If you are stung by any of these, firstly, don’t panic. 

If the sting is embedded try and remove it but don’t squeeze or press it as this can cause more poison to enter the body.  The best way to remove is sting is to try to gently scratch it out with your fingernail or a blunt object.

The normal reaction to a sting is pain, itching and swelling, which will gradually wear off.

To treat a sting the area should be bathed with cold water and an antiseptic cream applied.

Warning:  if the person shows any signs of breathing difficulty, facial swelling or has a rapid pulse call an ambulance immediately or take the person to the nearest casualty department.  Allergies to stings can be life threatening.

Caterpillars (Processional Pine Caterpillars)
These caterpillars are extremely dangerous and are nothing like UK caterpillars.

Their name comes from the fact that they walk nose to tail in a line from pine tree to pine tree.  This can be a fascinating sight, but please don’t get too close and in particular don’t allow animals and children to touch them.

The caterpillars can be spotted in their silk cocoons in pine trees during February and March.  They cause extensive damage to the pine trees, eating their way through the needles and then moving on to the next tree.  It’s not unusual to see several nests in one tree.
 
The hairs on the caterpillars are poisonous and can kill a dog within hours.  If touched by a human they can cause a very nasty reaction and children have gone temporarily blind after touching the caterpillars then rubbing their eyes.  Even the hairs floating in the air can cause severe illness.  If the hairs land on you try not to brush your skin as this will make the reaction worse.

If someone is affected by the hairs they should take anti-histamine treatment straight away.  If they show any signs of shock then take them to a casualty department immediately.

If you suspect your pet has touched the caterpillars you should take them to a vet as soon as possible.

If you live in a property that is near to pine trees you should know what to do with the nest.

It should be sprayed with hairspray to prevent the hairs spreading and then the nest should be burned.  Of course it’s not advisable to climb the trees yourself to do this so you should call in an expert, such as a tree surgeon.  You could also ask at the town hall if they are prepared to eradicate the problem, but don’t get your hopes up.  It’s also worth remembering that you’re usually not allowed to cut down pine trees, so this isn’t a way to solve the problem.

Centipedes
A centipede is relatively harmless although some can give quite a nasty sting.  Encourage children to keep away from them as the stings can cause an allergic reaction.

Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are common, particularly in countryside areas where there are trees or stagnant water.

Mosquitoes can give a very nasty bite that is extremely uncomfortable.  Some people seem to be more susceptible than others.

To prevent bites as soon as evening comes put on plenty of insect repellent and wear long sleeves and long trousers (even if it is hot).  You’re just as likely to be bitten indoors so apply repellent even if you’re not outdoors.  Keep windows and doors shut at night even if you have mosquito screens as they’ll still find a way in.

This seems a shame when you’ve probably moved to Spain to be able to throw open your windows at dusk and enjoy the warm Mediterranean breeze, but when you’ve been bitten a few times you’ll understand what we’re talking about.

You can also buy coils to burn, citronella candles and plug in repellents.  You could also use a mosquito net over your bed at night.

As well as causing intensely irritating bites mosquitoes can carry yellow fever, encephalitis and malaria.  These diseases aren’t currently in Spain but are getting commoner in tropical countries and care should still be taken here.

To treat mosquito bites you can use camomile lotion, witch hazel, tea tree oil or anti histamine cream, tablets or medicine.  Ask at the pharmacy what they recommend .

Praying Mantis
The praying mantis is brown or green and looks like a grasshopper or cricket.  They don’t sting but if picked up can pinch with their forelegs that they hold in the ‘praying ‘ position.

Sand Flies (Leishmaniasis)
Sand flies transmit a disease called leishmaniasis that is dangerous to dogs.  They don’t actually live in the sand, but in wooded and garden areas.

They will repeatedly bite a dog and are most prevalent during the early hours of the morning.  Dogs that are left to sleep outside are the most susceptible.

To prevent your dog being bitten by sand flies ask your dog for a special collar that is impregnated with a type of repellent.  You should also keep your dog indoors from dusk and use mosquito nets to keep the flies out.

Praying Mantis on the Serella ridges

They do not bite humans, or spread disease. However, when handled, their spiny-like forelegs can be readily felt as a "sharp pinch." Mantids are most commonly seen in late September and early October.

Scorpions
A scorpion sting is painful but not deadly. 

Scorpions live in dry and rocky areas of Spain and care should be taken when camping as they like to find their way into warm dark places (such as your shoes).
If you are bitten by a scorpion don’t panic.  Wrap a bandage firmly around the bite and get medical attention.

Spiders
You should be wary of spiders in Spain.  Whilst most are harmless they can give a nasty bite.

Black widows do live in the Valencia region, but don’t let this put you off living in this beautiful region as sightings are extremely rare and bites even rarer.

There are also funnel web spiders in Spain.  These are more commonly known as living in Australia and can bite but not lethally.

You may also be surprised to know that there are some tarantulas living in Spain, although not in this region.  The bad news is a bite from a black widow is worse that one from a tarantula.

If you’re bitten by a spider try and kill it and keep it so you can show medical staff what anti-venom treatment to give you.

Ants
There are plenty of ants on the Costa Blanca: small, medium and large.

None are seriously harmful but the larger ones will give you a stinging bite.

Ticks
Ticks on cats and dogs are very common in Spain and they can be harmful to your pet.  Ticks can also spread disease to humans.
As your vet for the best prevention against ticks.

They can be removed from the animal by pouring alcohol on the area and removing the whole tick.  You must ensure no part of the tick is left inside the animal.

Snakes
Death from a snake bite in Spain is extremely rare.  The only potentially fatal snake in this region is the viper. 

However, if you are bitten by any snake you should seek immediate medical attention and memorise what the snake looked like.  This will prevent delays in treatment and ensure the correct anti-venom is given.

There are three common snakes in this area:

Lataste's viper – this snake is short and grey (around 50cm) and has a triangular head and a zigzag pattern on its back.
Ladder snake – this snake is distinguished by the bold ladder pattern on its back, which changes to two simple stripes in adults.
Montpellier snake – up to 2 metres long, the Montpellier snake is blue with a white underbelly.

Don’t provoke a snake and it will probably leave you alone.  They appear in spring and summer as they hibernate in the cooler weather.