What are the common signs of mite bites. How can you differentiate between various mite species. What are the specific characteristics of chigger, scabies, and Demodex mite bites. How do bird, rodent, oak, and straw itch mites affect humans.

Understanding Mite Bites: Symptoms and Identification

Mite bites can be challenging to identify due to their small size and the variety of species that can affect humans. While dust mites are often the first culprit that comes to mind, they actually don’t bite humans. Instead, several other types of mites can cause bites and various skin reactions. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mite bites is crucial for proper treatment and prevention.

Common Signs of Mite Bites

Mite bites often share some general characteristics, regardless of the specific species involved. These include:

• Red, rash-like marks on the skin
• Small bumps that may become hard or inflamed
• Irritation, itching, and pain near the affected area
• Swollen or blistered skin around the bite site

Are mite bites always visible immediately? Not necessarily. In some cases, you might not feel the bite when it occurs or notice the mite itself. The symptoms can develop over time, making identification more challenging.

Chiggers: The Outdoor Mite Menace

Chiggers are a common type of mite that can cause significant discomfort. These tiny creatures live in outdoor environments, particularly in areas with tall grass and dense vegetation. Understanding chigger bites can help you avoid and treat them effectively.

Characteristics of Chigger Bites

Chigger bites have distinct features that set them apart from other mite bites:

• They typically appear on the waist, armpits, and ankles
• Red welts form within a day of the bite
• The welts eventually harden and become inflamed
• Intense itching is a hallmark symptom

Can chigger bites lead to complications? While generally harmless, scratching chigger bites can lead to secondary infections and fever. It’s crucial to resist the urge to scratch, despite the intense itching.

Scabies: The Contagious Skin Invader

Scabies mites are highly contagious and require direct skin-to-skin contact to spread. These mites burrow into the skin, causing a distinctive and often severe reaction. Recognizing scabies early is essential for prompt treatment and preventing spread to others.

Identifying Scabies Infestations

Scabies infestations have several unique characteristics:

• Symptoms may not appear for several weeks after initial exposure
• Rash-like bumps and blisters develop in skin folds
• Common areas include between fingers, in elbow and knee bends, around the waist, and on the genitals
• Severe itching, often worsening at night

Is medical treatment necessary for scabies? Absolutely. Scabies requires prescription medication to eliminate the mites and prevent reinfestation. Over-the-counter treatments are not effective against scabies.

Demodex Mites: The Facial Residents

Demodex mites are a unique case in the world of mite infestations. These microscopic creatures naturally live on human skin, particularly on the face. While they’re generally harmless, in some cases, they can cause or exacerbate skin conditions.

Symptoms of Demodex Mite Overgrowth

When Demodex mites become problematic, they may cause:

• Itchy or scaly skin
• Redness and increased skin sensitivity
• Burning sensations
• Rough, sandpaper-like skin texture

Do Demodex mites affect everyone equally? No, individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience symptoms from Demodex mites. Additionally, research suggests that higher numbers of these mites may contribute to or worsen conditions like rosacea, androgenic alopecia, and facial dermatitis.

Bird and Rodent Mites: When Pests Become Personal

Bird and rodent mites typically live on their animal hosts or in their nests. However, when these hosts leave or die, the mites may turn to humans as an alternative food source. Understanding these mites is crucial for those living in areas with high bird or rodent populations.

Recognizing Bird and Rodent Mite Bites

Bites from these mites often have the following characteristics:

• A small sting sensation when bitten
• Pain and extreme itching
• Development of a rash
• Swelling and skin irritation

How can you prevent bird and rodent mite infestations? The key is to address the root cause. Remove bird nests near your home and seal entry points for rodents. If you suspect an infestation, consult with a pest control professional for safe and effective removal strategies.

Oak Mites: The Arboreal Aggressors

Oak mites, while less common than some other types, can cause significant discomfort for those unfortunate enough to encounter them. These tiny creatures typically feed on small flies living in oak leaves but can drop from trees and bite humans, especially in late summer.

Identifying Oak Mite Bites

Oak mite bites have several distinguishing features:

• Red welts, often on the face, neck, or arms
• Bites that resemble pimples after about 12 hours
• Extreme itchiness
• Potential for multiple bites forming a painful rash

How long do oak mite bites last? These bites can persist for up to two weeks, causing prolonged discomfort. If you notice oak tree leaves with crusted brown edges, it’s best to avoid sitting or working under these trees to minimize your risk of exposure.

