What are the common signs of mite and flea bites on hands. How can you effectively identify and treat bug bites on your hands. What are the best prevention methods for avoiding insect bites on your hands.

Understanding Bedbugs: Tiny Terrors That Bite in the Night

Bedbugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, are blood-feeding parasites found worldwide. These nocturnal pests have made a significant comeback in recent years, particularly in urban areas and locations with high occupant turnover such as hotels, apartment buildings, and college dormitories.

Why have bedbugs become such a prevalent issue? The resurgence can be attributed to several factors:

• The ban of dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) in 1972 due to environmental concerns
• Less effective pesticides replacing DDT
• Increase in international travel and immigration

These tiny insects are incredibly resilient and can infest even the cleanest environments. Contrary to popular belief, the presence of bedbugs is not indicative of poor hygiene or unsanitary conditions.

Identifying Bedbugs: Size, Appearance, and Behavior

How can you spot these elusive pests? Adult bedbugs range from 1 to 7 millimeters in size, making them visible to the naked eye. They possess the following characteristics:

• Reddish-brown coloration
• Flat, oval-shaped bodies
• Six legs
• Unable to fly or jump

Bedbugs are masters of concealment, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day and emerging at night to feed. Female bedbugs lay approximately one egg per day, which hatch within a week in room temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Are bedbug nymphs different from adults? Newly hatched nymphs resemble adult bedbugs but are smaller and translucent until their first blood meal. They undergo five molting stages over about five weeks before reaching maturity.

The Telltale Signs of Bedbug Bites on Your Hands and Body

Bedbug bites often serve as the first indication of an infestation. These bites typically appear on exposed areas of the body during sleep, such as:

• Arms
• Legs
• Back
• Neck
• Hands

Can you feel bedbugs biting you? Surprisingly, most people don’t feel the bites as they occur. Bedbugs inject an anesthetic and anticoagulant while feeding, making their bites painless and undetectable in the moment.

Recognizing Bedbug Bite Patterns

How can you distinguish bedbug bites from other insect bites? While individual reactions may vary, there are some common patterns to look out for:

• Linear pattern of three bites, often referred to as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner”
• Red, itchy bumps similar to mosquito bites
• Bites appearing within 24 hours of exposure

It’s important to note that not everyone reacts to bedbug bites in the same way. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, while others may not react at all.

Health Implications of Bedbug Bites: More Nuisance Than Danger

Are bedbug bites a serious health concern? While the idea of bedbugs can be distressing, their bites generally do not pose a significant threat to human health. Bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans.

However, bedbug bites can cause discomfort and irritation. Common symptoms include:

• Itching
• Redness
• Swelling
• Potential allergic reactions in some individuals

In most cases, bedbug bites heal on their own within two weeks without requiring medical intervention. To alleviate symptoms, you can apply over-the-counter anti-itch creams or corticosteroid creams to the affected areas.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bedbug Bites

While rare, there are instances when bedbug bites may require medical attention. Consult a dermatologist if you experience:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Signs of infection, such as pus or oozing from the bite sites
• Persistent or worsening symptoms

In these cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids, or antibiotics to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Effective Strategies for Dealing with Bedbug Infestations

Bedbugs are notorious for being difficult to eradicate. Their resilience and ability to hide in small crevices make them a formidable pest to tackle. However, with the right approach, it is possible to eliminate a bedbug infestation.

DIY Bedbug Control Methods

For minor infestations, you may attempt some do-it-yourself methods:

1. Thoroughly vacuum all potentially infested areas, including mattresses, box springs, and furniture
2. Wash and dry all bedding, curtains, and clothing on high heat settings
3. Use mattress and box spring encasements designed to trap bedbugs
4. Apply diatomaceous earth or other bedbug-specific powders in cracks and crevices
5. Use steam cleaning on mattresses, upholstered furniture, and carpets

Are DIY methods always effective? While these steps can help control small infestations, they may not be sufficient for larger or more established bedbug problems.

Professional Pest Control: When to Call in the Experts

For severe infestations or when DIY methods prove ineffective, it’s advisable to seek professional pest control services. Experienced exterminators have access to more potent treatments and specialized equipment to effectively eliminate bedbugs.

Professional bedbug treatments may include:

• Heat treatments
• Fumigation
• Targeted insecticide applications
• Combination approaches

These methods often require multiple treatments and follow-up inspections to ensure complete eradication of the bedbug population.

Preventing Bedbug Infestations: Proactive Measures for Peace of Mind

While eliminating bedbugs can be challenging, preventing infestations is far easier and more cost-effective. By implementing some simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of bringing bedbugs into your home.

