live?

The black widow is found in dark and secluded places such as old buildings, tree hollows, and rocks.

Why is the bite dangerous?

●       Severe pain, cramps, nausea, sweating.

●       Possible breathing problems, high temperature.

●       In rare cases, a bite can be fatal without treatment.

What to do if bitten?

1. Wash the wound and immobilize the bitten limb.
2. Seek immediate medical attention - antidote is required.

Other poisonous spiders

Some native spider species, such as tarantulas, are not deadly venomous, but their bite causes pain, swelling, and numbness.

How to avoid being bitten?

●       Do not touch spiders with your hands.

●       Check clothing and footwear before use.

What to do if bitten?

●       Apply ice, take an antihistamine.

●       If your condition worsens, go to the hospital.

Precautions when in contact with insects

In Thailand, insects are found everywhere – in the jungle, parks, beaches and even in cities. To avoid unpleasant situations, it is important to prepare in advance and follow simple precautions.

The most common problem is mosquito bites, which carry dangerous diseases. In tropical climates, they are active both day and night, so it is better not to go outside without protection. Repellents are the main means against mosquitoes, but you should not limit yourself to them. In the evening, it is better to wear clothes with long sleeves and trousers, especially in rural areas and near water bodies. If you spend the night in a bungalow or a house in the countryside, you should make sure that the windows are covered with mosquito nets.

Ticks are another hidden danger. Their bites can remain unnoticed for several hours, and attached individuals carry dangerous infections. After walking in the forest or through tall grass, you should carefully examine your body, especially in the areas under the knees, on the neck and behind the ears. If a tick has attached itself, do not pull it out abruptly - it is better to use tweezers and carefully twist it out.

Contact with poisonous insects most often occurs accidentally. Scorpions and centipedes can crawl into shoes, bags or clothes, so before putting on shoes, shake them out and inspect your things. You can protect yourself by not leaving things on the ground in the forest or on the beach. If a bite does occur, the affected area should be immediately washed with an antiseptic, and then ice should be applied to reduce swelling.

A traveler's first aid kit should definitely contain first aid supplies: antiseptic, antihistamines, painkillers, and anti-itch cream. These simple things will help to cope with most bites and avoid serious complications.