Living in South Florida means sharing your space with mosquitoes, fire ants, no-see-ums, spiders, and the occasional tick. Most bites are harmless annoyances, but some require medical attention. Here is your guide to South Florida’s most common biters and when to worry.
Mosquitoes
The most common bite in Miami. Most mosquito bites cause a small, itchy bump that resolves in a few days. However, mosquitoes in South Florida can carry West Nile virus and, in rare outbreaks, Zika and dengue. See a doctor if a mosquito bite becomes unusually swollen or develops a secondary infection from scratching, or if you develop fever, headache, and body aches after being bitten.
Fire Ants
Fire ant stings are immediately painful and produce characteristic white pustules within 24 hours. Most people develop localized swelling and itching. However, some people have severe allergic reactions including widespread hives, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. If you experience symptoms beyond the immediate sting area, visit TrufaMED immediately.
No-See-Ums (Biting Midges)
These tiny insects cause intensely itchy bites that often appear in clusters, especially around ankles and legs. While not medically dangerous, the bites can become infected from vigorous scratching, which is the most common complication we treat at urgent care.
Spiders
Most spider bites in South Florida are harmless. However, brown recluse spiders are present in our area and their bites can cause tissue necrosis: a dark, expanding wound that worsens over days. Black widow bites cause muscle pain, cramping, and sweating. If you suspect a bite from either spider, seek medical care promptly.
Ticks
While less common than in northern states, ticks are present in South Florida parks and natural areas. If you find an embedded tick, proper removal technique matters: use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp close to the skin, and pull straight up without twisting. Save the tick if possible. Visit urgent care for assessment if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours or if you develop a rash, fever, or joint pain in the weeks following the bite.
When Any Bite Needs Medical Attention
Visit TrufaMED Urgent Care if the bite area shows increasing redness, swelling, or warmth beyond the immediate bite site. You see pus, red streaking, or drainage. You develop hives, widespread itching, or swelling away from the bite. You have fever after being bitten. The bite is not improving after several days.
Our providers treat bite reactions with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and antibiotics as needed. For patients with severe reactions, we can also support immune recovery with our Immune Boost IV ($305).
Bite getting worse? Walk into TrufaMED at 9445 Harding Ave, Surfside or call (305) 537-6396.