Travel Tips to Avoid Bringing Bedbugs Home

How can you protect yourself from bedbugs while traveling? Follow these guidelines:

1. Inspect hotel rooms thoroughly upon arrival, checking mattresses, headboards, and furniture for signs of bedbugs
2. Keep luggage elevated and away from beds and walls
3. Use luggage racks or place suitcases in the bathtub when unpacking
4. Examine and vacuum your luggage before bringing it into your home after traveling
5. Wash and dry all clothing from your trip on high heat settings

Home Prevention Strategies

To minimize the risk of bedbug infestations in your home:

• Regularly inspect your bedding, mattresses, and furniture for signs of bedbugs
• Use mattress and box spring encasements
• Reduce clutter to eliminate potential hiding spots
• Be cautious when purchasing second-hand furniture or clothing
• Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and furniture

By staying vigilant and implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of dealing with a bedbug infestation in your home.

Differentiating Bedbug Bites from Other Insect Bites

Bedbug bites can often be confused with bites from other insects. Understanding the differences can help in proper identification and treatment.

Bedbug Bites vs. Mosquito Bites

How do bedbug bites differ from mosquito bites?

• Bedbug bites often appear in a linear or clustered pattern, while mosquito bites are usually random and scattered
• Bedbug bites may take longer to appear (up to 14 days) compared to mosquito bites, which typically show up within minutes
• Mosquito bites tend to be larger and more raised than bedbug bites

Bedbug Bites vs. Flea Bites

What distinguishes bedbug bites from flea bites?

• Flea bites are typically found around the ankles and lower legs, while bedbug bites can appear anywhere on the body
• Flea bites often have a red “halo” around the bite center, which is less common in bedbug bites
• Flea bites tend to be smaller and more numerous than bedbug bites

Remember that individual reactions can vary, and it’s not always possible to definitively identify the source of a bite based on appearance alone. If you suspect a bedbug infestation, look for other signs such as shed skins, fecal spots, or live bugs in your sleeping area.

The Psychological Impact of Bedbug Infestations

While bedbugs may not pose a significant physical health risk, their presence can have a substantial psychological impact on those affected. The emotional toll of dealing with a bedbug infestation should not be underestimated.

Common Psychological Responses to Bedbug Infestations

Individuals dealing with bedbugs may experience:

• Anxiety and stress
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Feelings of shame or embarrassment
• Social isolation
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in severe cases

These psychological effects can persist even after the infestation has been eliminated. The fear of reinfestation or the stigma associated with bedbugs can lead to long-lasting emotional distress.

Coping Strategies and Support

If you’re struggling with the emotional impact of a bedbug infestation, consider the following coping strategies:

1. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
2. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises
3. Consult a mental health professional if symptoms persist or interfere with daily life
4. Educate yourself about bedbugs to dispel myths and reduce anxiety
5. Focus on the steps you’re taking to resolve the issue

Remember that experiencing emotional distress due to a bedbug infestation is normal and valid. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling to cope with the situation.

The Economic Impact of Bedbug Infestations

Bedbug infestations can have significant economic consequences for individuals, businesses, and communities. Understanding these impacts can help emphasize the importance of prevention and prompt treatment.

Costs Associated with Bedbug Infestations

The financial burden of dealing with bedbugs can include:

• Professional pest control services
• Replacement of infested furniture and belongings
• Lost wages due to time off work for treatment and preparation
• Hotel costs if temporary relocation is necessary
• Medical expenses for treating bites or related health issues

For businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, bedbug infestations can lead to:

• Revenue loss due to room closures
• Damage to reputation and potential lawsuits
• Increased operational costs for prevention and treatment

The Broader Economic Impact

On a larger scale, bedbug infestations can affect:

• Property values in affected areas
• Tourism industry in cities with high infestation rates
• Increased demand for pest control services, potentially driving up prices
• Development of new technologies and products for bedbug prevention and treatment

The economic consequences of bedbug infestations underscore the importance of early detection, prompt treatment, and ongoing prevention efforts. By investing in these areas, individuals and businesses can potentially save significant amounts of money in the long run.

All About Bedbugs

Good night, sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.

The popular children’s rhyme gets it right: Bedbugs do most commonly feed on humans at night while they’re sleeping (though they can sometimes bite during the day), and they’re the type of pest you really don’t want to have to deal with. (1)

Bedbugs (or Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, their scientific names) are blood-feeding parasites that can be found all around the world. You mostly hear about them in urban areas or places with a great deal of occupant turnover, such as hotels, apartment buildings, and college dormitories, because that’s where they spread most easily. (1)

Bedbugs were nearly extinct after World War II thanks to the use of dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). The United States banned DDT in 1972 because of its negative environmental effects, and the less-effective pesticides that came after it, along with a rise in international travel and immigration, has contributed to the bedbug resurgence we’re experiencing today. (3)

What Do Bedbugs Look Like, and How Do I Know I Have Them?

Bedbugs are reddish-brown insects that feed on blood, primarily blood from humans. (4) Bedbugs crawl, but cannot fly or jump like many other insects do. (1) Also unlike cockroaches and flies, bedbugs have no relationship with cleanliness and can be found in the cleanest homes and hotel rooms, says Scott Svenheim, an associate certified entomologist with Truly Nolen Pest Control in Tucson, Arizona.

