The Hidden Cost of Hiking: Getting Sick from Bug Bites Can Cost You Thousands
Is the cooler packed? Have you remembered the tent stakes? Are you prepared with bug repellent and aware of the risks of insect-borne illnesses?
When planning an outdoor adventure, it’s important to answer all these questions, but easy to forget about insects. As many have discovered, however, doing so may expose you to the risk of severe illness and expensive medical bills
To uncover stories of these unfortunate events and understand the misconceptions about insect-borne illnesses and remediation strategies that contribute to them, we surveyed 550 outdoor enthusiasts across the United States. Both men and women, these individuals (aged 18-65) reported engaging in a range of outdoor activities including gardening, hiking, walking pets, and working. They also shared insights about the financial and personal impact of bug-borne diseases when illness struck their household.
Key Takeaways
- 1 in 7 outdoor enthusiasts will face unexpected medical bills from bug-borne illnesses
- 32.9% of victims pay $1,000+ in out-of-pocket medical costs associated with insect-borne illnesses, while 3.95% face bills exceeding $5,000.
- Most Americans can't identify disease sources: Only 61% correctly know that ticks cause Lyme disease, while 64% are unsure what causes alpha-gal syndrome.
- Basic protection measures cost under $100 annually versus thousands in potential medical expenses
1 in 7 Outdoor Enthusiasts Hit with Unexpected Medical Bills from Bug Bites
The statistics are striking: One in seven outdoor enthusiasts is hit with unexpected medical bills after getting sick from a bug bite. Sometimes, these 13.82% of individuals don’t even know that a bug bite is the cause of their illness until days or weeks later.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that vector-borne illnesses – which can be caused by parasites, bacteria, or viruses – account for more than 700,000 deaths annually and upwards of 17% of all infectious diseases across the globe.
While the numbers are alarming, they only tell part of the story. For many outdoor enthusiasts, a single insect bite has meant weeks or even months of physical recovery, emotional stress, and expensive medical bills. To understand just how impactful these illnesses can be, we spoke to individuals who experienced them firsthand — including one Master Gardener from Upstate, New York, who contracted Lyme disease in 2023.
The Tick You Missed: How One Bite Changed Everything
Sean McDonald, a healthcare worker and Master Gardener, spends as much time outdoors as he can. Until summer 2023, being outside used to be one of his greatest reliefs. That day, his habit of taking a walk around his wooded property in his free time turned into a health ordeal that cost thousands of dollars in missed shifts, medical expenses, and lasting emotional stress.
Despite regularly checking for ticks, Sean missed one. A tick latched onto the back of his knee long enough to transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
The symptoms came fast and without a clear cause: a pounding headache, fatigue, brain fog, and a fever that spiked over 101°F unless he took Tylenol every few hours. COVID tests came back negative. He tried resting, hydrating – “even chicken soup” – but nothing helped. After more than a week of missed work and unanswered questions, Sean returned to his job at the hospital one morning only to have his fever spike again, forcing him to leave mid-shift.
Finally, he went to see his doctor. Blood tests confirmed Lyme disease, and he began antibiotics. But the worst wasn’t over.
Within days, Sean developed Bell’s Palsy, a sudden facial paralysis that made one side of his face droop – a stroke-like condition caused by nerve inflammation, sometimes triggered by Lyme. Though Bell’s Palsy is temporary, its onset was frightening and disruptive. “I had new residents starting that week,” he recalled. “I couldn’t go into work looking like I had a stroke – I would have freaked out my patients and coworkers.”
He ultimately missed about two full weeks of work and needed four weeks for the fatigue, headaches, and brain fog to subside. Even now, two years later, he describes lingering PTSD from the experience. “For months – and sometimes still today – I catch myself jumping out of bed in the middle of the night if I feel a tickle or an itch. I’m terrified that it’s another tick, but it’s usually just lint or something small like that,” he said. “Still, I’m thoroughly freaked out.”
Since then, Sean has enhanced his approach to outdoor safety. He now wears insect-repellent clothing, applies EPA-registered insect repellents, and conducts tick checks. Despite all the precautions, he still gets the occasional bug bite. But now, he knows what to do: act fast and call his doctor before he gets sick again.
