Insect bites and stings Insect bites and stings Insect bites and stings occur when an insect is agitated and seeks to defend itself through its natural defense mechanisms, or when an insect seeks to feed off the bitten person. Some insects inject formic acid, which can cause an immediate skin reaction often resulting in redness and swelling in the injured area. Stings from fire ants, bees, wasps and hornets are usually painful, and may stimulate a dangerous allergic reaction called anaphylaxis for at-risk patients, and some wasps can also have a powerful bite along with a sting. Bites from mosquitoes and fleas are more
RID Insect Repellent RID Insect Repellent RID is an Australian brand of personal insect repellent sold and distributed in Australia, New Zealand, worldwide and online. It was the first insect repellent invented in Australia, in 1956. It is applied topically to exposed skin or clothing to repel mosquitoes, sandflies, midges, flies, fleas, ticks, head lice, mites and other insect pests, as well as leeches. RID is available in a variety of packsizes such as aerosols creams, and pump sprays. It is the only major brand of personal insect repellent that is Australian-made and -owned, and has been in production for over 57 years.