“Many people believe that bedbugs are too small to see with the naked eye,” adds Jerry Lazarus, president of Braman Termite & Pest Elimination. Not so: Adult bedbugs range in size from 1 to 7 millimeters. But they’re very good at hiding. To spot them, you’ll have to catch them moving to or from their hiding spots, which can be hard to do, since they’re most active while people are sleeping. They have six legs and their bodies are small and flat, which makes it easy for them to hide within the cracks and crevices of your home.

Female bedbugs produce about one egg per day. The eggs are white and are very hard to see without magnification, Lazarus says. The eggs take about one week to hatch in rooms that are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (F). The nymphs that hatch from those eggs look like adult bedbugs, but they’re smaller and are translucent until they have their first blood meal, Svenheim says. (1) The nymphs take about five weeks to mature, and during those five weeks they shed their skin five times, each time after feeding. (5)

Learn More About How to Know You Have Bedbugs

Bedbug Bites Can Be Intensely Itchy — or You May Not Even Notice Them

Bedbugs are sneaky insects. They bite in the middle of the night (usually about one hour before dawn), injecting an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that makes it painless and unlikely that you’ll feel a thing. After feeding for about five minutes, the bugs will retreat back to their hiding places.

For most people, the first sign of bedbugs is bites on the body. The bites will show up in any place that’s exposed while you sleep, such as the arms, legs, back, and neck.

More on Bug Bites

What Bit Me? Spot These 11 Bug Bites

You could have a single bite, but more often it’s three bites in a row, forming somewhat of a line—what’s colloquially called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” and is a telltale sign of bedbugs.

Bites can look different from person to person. “In some people, they can cause allergic reactions, although some people don’t react at all,” Lazarus says. In most cases, a bedbug bite looks a lot like a mosquito bite — a red, itchy bump on your skin that appears within 24 hours of your being bitten.

Though the idea of having bedbugs in your home can be troubling, the bugs themselves don’t pose a threat to your health (nor do their bites). (1) “These bites can’t spread disease to humans, but they can be itchy and uncomfortable,” says Steve Durham, president of EnviroCon Termite & Pest in Tomball, Texas.

You likely won’t need to visit a doctor as a result of getting bitten by a bedbug. (6) Usually, the bites will heal within two weeks on their own, though you may want to apply an anti-itch cream or corticosteroid cream to the area to relieve itchiness. (7)

If you experience an allergic reaction or the area shows signs of infection, such as if the area oozes pus, it may be time to visit a dermatologist. He or she will likely prescribe an antihistamine and corticosteroid to treat an allergic reaction, or an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment for an infection.

Learn More About Identifying and Treating Bedbug Bites

Bedbugs Are Notoriously Tough to Get Rid Of (But You CAN Do It)

“One of the main reasons people fear bedbug infestations more than most other pests is because they are notoriously tough to get rid of,” Durham says. That’s why many people turn to professionals for help. “Most do-it-yourself attempts end in failure and frustration, since over-the-counter products can be misapplied and infested areas can be easily missed,” Lazarus says. “Often, this means spending a lot of your own money and time and still having a problem.” (Plus, failure to correctly use DIY extermination products can be dangerous to your health and those you live with.)

If you decide to go the professional route, there are three common treatment options the pest control expert may take:

1. Insecticide Application Use of insecticides is the most common route to get rid of bedbugs. Treating bedbugs this way requires preparation, such as washing bedding and clothing and placing items that can’t be washed in garbage bags out in the hot sun. Sometimes, a few rounds of insecticides are needed to get rid of the bedbug population entirely.
2. Heat Remediation A pest control professional will heat the infected space to temperatures that kill bedbugs, usually between 120 and 130 degrees F. This method requires much less prep work than insecticide application and usually will successfully eliminate the bedbugs and the eggs on the first treatment, so there’s likely no need for a follow-up visit.
3. Fumigation This option is less commonly available. It works by injecting a vacated building with a gas that kills the bedbugs inside.

You can also try to apply insecticides yourself, though the products available to professionals are usually more effective than those available to consumers. When choosing a product, look for one that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and specifically lists bedbugs on the label. (8) You’ll likely need to do a few rounds of treatment, because it can be very difficult to find and kill bedbug eggs.

To successfully get rid of bedbugs, you need to be extremely thorough. “Bedbugs are excellent at hiding and will be in places where most people wouldn’t check — behind peeling wallpaper, in the rails of drawers, in hollow curtain rods, and in electronics,” Lazarus says. If even just one bedbug is left behind, you’ll still be in trouble, Durham says.