The Financial Toll of Insect-Borne Illnesses
While Sean was lucky to have minimal out-of-pocket medical costs, he is in the minority.
Our survey found nearly 1/3 (32.9%) of Americans who got sick from bug bites were hit with medical bills totaling $1,000 or more. In the worst-case scenarios, 3.95% of people reported out-of-pocket medical bills totaling $5,000 or more.
These direct out-of-pocket costs were related to treatment, diagnosis, and recovery (e.g., ER,
antibiotics, tests, follow-up visits). More than half (52.63%) only received partial coverage for treatment from insurance, and 5.26% of victims had to cover all expenses on their own – either because they were uninsured or their insurance failed to cover their bills.
Why Insurance Falls Short: Insect-borne illness treatment often includes expenses insurance won’t fully cover. Experimental treatments for chronic Lyme, specialized testing for rare diseases, long-term dietary modifications for alpha-gal syndrome, and extended physical therapy frequently require significant out-of-pocket spending.
What Bug Bites Really Cost: More Than You Think
For those who get sick from bug bites, the costs can quickly add up. On top of the direct costs for treatment, diagnosis, and recovery, people reported additional out-of-pocket expenses. Like Sean, 63.16% of people who had an insect-borne illness reported missing work. And that’s not the only cost.
The Hidden Economic Impact:
- 39.47% made dietary or lifestyle changes impacting household budgets
- 32.89% faced unexpected transportation costs to treatment
- 26.32% lost money on cancelled travel plans or vacation fees
- 22.37% required unexpected childcare during treatment and recovery
One respondent highlighted another impactful cost of illness. Though not financially relevant, they highlighted that their illness had the cost of "missing out on life, not being able to get out of bed."
Why Most People Underestimate the Risk of Types of Insect Bites
Though the majority of people (70.36%) spend at least five hours outside per week during peak insect season, which runs from spring to fall in the U.S., many assume bug bites are harmless or that insect repellent is optional.
But with nearly 14% of respondents reporting that they or someone in their household has gotten sick from a bug bite, we can see that this is simply not the case.
Common Dangerous Assumptions:
- "It's just a mosquito bite—they're annoying, not dangerous."
- "Ticks only live in heavily wooded, remote areas."
- "A quick spray of bug repellent is enough for any outdoor activity."
- "I'll know immediately if I get bitten by something dangerous."
Survey data reveals these misconceptions are widespread. Though the majority – 30.91% of Americans – report moderate concern, 39.45% are far less concerned…if at all.
Before and After Infection:
After getting sick from bug bites, however, these numbers shift. 59.21% report taking many more precautions today when spending time outside.
While a shift in perspective is important for future prevention, increased awareness of the risks of bug bites and education about preventative measures such as permethrin spray and permethrin-treated clothing can save you from having to experience illness.
Misunderstood and Underestimated: The Dangerous Knowledge Gap Around Types of Insect Bites
One thing is abundantly clear: People are unsure about what type of bugs are to blame for common illnesses. This is how 550 outdoor enthusiasts responded when quizzed about what insects are responsible for common vector-borne illnesses.
Disease Source Knowledge Survey Results:
| Illness | Mosquito Bite | Tick Bite | Both | Not Sure | Neither |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyme Disease | 12% | 61% | 18% | 7% | 2% |
| Dengue Fever | 38% | 7% | 18% | 35% | 3% |
| Alpha-Gal Syndrome | 6% | 9% | 17% | 64% | 4% |
| Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever | 11% | 33% | 15% | 37% | 5% |
| Malaria | 70% | 4% | 13% | 11% | 3% |
| Chikungunya | 9% | 5% | 12% | 67% | 7% |
| Leishmaniasis | 7% | 6% | 13% | 68% | 6% |
| Yellow Fever | 36% | 8% | 17% | 34% | 6% |
| Zika Virus | 52% | 5% | 12% | 27% | 4% |
Different Types of Insect Bites and Their Risks
While struggling to identify the risks different bug bites pose, many don’t even know how to identify what bit them in the first place. Misunderstanding symptoms can delay treatment and increase health risks. The table below breaks down common insect bites, what they look like, how they feel, and the potential dangers they carry.
