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Doctor's Guide

Insect bites and stings on Mallorca

Mosquitoes, wasps, allergies — when to worry

4 min read Henrik VenusHenrik Venus, physician Updated: April 2026

In the Mediterranean Mallorca summer, insect bites and stings are an everyday occurrence — mosquitoes in the evening, wasps at breakfast, occasionally bees or ticks. Mostly harmless, but for people with allergies or stings in certain locations they can become dangerous — especially on hot days that also raise the risk of sunstroke on holiday in Mallorca.

Symptoms

  • Local swelling and redness
  • Itching and burning
  • Tenderness at the puncture site
  • Pustule or small bruise
  • In allergy: larger swelling, breathing difficulty
  • In severe allergy: circulatory problems

First aid

  1. 1 Carefully remove the stinger (with bee stings)
  2. 2 Clean the area with soap and water
  3. 3 Cool (cold pack, cold water)
  4. 4 Apply antihistamine ointment or cream
  5. 5 Do not scratch (risk of infection)
  6. 6 In case of fever or severe pain: call a doctor

When to see a doctor

Warning — act immediately!

Call 112 immediately for: breathing difficulty, swelling in the throat, severe skin rash, circulatory problems, dizziness after a sting. People with known allergies and an emergency kit: use it immediately and go to hospital!

Prevention

Prevention tips

Insect repellent (DEET 30%+), long clothing in the evening, mosquito net in the bedroom. Cover sweet drinks outdoors (wasps). No perfume in nature. For an allergic reaction or a strong local swelling, we can come to you with a house call in Illetas for acute treatment.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a mosquito bite last?
Usually 3–7 days. Itching is most intense after 1–2 days. Longer if there is infection or allergy.
What helps against itching?
Cooling, antihistamine ointment; for severe itching a corticosteroid cream (prescribed by a doctor). Do not scratch!
Are wasp stings more dangerous than mosquito bites?
For most people no — but more painful. They become dangerous in case of allergy or stings in the mouth or throat (breathing difficulty).
When does an insect bite or sting become dangerous?
When breathing difficulty, severe swelling of the face or throat, circulatory problems or fever occur. Then call 112 immediately!

Continue reading

Related guides

Sunstroke on holiday

Recognise symptoms, give first aid and prevent it correctly.

Dehydration in summer

The underestimated danger in heat — drink right and prevent it.

Stomach & food poisoning

Recognise food poisoning and recover quickly on holiday.

Back pain on holiday

From the long flight to lounging on the beach — what really helps.

⚠ Medical disclaimer This article is for general health information and does not replace medical examination, diagnosis or treatment. In case of acute symptoms, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, chest pain or suspected emergency, call the European emergency number 112 immediately. Last reviewed on 29 April 2026 by Henrik Venus, physician (German medical license, Landesprüfungsamt Arnsberg, 2022).

Acute symptoms? A doctor will come to you

English- and German-speaking private physician with house calls in southwest Mallorca. Daily 8 AM–10 PM.

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Medical disclaimer

The information on this page is intended for general orientation only and does <strong>not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment</strong>. All content has been compiled by a licensed physician (Henrik Venus, German medical license). <strong>In case of life-threatening emergency, call 112 immediately.</strong>

Life-threatening emergency? EU emergency number: Call 112 This service is not an emergency service