Learn More About How to Get Rid of Bedbugs

The Insecticides Used to Kill Bedbugs Can Be Harmful to People (and Pets), Too, if Used Incorrectly

It’s important to approach bedbug treatment carefully, because insecticides that are used to kill bedbugs can also be harmful to you if you’re exposed to unsafe levels. Symptoms of unsafe pesticide exposure include vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and trouble breathing. (9)

More on Safety

Insecticides and Autoimmune Disease: What Women Should Know

When they’re used safely and according to the label, insecticides shouldn’t pose a threat to you or any other family members or pets you live with, Lazarus says. Insecticides are sold as dusts, liquids, aerosols, and foggers. There are also organic and natural products on the market, though some research has found they’re not as effective at killing bedbugs as traditional insecticides. (10)

If you hire a professional to treat the bedbugs in your home, you’ll want to ask them a few safety-related questions, including:

• What insecticides do you plan to use? You can look up the products yourself (or consult your doctor or vet about them) to see if there are any precautions you need to take. (11)
• Do you have a list of references? Call the references to ask about their experience working with this company.
• Are you a certified, licensed pesticide applicator or a licensed technician?
• Do you use integrated pest management techniques? This effective approach attacks bedbugs from all angles and treats them with a combination of heat, steam, and insecticides. (12)

Watch out for insecticide products sold over the internet that come from outside the U.S. — they may contain ingredients that have been banned by the EPA, which could mean health (and potentially legal) issues for you. (13)

Learn More About How to Deal With Bedbugs Safely

To Prevent Getting Bedbugs, Be Smart About How They Spread

Bedbugs are excellent hitchhikers. They grab onto luggage and purses or find hiding spots within folded clothes to make it back to your home. Getting them is just bad luck. “There is no real reason one person would get bedbugs over someone else,” Svenheim says. “It’s just being in the wrong place at the wrong time where bedbugs exist. ”

And they can exist everywhere, from restaurant booths to seats at the movie theater to changing rooms at the mall. “It’s really about being educated about what they are, how you can get them, and doing things the right way to prevent you from bringing them back to your house,” says Eric Braun, a board-certified entomologist and technical services manager for the national pest control company Rentokil.

There are some precautions you can take to minimize the chances that you’ll end up taking home a bedbug on your next trip.

• When you check into a hotel room or settle into a home rental, inspect the space for pepper-like stains on the bedsheets and mattress seams, Lazarus says. That’s a sign of bedbug activity. If you think your room may have bedbugs, ask for a new room that’s not next to or directly above or below your original room, Lazarus suggests.
• Keep your luggage away from the bed and off the floor. Braun says not to use luggage racks or unpack your clothing into the hotel room drawers. He says it’s safest to keep your luggage stored in the bathtub.
• If you notice bedbug bites while on your trip, be sure to wash the clothing from your suitcase (whether you wore it or not) and dry on hot for at least 30 minutes for the best chances to kill the bugs before they infest your home — and use a portable steamer to apply heat to suitcases and any items that cannot go in the dryer, Lazarus says.

Frequent travelers aren’t the only ones at risk of picking up a hitchhiking bedbug. People who live in apartment buildings and dormitories also have an increased risk (because higher rates of turnover and closer living quarters increase the chances bedbugs will have the opportunity to spread). Because of this, many universities recommend students wrap their mattress and box spring with a protective cover or mattress encasement to keep bedbugs out. (14) Look for ones made of high-quality cloth, which won’t tear as easily as plastic.

People living in apartments should also consider adding a door sweep to their front door to minimize the chances that bedbugs will sneak in from the communal hallway. (15) Keeping cracks around electrical work or plumbing filled also gives the bedbugs fewer places to break in. (16)

Finally, be careful not to bring bedbugs into your home through secondhand furniture by inspecting the items before you purchase them.

Learn More About How to Prevent Bedbugs

Having Bedbugs Can Come With an Emotional Toll. Here’s What to Do About It

Bedbug infestations are treatable, and the bugs themselves don’t pose a threat to your health, but having to deal with bedbugs can be very stressful.

“Having an actual bedbug infestation is pretty psychologically traumatizing in general,” says Katherine Maloy, MD, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health in New York City. “It’s extremely overwhelming — even just the logistics of getting your home cleaned — and it takes a very long time because the bugs have a long dormancy period in which they can go without food.” In the right conditions, bedbugs can live for more than a year without feeding.

Wondering if they’re truly gone or not can cause a lot of anxiety. People dealing with bedbugs may also experience: (17,18)

• Difficulty sleeping
• Nightmares
• Depression
• Social isolation
• Flashbacks

RELATED: When Doctors Diagnose ‘Bedbug Psychosis’

Additionally, dealing with bedbugs can make existing mental health issues worse. Researchers say the toll the experience takes on one’s mental health is similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. (19)

Dr. Maloy says if you’re dealing with bedbugs, talk to someone you trust, and visit a professional if it’s really taking a toll on your life. “It’s the same as with anything else that’s causing distress,” Maloy says. “If it’s interfering with your functioning, if it’s interfering with your life, it’s interfering with your relationships and your work, if you’re not able to function because you’re not sleeping,” she says — it’s time to seek help.

Learn More About Getting Over the Mental Distress Bedbugs Can Bring

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See All

Everything You Need to Know About Mite and Flea Bites

What Bit Me? Spot These 12 Bug Bites

What Are Mites, and Do They Bother Humans?