| Type of Bite | Image | Symptoms | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mosquito |
 |
Itching Swelling Sometimes blisters Possible allergic reaction |
Beyond skin irritation, mosquito bites put people at risk of infection when bacteria or parasites get into open wounds caused by scratching. Severe risks of mosquitoes include insect-borne illnesses, including Dengue Fever, Malaria, chikungunya, Yellow Fever, and Zika Virus. Some individuals may also be allergic to mosquito bites and experience adverse allergic reactions. |
| Tick |
 |
May be painless Rash or fever can follow |
While tick bites are often painless and may even go unnoticed, severe risks include Lyme Disease, Alpha-Gal Syndrome, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. |
| Sandfly |
 |
Intense itching Burning sensation Swelling |
Severe risks include Leishmaniasis. Additional risks include localized skin irritation and potential secondary infection from scratching. |
| Ant |  |
Burning Itching Possible blistering Allergic reactions |
Common risks of ant bites are painful pustules that may become infected. Some bites may cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. |
| Spider |
 |
Swelling Redness Cramps and nausea |
Though some spider bites may only cause minor skin irritation, others – such as Brown Recluse and Black Widow – can cause serious tissue damage, systemic symptoms, and infections that can be life-threatening. |
| Flea |  |
Intense itching Rash |
The most common risk of flea bites is secondary infections from scratching. In some areas of the world, serious (yet rare) risks include disease transmission (e.g., plague, typhus). |
| Bed Bug |  |
Itching Inflammation Allergic reactions |
Risks include sleep disruption and psychological stress. Rare allergic reactions or secondary skin infections from scratching may occur. |
Bug Bites on the Rise: Why and Where
Climate change is dramatically expanding the geographic range of disease-carrying insects, putting millions of Americans at new risk. Vector-borne diseases are appearing in regions where they were once rare or unknown.
Geographic Expansion Examples:
- Lyme Disease: Now reported in all 50 states, with cases increasing exponentially in the last 25 years.
Reported cases of Lyme disease, 2023 (Source: CDC)
Reported cases of Lyme disease, 2010 (Source: CDC)
Reported cases of Lyme disease, 1995 (Source: CDC)
- Dengue Fever: Local transmission now documented in Texas, Florida, and Hawaii, though it’s limited. Dengue is common, however, in the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- West Nile Virus: Spread from 62 cases in 1999 to over 1,700 cases nationwide in 2024, according to recent data from the CDC.
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome: The number of positive tests for this tick-bite associated allergic condition – which can be life-threatening – increased from 13,371 in 2017 to 18,885 in 2021.
Climate Impact Data: Rising temperatures allow ticks to survive winters in previously inhospitable regions, while increased rainfall creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The CDC reports that vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004 and 2016, with nine new vector-borne diseases discovered in the U.S. since 2000.
Why the Media, Employers, and Families Should Pay Attention
This isn't just a personal safety issue, it's a growing public health crisis requiring a coordinated response from multiple sectors.
Media Responsibility: News outlets should treat vector-borne disease prevention as seriously as other seasonal health warnings. When reporting on outdoor activities, weather, or travel, including insect protection information, can save lives and medical costs.
Employer Stakes: Companies with outdoor workers face significant liability and productivity costs. Construction, landscaping, utilities, and recreation industries should implement comprehensive insect protection programs. The return on investment is clear: spending $50 per employee on protection gear could prevent thousands in insurance claims and lost productivity.
Family Impact: Parents planning outdoor activities need accurate information about regional risks – like knowing where ticks are found – and age-appropriate protection strategies. Children are particularly vulnerable due to increased outdoor exposure and difficulty recognizing early symptom onset.
