Which insect bites can cause bruising. How to identify different types of bug bites that leave bruises. What are the signs of a serious reaction to a bug bite. When should you seek medical attention for a bruised bug bite.

Common Insects That Can Cause Bruised Bites

Bug bites are a common occurrence, especially for those who spend time outdoors. While most bites result in mild symptoms like itching and swelling, some can lead to bruising. Understanding which insects are likely to cause bruised bites can help you identify the culprit and determine appropriate treatment.

Hornets and Wasps

Hornet and wasp stings are often painful and can result in bruising. The affected area may initially appear red and swollen, later developing a blue or purple hue due to the injury. These symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days without medical intervention.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito bites are notorious for causing small, itchy red bumps. In some cases, these bumps may darken over time, resembling a bruise. Like hornet and wasp stings, mosquito bite bruises usually don’t require medical attention.

Spiders

Certain spider bites, particularly those from venomous species like the brown recluse or black widow, can cause significant bruising. These bites often feature rings of varying colors around the site, including red, blue, purple, and white. This discoloration is a result of skin necrosis caused by the venom, which destroys tissue. Venomous spider bites require immediate medical attention.

Ticks

Ticks burrow into the skin and must be carefully removed using tweezers. While early detection may prevent symptoms, tick bites can sometimes leave behind a red mark or bruise that may be swollen and itchy.

Identifying Bug Bites: Beyond Bruising

While bruising is a notable symptom, it’s important to consider other signs that can help identify the type of bug bite you’ve experienced. Here are some common symptoms associated with various insect bites:

• Redness and swelling (inflammation)
• Itching
• Pain or tenderness
• Warmth around the bite area
• Small puncture marks
• Raised bumps or welts

Most of these symptoms are minor and will subside within a few days. However, it’s crucial to be aware of signs that may indicate a more serious reaction.

Recognizing Severe Reactions to Bug Bites

While most bug bites are harmless, some can trigger severe allergic reactions or transmit diseases. It’s essential to recognize the signs of a serious reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Facial swelling
• Hives
• Dizziness
• Faintness
• Confusion

If you experience any of these symptoms following a bug bite, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Infected Bug Bites

Sometimes, bug bites can become infected. Signs of infection include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Pus coming out of the bite
• Swelling that continues to grow without improvement
• A red streak growing from the bite

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.

Treatment Options for Bruised Bug Bites

For mild bug bites that result in bruising, several home treatments can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing:

1. Clean the bite area with soap and warm water, then pat dry gently.
2. Apply cold compresses or ice to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day. This can help reduce pain and swelling. Continue this for up to 48 hours after the bite.
3. Rest and elevate the affected area if possible to minimize swelling.
4. After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses to help alleviate pain.
5. Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if recommended by your doctor.
6. For itchiness, consider using a topical hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine.

Always follow product directions carefully and consult with a healthcare professional before using any medications, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other drugs.

Potential Complications from Serious Bug Bites

While most bug bites are harmless, some can lead to more serious complications that require medical attention. Being aware of these potential issues can help you seek timely treatment if necessary.

Infections

Bacterial infections, such as cellulitis, can develop from bug bites. Symptoms of infection include fever, rash, and pus at the bite site. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent the infection from spreading.

Lyme Disease

Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease can cause early symptoms such as fever and a distinctive bull’s-eye rash. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.

Necrosis

Some venomous spider bites, particularly those from brown recluse spiders, can cause necrosis or tissue death. This can result in lasting complications such as scarring and may require extensive medical treatment.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquitoes can transmit various viruses, including West Nile virus, yellow fever, Zika virus, and malaria. These diseases can cause a range of symptoms from mild flu-like illness to severe neurological complications.

Prevention Strategies for Bug Bites

While it’s not always possible to avoid bug bites entirely, there are several strategies you can employ to reduce your risk of being bitten:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in areas with high insect populations.
• Avoid wearing bright colors or floral patterns that may attract insects.
• Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).
• Remove standing water from your property to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
• Keep food covered when eating outdoors to avoid attracting wasps and other insects.
• Use bed nets when sleeping in areas with high mosquito populations.
• Check for ticks after spending time in wooded or grassy areas.

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing bug bites and their potential complications.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bug Bites

While most bug bites can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical care is necessary. It’s important to recognize these instances to ensure proper treatment and prevent potential complications.