Mites are arthropods, not insects, and are close cousins with spiders and ticks. (1) Most types of mites feed on other insects or on dead plant and animal material. (Dust mites, for example, feed mostly on dead skin cells.)

But there are a few types that bite or affect people: (2,3)

• Chiggers
• Scabies
• Rat mites
• Bird mites
• Northern fowl mites

Despite what you may have heard or read online, home mite infestations are fairly rare and tend to be much less of an issue than people assume, says Mike Merchant, PhD, a former professor of entomology at Texas A&M University in Dallas. “A lot of the mite stuff on the internet makes it sound like [a mite infestation is] the end of the world, but it’s not,” he says.

Can Mites Be Harmful to Your Health?

Mite bites can cause skin lumps and rashes and, occasionally, more serious reactions, Dr. Merchant says.

Among outdoor mites, the only type that frequently bites people is the chigger. The word “chigger” applies to a particular species of mite that bites during its larval stage of development, and their bite produces an intensely itchy red welt, Merchant explains. “There are not too many other mite problems outdoors,” he adds.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Chigger Bites

When it comes to indoor mites that bite or cause health issues, Merchant says most spring from animal nests. “Some mites will infest the nests of birds and rats and mice, and when they become abundant, they’ll leave that site and sometimes wander into the house and bite people,” he explains. In most cases, the bites of these mites cause an itchy skin rash, which may feature small lumps or pimples.

“The skin might be very itchy or red for a few days, but then that will taper off,” Merchant says of mite bites. Ice and anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone can help control the swelling and itching. But those symptoms should resolve within a week, he says. (Nearly all species of biting house mites cannot live on human beings, and so they don’t “infest people,” he adds.)

There is one outlier: scabies. These mites infest a person’s skin in order to lay eggs and feed, and are usually only passed by direct person-to-person contact. (4) Like other mites, scabies tend to cause an itchy, pimply red rash. But unlike other mites, those rashes will continue to appear unless the person gets medical treatment, usually a prescription-only skin cream or lotion designed to kill scabies.

Dust mites can cause allergies in some people, but these tend to be of the mild, seasonal allergy variety — stuff like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. (5) Over-the-counter and prescription allergy meds can help quell dust mite allergies.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Allergies

How to Get Rid of Mites in Your Household

You don’t need a crazy whole-house treatment or fumigation. You just need to remove the animals and animal nests that are bringing mites into your home, Merchant says. “Everybody always wants a spray to solve these types of mite problems, but the real solution is getting rid of any animals nesting in your home, and animal-proofing your home,” he says. Basically, call in a home pest pro.

The exception here, again, is the scabies mite; in addition to getting medical treatment, you can take steps to eliminate the mites from your household. Scabies mites don’t survive very long when they’re not on human skin. Vacuum your home the day you start treatment and decontaminate your bedding, clothing, and towels by washing these items in hot water and drying on high heat. You can also dry-clean or seal these articles in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours.

When it comes to dust mites, on the other hand, it’s almost impossible to get rid of them all. But frequent home cleaning and dusting, installing HEPA air filters, and buying bedding that can be washed in hot water and that resists dust accumulation can limit allergic reactions.

What Are Fleas, and What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

Fleas are blood-sucking insects that live on mammals — often dogs, cats, or other furry pets. (6) Fleas are brown and wingless. And while they’re small, usually around an eighth of an inch, they’re big enough to see or even feel with your hand, Merchant says.

While they prefer animals to humans, fleas can migrate off pets and onto their owner’s skin. “Usually flea bites are on the lower legs because the fleas get into the carpet and then jump up as we’re walking past,” Merchant explains.

What does a flea bite look like? Like many other types of insect bites, flea bites produce small red bumps that may be itchy and that tend to appear in groups of three or more. Again, ice and hydrocortisone can help relieve symptoms, which tend to be short-lived — a week or less.

More Serious Health Complications Can Arise if You Have Mites or Fleas

Like all biting or stinging insects, mites and fleas can occasionally cause serious allergic reactions, including problems breathing or a swollen limb or throat. Those symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency room.

Also, anything that causes itchy skin or open sores can allow in bacteria, which could lead to a secondary infection. (7) If you notice swelling, pain, or a mite or flea bite that seems to be getting worse after a day or two, or if you have a fever or other flu-like symptoms, talk to a doctor. Those could all be signs of a bacterial infection.

Finally, both fleas and mites can transmit some potentially serious diseases to humans — namely types of typhus and spotted fever — though these transmissions are very rare. Symptoms include headaches, fever, rashes, and delirium. (8)

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Rights and safety while traveling

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This summer, many of us will travel to Russia – and for sure it will be an unforgettable experience.

Arina Prokofieva

biologist

At the same time, it would be nice to do without seeking emergency medical help.

We have collected dangerous insects that can greatly spoil the experience of the trip.

How to quickly recognize an insect

To find out the name of a bug, download the Google app (iOS/Android), click on the colored square in the search bar, and point your camera at the insect.

As a result, the system will recognize the insect and display its name. See how it works:

Bug beetle

Latin name. Mylabris quadripunctata.

