What it is
It’s when an insect (mosquito, wasp, or bee) pierces the skin and injects venom or saliva. It can hurt, become red, or itch. Most of the time, they aren’t dangerous, but sometimes bites can cause disease.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Quickly remove the stinger or the tick.
- Stinger: gently scratch the skin to remove it.
- Tick: use tweezers to grab the tick near the skin and pull gently. Try not to crush the tick then removing it.
- Place the tick in a small, closed container. Make note of the date, time, and location where the bite occurred.
- Call Info-Santé 811, Option 1, to inform them that you were bitten by a tick.
- Wash the skin with soap and water.
- Apply ice to the bite for 10 minutes every 30 minutes, for 4 hours. Wrap the ice in a cloth to protect your skin.
- If it becomes swollen, remove your jewellery and raise your arm or leg.
- If you are in pain, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), if there are no contraindications. Ask for advice at the pharmacy.
- If you were bitten by a spider, call the Québec Poison Control Centre: 1-800-463-5060.
Avoid
- If your skin itches, avoid scratching:
- Apply a cold washcloth or a paste made by mixing equal parts water and baking soda to the bite. Apply for a few seconds.
- Ask for advice at the pharmacy to find a cream or other over-the-counter medication to treat the itch.
When to seek medical attention
If you have any of these signs:
- You were bitten by a tick, even if you managed to remove it;
- You can’t remove the entire tick;
- It’s itchy, you are in pain, or it remains swollen despite care.
- The skin becomes red, swollen, or hot, and pus (yellow or green liquid) appears;
Call 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse, or contact a healthcare professional (pharmacist, doctor, or nurse practitioner), if any of the signs listed above apply.
When to go to the hospital right away
You have a fever and were stung within the past 3 months while travelling in a country where there is malaria.
You have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:
- Your breathing is raspy (stridor) or air is not getting through properly.
- Your lips, tongue or face are swollen.
- You have a rash on your body or itchy skin.
- You feel weak, dizzy, your heart is racing.
- You have a stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea.
The skin around the bite turns black.
You have previously had a serious reaction to a bite.
After a tick bite:
- you have a headache, a stiff neck, fever, sensitivity to light, weakness, vomiting, intense pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness (fainting), a racing heartbeat and/or sudden numbness.
You were stung in the mouth by a wasp, a hornet, or a bumblebee.
You were stung near the eyes and you are in pain or have trouble seeing.
You were stung by several insects at the same time.
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment on Clic Santé if your child needs a vaccination.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to https://gap.soinsvirtuels.gouv.qc.ca/en or call 811, Option 3.
Last update: January 1, 2026
The information sheet does not replace medical advice. If you have any doubts, contact a healthcare professional.
References:
- Cette fiche ne remplace pas un avis médical. En cas de doute, communiquez avec un(e) professionnel(le) de la santé.
See also
See the details of Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis
- Infants
- Children
- Adults
- Seniors
See the details of Superficial Wound
Superficial Wound
- Infants
- Children
- Adults
- Seniors