Immediate Medical Care

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting
• Severe pain at the bite site
• Signs of anaphylaxis

Non-Emergency Medical Attention

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus)
• A bite that doesn’t heal within a few weeks
• A spreading rash
• Flu-like symptoms following a tick bite
• Persistent or worsening pain

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to bug bites. If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms, consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Understanding the Impact of Individual Factors on Bug Bite Reactions

It’s important to note that reactions to bug bites can vary significantly from person to person. Several factors can influence how an individual responds to a bite, including:

Immune System Function

People with stronger immune systems may experience more pronounced reactions to bug bites as their bodies mount a more robust response to the foreign substances introduced by the bite.

Allergies

Individuals with allergies to certain insects may have more severe reactions, including anaphylaxis in extreme cases.

Age

Children and older adults may be more susceptible to severe reactions due to differences in immune function and skin sensitivity.

Previous Exposure

Repeated exposure to certain insect bites can sometimes lead to desensitization, resulting in milder reactions over time. Conversely, it can also lead to increased sensitivity in some cases.

Medications

Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can increase the likelihood of bruising from bug bites.

Understanding these individual factors can help you better assess your personal risk and take appropriate precautions when it comes to bug bites.

Differentiating Bug Bites from Other Skin Conditions

While bug bites can cause various skin reactions, including bruising, it’s important to be able to distinguish them from other skin conditions that may present similarly. Here are some conditions that could be mistaken for bug bites:

Hives

Hives are raised, itchy welts that can appear suddenly and may be mistaken for multiple bug bites. Unlike bug bites, hives tend to change shape and location over time.

Skin Allergies

Contact dermatitis or other skin allergies can cause red, itchy patches that might resemble bug bites. These reactions are usually triggered by contact with an allergen rather than an insect.

Folliculitis

This condition involves inflammation of hair follicles, which can create small, red bumps that may be mistaken for insect bites.

Skin Infections

Bacterial or fungal skin infections can sometimes cause localized redness, swelling, and even bruising that might be confused with bug bites.

If you’re unsure about the cause of your skin symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What Kind of Bug Bite Leaves a Bruise? How to Identify

Bug bites are a fact of life, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. While allergies and other factors can lead to serious reactions, most bugs tend to cause mild symptoms like swelling and itchiness.

But depending on the bug and your individual reaction, bruising is possible. Bruising may occur from flying insects and from bugs that can burrow deep into your skin.

Find out more about the types of bugs that may cause bruising, what you should do, and how to identify the most common symptoms associated with certain bugs so you know when to seek medical treatment.

Should I be concerned?

A bruise from a bug bite isn’t usually a cause for concern. Most bug bite symptoms go away on their own within a few days.

However, if you know that a certain type of bug bit you, or if your symptoms worsen, you may need to see a doctor.

Was this helpful?

The following types of bug bites sometimes cause bruising. Here’s what you need to know.

Hornets and wasps

Hornet and wasp stings are often painful.

After the sting occurs, the affected area of skin may be red and swollen. It may also look blue and purple due to the injury.

Such symptoms tend to resolve on their own within a few days without the need to see a doctor.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are perhaps best known for leaving behind small, red bumps that are extremely itchy. Sometimes, these bumps may also darken, creating a bruise-like appearance.

As with hornets and wasps, mosquito bite bruises don’t usually require medical attention.

Spiders

Certain types of spider bites may also lead to bruising, including venomous ones like the brown recluse spider or black widow spider.

With this type of bite, you’ll notice rings around the site in varying colors, including red, blue, purple, and white. This is a result of skin necrosis from the venom, which destroys skin tissue.

Venomous spider bites require immediate medical attention.

Ticks

Ticks burrow deep in the skin, so you must carefully remove them by the head with a pair of tweezers.

When caught early, you may not notice any symptoms. Ticks can sometimes leave behind a red mark or bruise, which can also be swollen and itchy.

Aside from bruising, a bug bite may also cause redness and swelling (inflammation).

Even without a bruise, these symptoms may be present. Some insects, such as mosquitoes, may cause itchy bites.

Most symptoms are minor and will go away within a few days.

Signs of a more serious reaction

It’s possible for a bug bite to cause more serious reactions. Get medical attention right away if you experience signs of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can cause:

• breathing difficulties
• facial swelling
• hives
• dizziness
• faintness
• confusion

You should also call your doctor if you experience symptoms of an infected bug bite, including:

• fever
• chills
• pus coming out of the bite
• swelling that continues to grow without improvement
• a red streak growing from the bite

A doctor will recommend home treatments to help alleviate mild bug bites. Follow these steps for bug bites with bruising:

1. First, wash the bug bite with plain soap and warm water. Pat (don’t rub) dry.
2. Apply cold compresses or ice to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time, multiple times a day. This helps alleviate pain and swelling. Repeat up to 48 hours after the bug bite.
3. Rest and elevate the affected area, if possible. This can help reduce swelling.
4. Switch to warm compresses after 48 hours to help reduce pain. Repeat as often as needed.
5. If your doctor says it’s OK, take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen.
6. For itchiness, consider a topical hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Follow all product directions carefully.