Special signs. Bright red, yellow and green are more common. The body of an adult beetle is large – about the size of the phalanx of the index finger.

Blisters stay on plants singly or in groups of 2-4 individuals. Source: pavelazarov / Instagram

When you can meet. May – August.

Where you can meet. Distributed in the Southern and North Caucasian districts, in the Krasnodar Territory and Southwestern Siberia. Blisters inhabit mainly steppe regions and savannahs; they can also be found in deserts and semi-deserts.

What is dangerous. A beetle may fall on a person from a tree or collide with him in flight. The beetle has in its blood – its scientific name “hemolymph” – the poison cantharidin is present. When stressed, the blister secretes a small amount of cantharidin.

The poison can damage the skin: a burn in the form of a watery bubble forms at the point of contact. Most often, the hands, neck, and face are affected. If there are wounds or scratches on the skin, the burns will be worse.

If the beetle, and along with it, cantharidin, gets into food, intoxication may develop. During the first 10 minutes after the use of cantharidin, burning of the lips, oral cavity and pharynx begins. Sores may form in the mouth, and the tongue may swell. Then nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are added to this, accompanied by pain in the abdomen.

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How to help the victim. A person who has accidentally eaten a bug needs to wash his stomach: drink several glasses of water and induce vomiting. If cantharidin gets on the skin, disinfect it with chlorhexidine and try not to damage the blisters so as not to bring infection and dirt.

How not to get hurt. Do not pick up blister beetles, and even more so do not crush with your hands and feet: there is a risk of accidentally coming into contact with poison.

Scolopendra

Latin name. Scolopendra cingulata.

Special signs. Scolopendra is a large brown centipede and about 12 centimeters long: about the size of a smartphone or the average human palm.

As a rule, centipedes sleep or hide under rocks or in cracks during the day, and come out at night to hunt insects and small lizards

When available. April – August.

Where you can meet. On the eastern coast of the Crimean peninsula.

What is the danger. Scolopendra is especially dangerous in early spring, when its glands fill with poison. Usually centipedes avoid meeting with a person and bite only if they are picked up. On a scale of pain, a sting is equivalent to 10-15 bee stings.

Bites are not only painful, but also provoke general malaise, and the mucus secreted by insects causes burning, itching and irritation of the skin. The bite site swells, the temperature rises sharply to 38-39degrees, chills and body aches occur. The severity of symptoms depends on the size of the centipede and the amount of poison injected, but one bite will not lead to death.

Symptoms last up to two days, then the temperature begins to subside, and the swelling at the bite site decreases. Scolopendra bites are most difficult for children and adults with allergies.

How to help the victim. Wash the bite site with soap and water and treat the skin with an alcohol antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide to avoid getting infections under the skin: there could be earth particles on the legs of centipede.

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You can smear the wound healing ointment on the bite site. If the skin is swollen, apply a cold compress to it. Over-the-counter antipyretics such as ibuprofen or paracetamol will help relieve pain and bring down the temperature. If an allergic reaction develops – the bitten area swells and hurts – you need to take an antihistamine.

If discomfort persists for more than two days, see a doctor.

How not to get hurt. If you notice a scolopendra on your clothes or body, do not make sudden movements, do not shake it off and do not try to slap it: this will make it angry. It is necessary to contain the panic and let the scolopendra leave on its own, or gently push it off with a stick raised from the ground.

Check things and shoes carefully before putting them on. If you spend the night in nature, inspect the backpack, tent and sleeping bag each time before use.

Asian giant hornet

Latin name. Vespa mandarinia.

Special signs. Can be about half the length of an adult’s index finger. The sting of the giant hornet reaches 6 millimeters. Unlike bees, which leave a sting at the site of the bite, the hornet uses it repeatedly.

Usually hornets use this weapon when attacking bee nests to feed on larvae

When available. May – August.

Where can you meet. In the Primorsky Territory, in the south of the Khabarovsk Territory and in the Jewish Autonomous Region.

What is dangerous. The venom of the giant hornet contains an extremely toxic substance, mandorotoxin. It is most dangerous for those who are allergic to bee or wasp venom: one bite is enough for a fatal outcome.

Severe pain immediately occurs at the site of the lesion. At the point of impact of the sting, a dense white blister of a small size appears. A red spot and swelling quickly spread around. The most dangerous places for a bite are the tongue or the neck area. With swelling of the larynx, the access of oxygen to the respiratory tract is blocked – the victim may suffocate.

The hornet’s body also contains a pheromone that attracts other individuals and makes them act aggressively towards humans. About twenty hornet stings can kill an adult even without an allergy to poison.

How to help the victim. Rinse the bite with cold, clean water and apply an ice pack or cold water to the skin. This will reduce the pain and slow the spread of the poison. If a hornet has stung your wrist or finger, you need to remove all rings and bracelets from your hand: it can swell up a lot.

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The victim should be given water to drink – this will reduce the concentration of poison in the blood.