How to Prevent Bug Bites According to Science, Not Folklore
Knowing how to prevent bug bites is the first step in avoiding illness.
| Common Myth | Bug Bite Reality |
|---|---|
| Natural repellents like citronella are just as effective as DEET. | EPA studies show DEET provides 6-8 hours of protection, while citronella typically lasts under 2 hours. For serious protection, use EPA-registered repellents. |
| Light-colored clothing prevents all insect bites. | While ticks are easier to spot on light clothing, color alone doesn't repel insects. Tightly woven fabrics and treated clothing provide better protection. |
| Ticks fall from trees onto people. | Ticks wait on grass and low vegetation, then climb upward. Check ankles and lower legs first. |
Proven Prevention Strategies:
- Use EPA-registered repellents containing permethrin, DEET (20-30%), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Wear insect-repellent treated clothing for long-lasting protection without reapplication
- Perform daily tick checks focusing on hairline, armpits, groin, and behind knees
- Create tick-safe and inhospitable mosquito zones around homes by removing leaf litter, creating wood chip barriers, and eliminating standing or stagnant water
- If possible, time outdoor activities to avoid peak insect activity (dawn and dusk for mosquitoes)
Investing in Bug Protection for Long-Term Cost Savings
The math is compelling: comprehensive insect protection costs approximately $75-150 annually per person, while survey respondents faced average treatment costs of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Cost Comparison Breakdown:
- Annual Protection Investment: $120 (treated clothing, repellents, home treatments)
- Average Illness Cost: $2,100 (medical bills plus indirect costs)
- Return on Investment: 17:1 cost savings ratio
For a family of four spending significant time outdoors, investing $400 annually in comprehensive protection (including insect-repellent clothing) provides insurance against potential medical costs that could reach $8,000+ for multiple infections.
High-Risk Group Considerations: Outdoor workers, frequent travelers, and families in endemic areas should view insect protection as essential safety equipment, not optional gear. The peace of mind alone justifies the minimal investment compared to potential consequences.
Final Word: A Tiny Bite, a Huge Impact
Sean’s story serves as a powerful reminder that outdoor activities should bring peace of mind, not medical bills. His experience, multiplied across thousands of American households each year, demonstrates that insect protection isn't optional equipment for outdoor activities.
The data is clear: vector-borne diseases are increasing, geographic ranges are expanding, and too many people remain dangerously uninformed about prevention strategies. Yet the solution is remarkably simple and affordable.
Whether you're planning a weekend hike, tending your garden, or simply walking your dog, treat insect protection as essential gear. Because in the world of vector-borne diseases, prevention isn't just better than cure — it's exponentially cheaper.
One tiny bite shouldn't change everything. With proper protection, it doesn't have to.
FAQs
Can you really get sick from a bug bite?
Yes, insects can transmit serious diseases, including Lyme disease, West Nile virus, dengue fever, and many others. Our survey found that nearly 14% of outdoor enthusiasts have experienced vector-borne illness in their household, often resulting in significant medical costs and lost work time.
What are the most common types of insect bites that cause illness?
The most common vector-borne diseases in the U.S. include Lyme disease (transmitted by ticks), West Nile virus (mosquitoes), Rocky Mountain spotted fever (ticks), and alpha-gal syndrome (lone star ticks). Geographic prevalence varies, with Lyme disease most common in the Northeast and alpha-gal syndrome concentrated in the Southeast.
What are the signs you need medical attention after a bug bite?
Seek immediate medical care if you experience fever, expanding rash (especially bull's-eye patterns), severe headache, joint pain, muscle aches, or neurological symptoms like confusion or difficulty concentrating within days or weeks of potential insect exposure. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes for most vector-borne diseases.
How can I prevent bug bites while hiking or traveling?
Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET or wear permethrin-treated gear. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, preferably treated with insect repellent. Perform daily tick checks, focusing on hairline, armpits, and groin areas. Research regional disease risks before traveling and pack appropriate protection gear.
Is insect repellent clothing really effective at preventing bug bites?
Yes, clothing treated with EPA-registered insect repellents (like permethrin) provides long-lasting protection. Studies show treated clothing like Insect Shield can reduce insect bites and tick attachment by upwards of 93%. The protection typically lasts through 70 wash cycles, making it cost-effective for regular outdoor enthusiasts.