If you have a more serious bug bite, it’s important to get the area checked by your doctor before attempting to self-treat.

If you don’t know what bug you’ve come into contact with, you may be able to make this determination based on the symptoms of your bite.

Here’s a roundup of the most frequent symptoms associated with common bugs in the United States:

Serious bug bites may sometimes lead to the following complications:

• Infections. Fever, rash, and pus at the site of the bite are all signs of infection. It’s important to quickly address a possible infection such as cellulitis.
• Lyme disease. Caused by tick bites, early symptoms of Lyme disease can include a fever and a rash that looks like a red bull’s-eye.
• Necrosis. This can occur in the case of brown recluse spiders, whose venom can kill healthy skin tissue and lead to lasting complications such as scars.
• Viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. These include the West Nile virus, yellow fever, the Zika virus, and malaria.

A bruise alone may not be a sign of the above complications. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if:

• you have a bite that won’t improve
• you develop symptoms related to a venomous spider or tick

Bruises are caused by broken blood vessels brought on by trauma to the body. The black, blue, or purple areas of skin are a result of blood pooling underneath your skin.

Any type of injury or trauma can lead to a bruise. You might also be at risk for bruising based on:

• your age
• use of blood thinners
• bleeding disorders

Minor bruises don’t typically need medical attention. Severe bruising causes by more serious trauma such as car accidents may need to be evaluated for underlying damage.

Other types of bruises that may need further attention include those caused by bone fractures or a bleeding disorder.

Most bruises heal within 2 weeks, though more severe cases can take longer. See a doctor if your bruise doesn’t improve after 4 weeks, as it may be a sign of an underlying condition.

Bruising is just one of the many symptoms of a bug bite and is more common with some insects. Most cases are mild and can be treated at home.

See your doctor or another healthcare provider if you develop a severe reaction to your bug bite, or if the bruising doesn’t improve after several days.

You should also seek medical attention if you suspect a venomous or disease-carrying bug might have caused your bites.

What Kind of Bug Bite Leaves a Bruise? How to Identify

Bug bites are a fact of life, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. While allergies and other factors can lead to serious reactions, most bugs tend to cause mild symptoms like swelling and itchiness.

But depending on the bug and your individual reaction, bruising is possible. Bruising may occur from flying insects and from bugs that can burrow deep into your skin.

Find out more about the types of bugs that may cause bruising, what you should do, and how to identify the most common symptoms associated with certain bugs so you know when to seek medical treatment.

Should I be concerned?

A bruise from a bug bite isn’t usually a cause for concern. Most bug bite symptoms go away on their own within a few days.

However, if you know that a certain type of bug bit you, or if your symptoms worsen, you may need to see a doctor.

Was this helpful?

The following types of bug bites sometimes cause bruising. Here’s what you need to know.

Hornets and wasps

Hornet and wasp stings are often painful.

After the sting occurs, the affected area of skin may be red and swollen. It may also look blue and purple due to the injury.

Such symptoms tend to resolve on their own within a few days without the need to see a doctor.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are perhaps best known for leaving behind small, red bumps that are extremely itchy. Sometimes, these bumps may also darken, creating a bruise-like appearance.

As with hornets and wasps, mosquito bite bruises don’t usually require medical attention.

Spiders

Certain types of spider bites may also lead to bruising, including venomous ones like the brown recluse spider or black widow spider.

With this type of bite, you’ll notice rings around the site in varying colors, including red, blue, purple, and white. This is a result of skin necrosis from the venom, which destroys skin tissue.

Venomous spider bites require immediate medical attention.

Ticks

Ticks burrow deep in the skin, so you must carefully remove them by the head with a pair of tweezers.

When caught early, you may not notice any symptoms. Ticks can sometimes leave behind a red mark or bruise, which can also be swollen and itchy.

Aside from bruising, a bug bite may also cause redness and swelling (inflammation).

Even without a bruise, these symptoms may be present. Some insects, such as mosquitoes, may cause itchy bites.

Most symptoms are minor and will go away within a few days.