If the victim gets worse or is known to be allergic, take them to the doctor or call an ambulance immediately. When breathing stops, you need to start doing artificial respiration and continue until a doctor is nearby.

How not to get hurt. If possible, stay away from flowering plants, as wasps and hornets can be found next to them. Also, hornets often fly for sweets, so do not leave drinks and food open.

The only way to escape from the attack of a swarm of hornets is to run for cover: it can be a tent or a car. As a last resort, dive into any body of water. You need to dive into the water with your head, holding your breath, and periodically emerge to inhale. When emerging, create more splashes to scare away the hornets. After a few minutes, the insects will lose interest in you and fly away.

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Water scorpion

Latin name. Nepidae.

Special signs. Actually, it’s a bug. The water scorpion is named so for its external resemblance to a scorpion: its forelimbs are like claws, and behind it is a long tail process. The body of a water scorpion is flat, similar in shape and color to a withered leaf. At the rear end is a breathing tube, which can be mistaken for a sting. In reality, the danger lies ahead.

Water scorpions are 2 centimeters long. They live in stagnant water, lakes or rivers with a very slow flow of water and a large amount of algae and reeds. They lead a rather passive lifestyle, sometimes going down to the depths to hunt

When you can meet. In the bathing season.

Where you can meet. Throughout Russia.

What is dangerous. Grabs the skin very painfully. Having noticed its prey, the scorpion with a swift maneuver exposes the front pair of legs, similar to the jaws, and grabs the prey – a person can play this role. The legs of the insect bend at the joint like a folding knife and can cut the skin to blood.

The scorpion lives along the shore, as coastal plants have insect larvae, tadpoles, and fish fry on which it feeds. But sometimes it can sink to a depth greater than human height. If a scorpion injures a person’s arm or leg while swimming, the limb may cramp – and it will be much more difficult to get to the shore.

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What to do if bitten. If you are bitten at depth, scream to get people’s attention. If a cramp appears after a bite, then get out of the water as soon as possible. If it is far from the shore, act like this:

1. Change the position of the body: if you swam on your chest, roll over onto your back, and vice versa. This will reduce the load on the muscles affected by cramps.
2. If the cramp is in the hand, quickly and forcefully clench your hand into a fist, pressing it to yourself, then throw your hand away from you and open your fist. Repeat this action several times until the cramp is gone.
3. If your lower leg is cramped, try to bend over and grab your foot with your hands, and then pull your foot by the toes towards you, straightening your leg.
4. If your hip is cramped, wrap your arm around your ankle just below the ankle. Then, with force, pull the leg with your hand back towards your back.
5. It is more convenient to perform all these manipulations while lying on the water on your back.
6. Once out of the water, apply chlorhexidine to the bite and apply ice to relieve pain and swelling.

How not to get hurt. Try not to enter stagnant water that is overgrown with reeds. Don’t swim alone, or at least don’t swim far from shore.

Red wood ant

Latin name. Formica rufa.

Special signs. 7 to 14 millimeters long, red-brown.

Red ants live in anthills of various sizes. They can be found almost anywhere in nature

When can be found. From the second half of May to the middle of September.

Where to meet. In the north of the Krasnoyarsk Territory and in the forests of the temperate zone of Northern Eurasia.

What is dangerous. Ants carry pathogenic bacteria that can cause various diseases in humans, such as typhoid fever or cholera. During a bite, an ant releases a small dose of acid, which causes a red spot to form in this place, sometimes a small blister.

Pain not greater than that of a mosquito bite. Itching and irritation on the skin usually disappear after 3-5 days.

How to help the victim. Clean the bite with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. To relieve redness and reduce pain, ice wrapped in a cloth can be applied to the skin. In pharmacies, you can buy an antihistamine ointment, such as Fenistil or its analogues. In case of a severe allergic reaction, when swelling and extensive redness the size of a palm develops around the bite, contact a dermatologist or allergist immediately.

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How not to get hurt. Do not leave food or sugary drinks outdoors or in a tent. Ants smell water and sweets and come to dine in large groups.

Check for ants on your feet when you walk in the forest or in places where anthills are found, including underground ones – they look like small holes in the sandy soil. Shake insects off of you to prevent them from biting.

Mosquitoes

Latin name. Culicidae.

Special signs. Mosquitoes can look completely different, and large size does not always mean danger.

Here is a centipede mosquito, it does not bite humans and animals at all, but the townsfolk are more afraid of it than of its blood-sucking relatives. Mosquitoes are especially numerous in the evening near open water bodies, because they need water for reproduction. During the day in sunny weather, they almost do not appear

When you can meet. At the end of May – beginning of September.

Where you can meet. Throughout Russia.

What is dangerous. Female mosquitoes need protein to reproduce, so they suck the blood of animals and humans. Piercing the skin, the mosquito inserts its proboscis into a blood vessel and secretes saliva. The proteins in its composition cause an immune reaction in a person, which is manifested by itching and swelling. Combing the skin after a bite, you can bring an infection into the wound and provoke the development of an abscess.