Signs of a more serious reaction

It’s possible for a bug bite to cause more serious reactions. Get medical attention right away if you experience signs of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can cause:

• breathing difficulties
• facial swelling
• hives
• dizziness
• faintness
• confusion

You should also call your doctor if you experience symptoms of an infected bug bite, including:

• fever
• chills
• pus coming out of the bite
• swelling that continues to grow without improvement
• a red streak growing from the bite

A doctor will recommend home treatments to help alleviate mild bug bites. Follow these steps for bug bites with bruising:

1. First, wash the bug bite with plain soap and warm water. Pat (don’t rub) dry.
2. Apply cold compresses or ice to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time, multiple times a day. This helps alleviate pain and swelling. Repeat up to 48 hours after the bug bite.
3. Rest and elevate the affected area, if possible. This can help reduce swelling.
4. Switch to warm compresses after 48 hours to help reduce pain. Repeat as often as needed.
5. If your doctor says it’s OK, take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen.
6. For itchiness, consider a topical hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Follow all product directions carefully.

If you have a more serious bug bite, it’s important to get the area checked by your doctor before attempting to self-treat.

If you don’t know what bug you’ve come into contact with, you may be able to make this determination based on the symptoms of your bite.

Here’s a roundup of the most frequent symptoms associated with common bugs in the United States:

Serious bug bites may sometimes lead to the following complications:

• Infections. Fever, rash, and pus at the site of the bite are all signs of infection. It’s important to quickly address a possible infection such as cellulitis.
• Lyme disease. Caused by tick bites, early symptoms of Lyme disease can include a fever and a rash that looks like a red bull’s-eye.
• Necrosis. This can occur in the case of brown recluse spiders, whose venom can kill healthy skin tissue and lead to lasting complications such as scars.
• Viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. These include the West Nile virus, yellow fever, the Zika virus, and malaria.

A bruise alone may not be a sign of the above complications. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if:

• you have a bite that won’t improve
• you develop symptoms related to a venomous spider or tick

Bruises are caused by broken blood vessels brought on by trauma to the body. The black, blue, or purple areas of skin are a result of blood pooling underneath your skin.

Any type of injury or trauma can lead to a bruise. You might also be at risk for bruising based on:

• your age
• use of blood thinners
• bleeding disorders

Minor bruises don’t typically need medical attention. Severe bruising causes by more serious trauma such as car accidents may need to be evaluated for underlying damage.

Other types of bruises that may need further attention include those caused by bone fractures or a bleeding disorder.

Most bruises heal within 2 weeks, though more severe cases can take longer. See a doctor if your bruise doesn’t improve after 4 weeks, as it may be a sign of an underlying condition.

Bruising is just one of the many symptoms of a bug bite and is more common with some insects. Most cases are mild and can be treated at home.

See your doctor or another healthcare provider if you develop a severe reaction to your bug bite, or if the bruising doesn’t improve after several days.

You should also seek medical attention if you suspect a venomous or disease-carrying bug might have caused your bites.

Is there a bruise from an insect bite, and what to do about it?

Is there a bruise from …

05 April 2012, 22:45

10 answers

Last –

June 29, 2022, 11:53 Go to

April 05, 2012, 23:58

#1

April 06, 2012, 01:37 9000 3

#2

April 06, 2012, 11:11

#3

April 07, 2012 07:52

#4

June 24, 2015 01:59

#5

Kys

Hmm. It really does look like a tick. I remember that a wasp bit me – so in addition to swelling there was also a bruise. #6

Raspberries #6

Raspberries

June 03, 2020, 18:12

#7

Guest

This is neither a tick nor an allergy, and how dangerous it is is also not known. But it’s the same for me and my dad. An insect similar to a female ant bit in the first 2 hours at the dacha in a hot room. It bites painlessly, but the poison in the form of acid immediately turns blue the nearest vein (I have 3 cm below the bite), itches after 3-5 minutes with an area of ​​​​10 cm, the next day a 3 cm bruise diverges from the vein, after 1-2 it turned yellow, like an ordinary bruise. While alive, health is normal.

July 16, 2020, 12:33

#8

Guest

I also, literally yesterday, got bitten in three places, melting between bites by a centimeter, literally after 15 minutes, huge bruise

30 May 2022, 11:07

#10

Attention

June 29, 2022, 11:53

#11

New topics per day: 10 3 topics

• Pain in the heart (regions of the heart)

  9 answers

• Missed rabies vaccine on day 14, what happens?

  5 answers

• Antidepressants for eating disorders 0108

  7 answers

• Unpleasant situation

  1 answer

• Can a leg hurt with such a diagnosis?

  3 answers

• What to do with hallucinations?

  6 answers

• Feeling bad from hunger

  6 answers 0003

  6 answers

• Has anyone done a pressure change holter?

  2 answers

Next topic Sweet smell of sweat. What is this?

30 answers

Previous topic

• Itches back, sides, bottom of the head, what could it be!

  35 answers

how I rented a room with bedbugs

0003

Why I decided to rent a house

The reason for moving was breaking up with my boyfriend. It took us a long time to find a place to live for me. After monitoring the average market price, I realized that I couldn’t afford an apartment alone, so I had to look for a room.