Mosquitoes also carry parasitic and infectious diseases: malaria, West Nile fever, eastern equine encephalitis, tularemia. They are not often found on the territory of Russia, but such cases do happen.

How to help the victim . To reduce itching, apply a damp cloth or ice wrapped in a cloth to the skin. If discomfort persists, apply calamine zinc oxide lotion to skin.

Medical attention is needed if swelling develops after a bite, blisters appear. Give the victim any over-the-counter antihistamine for allergies, and lubricate the bite site with an anti-inflammatory cream with a glucocorticosteroid. Any one sold in a pharmacy without a prescription will do.

How not to get hurt. In nature, especially in the forest, in the shade, cover open areas of the body, use deterrents: sprays, creams, combustible coils and fumigators.

First aid for insect bites

Article prepared by pediatrician Yulia Alexandrovna Ermolaeva

Mosquitoes and midges are the most common blood-sucking insects in Siberia, since natural conditions are very favorable for their mass reproduction. In this article, you will learn how to properly provide first aid for insect bites and why is the midge dangerous?

Any insect bite gives 2 reactions. The type of reaction depends on the type of insect, the number of bites and the state of health of the person bitten. Body reactions are divided into local and general .

Local, so-called local reactions are manifested by redness, swelling, itching at the site of the insect bite.

General, systemic reactions are caused by a generalized reaction of the body and are manifested by the spread of a rash, swelling throughout the body, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, dizziness, loss of consciousness. The sooner the reaction begins, the more severe the consequences.

Non-poisonous insects most often do not pose a danger to life, except in cases of a strong general allergic reaction, which is due to the characteristics of the immune system of the bitten person.

Poisonous insect bite requires immediate medical attention! Fortunately, poisonous insects are not found in Siberia.

First aid for the bite of mosquitoes, midges, horseflies, ants

Regardless of the type of insect, the bite site must be washed with soap and water, treated with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, any alcohol solution or calendula tincture. After that, in the presence of itching, redness can be smeared with anti-inflammatory ointment (fenistil gel, and in case of a pronounced reaction – with hormonal ointment), tea tree oil, apply ice, make saline or soda lotion, a cooling compress from tea, herbal decoctions (mint, St. oak bark), brush with menthol toothpaste, etc.

Help for stinging insects

The reaction to a stinging insect sting is quite fast and appears within the first 20 minutes.

If there is a sting in the wound, it must be carefully removed, being careful not to break or leave it. The bite site must be treated with any antiseptic or alcohol-containing solution, then ice should be applied to the affected area. Cold causes vasospasm, prevents the development of a local pronounced inflammatory reaction and the spread of toxins, an allergen throughout the body.

After revision of the bite site for anti-allergic purposes, oral antihistamines are recommended (the choice of drug, dose and duration is determined by the doctor), as well as plenty of fluids and rest. In the absence of medicines among traditional medicine, it is widely proposed to apply raw potatoes, tomatoes, chopped parsley, onions, dandelion leaves, bird cherry to the bite site.

The appearance of dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms related to a general systemic reaction requires immediate medical attention.

In case of a bite in the mouth, throat, or if there are multiple bites of stinging insects, you should consult a doctor.

Mosquito bite – malaria vector

Malaria is a severe parasitic disease transmitted by mosquito bites. Distributed in Africa, South America, Thailand, India, is in demand among beach lovers.

Malarial and common mosquitoes can only be distinguished by a specialist. According to local manifestations, the bite of a malarial mosquito does not differ from an ordinary mosquito. The bite of these mosquitoes gives the usual local or general reaction. Therefore, first aid for a mosquito bite, which is a carrier of malarial plasmodium, does not differ from the standard one.

For effective prevention of malaria infection, it is necessary to take the prescribed antimalarial chemotherapy drugs for the entire period of stay and for another month after returning, as prescribed by a doctor, before a planned trip to tropical countries (places of possible malaria infection).

Insect bite prevention

Bees, wasps and other hymenoptera usually do not attack themselves. When meeting with them, remain calm, do not wave your arms, provoke them with your behavior, touch their hives and nests, and also wear bright clothes and use perfume with a sweet smell.

For a hike in the forest, dress properly: clothing should be long sleeves, hood, trousers, with minimally exposed parts of the body.

In order to prevent the penetration of insects into the premises, it is necessary to use mosquito nets on windows and doors. When mosquitoes are found indoors, the use of fumigators with insecticidal tablets or in the form of a liquid is effective. In nature, insecticidal coils are widely used, which repel and kill insects; their use in enclosed spaces is prohibited.

Individual insect repellants can be used to protect against insect bites. The duration of their action is from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the concentration of the active substance and the surrounding conditions. Currently, a wide range is on sale in the form of sprays, ointments, oils, lotions, emulsions.

Before using repellents, be sure to read the instructions, many of them are prohibited in children. Among the natural remedies that repel insects at home, you can use oils of lavender, cloves, eucalyptus, basil, anise, rosemary.