Things were very sad in the communal apartments of St. Petersburg, but I was lucky: we saw an ad in a two-room apartment with excellent repairs. The text in it sounded as follows: “a room for rent in a two-room apartment, the owners live in the second room – mother and son.”

Since the mother is raising her son, there was no time to earn money, and renting out housing was the only way to earn extra money. My son is 7 years old, he has already gone to the first grade, so he would not interfere with me in any way, I like to communicate with children.

How I found my option

All the time I was advised by realtor Vera, to whom I paid a commission of 50% of the cost per month of rent. I waited for her to sign the contract for more than an hour, during which time I talked a lot with the owner, got acquainted with pets – a Sphynx cat and her kittens – and with the landlord’s son. After talking with her, I realized that she had a lot of debts, a broken car, a debt for tires on the same car. It was also the beginning of the year – I had to dress my son for school.

It made me a little tense, but the situation was hopeless, parting with a boyfriend required decisive action. The realtor arrived more than an hour later, took out a contract. It was my first time renting a room, so I wanted to explore it. The realtor kept saying that the contract was standard, everything was in order with it. And when I insisted that I would study it anyway, she laughed.

Our payment arrangements:

• 15,000 R for the first month;
• 15,000 R pledge;
• 7500 R agent commission.

I transferred the money immediately, received the keys, looked around the room again, sighed and went to pack my things with the belief that everything would work out for the best

How the unexpected happened

After receiving the keys, I experienced the joy that I had finally found a place to live , which I will pull, in which I am more or less comfortable, with a good repair. Before that, there were a lot of unsuccessful attempts, repairs are terrible everywhere.

The next day after signing the contract, my boyfriend and I moved my things and said goodbye forever. We parted peacefully, perhaps somehow in an adult way. I laid out all my things, filled the sofa with my favorite soft linen, put on a delicious diffuser, took a shower and lay down to rest. I looked into my phone and realized that I had very little charge, I remembered that I put it in my hiking backpack, which we took to the balcony in the owner’s room.

I asked her to bring a backpack, she said that I could take it myself. Without further questions, I rushed to the balcony, but at that moment the sphinx cat grabbed me with all its dope. As it turned out, her kittens were on the balcony, and I had a huge red-blue bruise on my leg. I took the charger, went to my room, not showing that something was wrong. As soon as she closed the door of the room, she burst into tears.

What happened next

I burst into tears because now I don’t have support in the form of a guy, that it hurts me from a cat, that I am generally allergic to it. My eyes itched terribly, but despite this, I decided to lie down, wrap myself up with my favorite fluffy blanket, with a soft duvet cover and sheet. This is really the only thing that calmed me at that moment.

I set the alarm, put the phone away, lay down on my side and realized that this day, no matter how terrible it was, is over, tomorrow everything will be cool! I had just begun to fall into a dream, when I felt that my hand itched sharply. She scratched and began to sink further into sleep. The itching did not go away, but intensified, I became interested in what was wrong with my hand…

I shone a flashlight and saw blisters. I was surprised: is there a small reaction to the bite and claws of a cat? But it’s strange that it’s on my arm… And then my gaze falls on my favorite sheet… It’s all full of bedbugs, I’ve never been shaking so much, my swollen eyes bulged so much that it’s impossible to describe…

I immediately called the landlady, called my ex-boyfriend at that time asking for help. We wrote a receipt with the owner. Next, I’ll tell you how it all happened.

How we resolved the issue

The hostess was shocked by the “tenants in the couch”, but she saw no point in insisting that I stay – my eyes reflected all the horror of what was happening. I suggested the following option: she returns the deposit and the amount for the first month of my stay to me, since I did not live a single full day there.

She agreed, but said that all the 30,000 R that I had transferred to her had been spent. I was stunned … I was devastated, these were extreme savings before the bonus. We agreed that she would repay the debt by 10/01/2022, that is, she had a month to repay the entire amount.

We signed a receipt, my boyfriend arrived and we started collecting my things again 🙄 But with an additional load in the form of bedbugs. It was a warm September, we shook off my things all night, threw them all on the balcony, sprinkled them with all kinds of dichlorvos and means, the next morning I washed everything and moved out again the next day, but that’s another story.

As for the return of the debt, she returned it, but belatedly. In my opinion, this situation made it clear to me that I need to learn financial literacy, carefully study contracts and supplement clauses based on experience. Now I have the best relationships, a new circle of friends, a favorite job and a loving family. Everything in this world happens in the best way for us 💫

Readers rent and rent housing.