Straw Itch Mites: The Grain-Dwelling Biters

Straw itch mites, as their name suggests, are commonly found in stored grain, hay, or seeds. They can also inhabit trees and leaves. While they primarily feed on insects, they won’t hesitate to bite humans when given the opportunity.

Characteristics of Straw Itch Mite Bites

Bites from straw itch mites typically result in:

• Raised, red bumps on the skin
• Intense itching and discomfort
• Potential for widespread rash if exposure is significant

Who is most at risk for straw itch mite bites? Individuals who work with stored grains or hay, such as farmers or warehouse workers, are at higher risk of encountering these mites. However, anyone can be bitten if they come into contact with infested materials.

Prevention and Treatment of Mite Bites

While different mite species require specific approaches, some general strategies can help prevent and treat mite bites:

Prevention Strategies

• Use insect repellents when outdoors, especially in areas with tall grass or dense vegetation
• Wear long sleeves and pants when in potentially mite-infested areas
• Shower and change clothes promptly after outdoor activities
• Regularly clean and vacuum your home to reduce dust mite populations
• Keep your skin clean and moisturized to create a barrier against mites

Treatment Options

For most mite bites, the following treatments can provide relief:

• Wash the affected area with soap and water
• Apply calamine lotion or anti-itch creams
• Use cold compresses to reduce swelling and itching
• Take oral antihistamines to alleviate allergic reactions
• For severe reactions or suspected scabies, consult a healthcare professional

When should you seek medical attention for mite bites? If you experience severe itching, widespread rash, signs of infection, or symptoms that persist for more than a few days, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide appropriate treatment and rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.

The Impact of Mites on Human Health

While mite bites are often more of a nuisance than a serious health threat, they can have significant impacts on quality of life and, in some cases, lead to more severe complications. Understanding these potential effects is crucial for proper management and prevention.

Allergic Reactions to Mites

Many people experience allergic reactions to mites, particularly dust mites. These reactions can manifest as:

• Asthma-like symptoms, including wheezing and difficulty breathing
• Nasal congestion and runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Skin rashes or eczema flare-ups

Can mite allergies be managed effectively? Yes, with proper diagnosis and treatment, mite allergies can be well-controlled. This may involve a combination of environmental control measures, medications, and in some cases, immunotherapy.

Psychological Impact of Mite Infestations

The presence of mites, especially those that cause visible skin reactions, can have psychological effects on individuals. These may include:

• Anxiety and stress related to the infestation
• Sleep disturbances due to itching and discomfort
• Social withdrawal or embarrassment about visible skin symptoms
• Obsessive behaviors related to cleanliness and mite prevention

How can the psychological impact of mite infestations be addressed? It’s important to seek support from healthcare professionals, including mental health providers if necessary. Understanding the temporary nature of most mite infestations and having a clear treatment plan can help alleviate anxiety and stress.

Mites in Different Environments: Home, Outdoors, and Beyond

Mites can thrive in various environments, each presenting unique challenges for prevention and control. Understanding where and how different mite species live can help you better protect yourself and your living spaces.

Mites in the Home

Several types of mites can inhabit indoor spaces, including:

• Dust mites: Found in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets
• Storage mites: Present in pantries and areas where dry goods are stored
• Rodent and bird mites: Can enter homes if there are nests in or near the structure

How can you reduce mite populations in your home? Regular cleaning, including vacuuming with a HEPA filter, washing bedding in hot water, and maintaining low humidity levels can help control mite populations. For severe infestations, professional pest control services may be necessary.

Outdoor Mite Encounters

When venturing outdoors, you may encounter mites such as:

• Chiggers: Common in grassy and wooded areas
• Oak mites: Found in and around oak trees
• Berry bugs: Present in gardens and berry patches

What precautions can you take against outdoor mites? Wear protective clothing, use insect repellents, and avoid sitting directly on the ground in areas where mites are common. After outdoor activities, shower and wash your clothes promptly.

Mites in Occupational Settings

Certain occupations may increase exposure to specific types of mites:

• Farmers and agricultural workers: At risk for grain and straw mites
• Pet groomers and veterinarians: May encounter animal-associated mites
• Construction and renovation workers: Potentially exposed to dust and storage mites in old buildings

How can workers in high-risk occupations protect themselves from mites? Proper personal protective equipment, including gloves and masks, can help reduce exposure. Additionally, following industry-specific hygiene and safety protocols is crucial for minimizing mite-related risks.

The Future of Mite Control and Treatment

As our understanding of mites and their impacts on human health continues to evolve, so do the strategies for control and treatment. Emerging research and technologies offer promising developments in managing mite infestations and mitigating their effects.

Advancements in Mite Detection

New technologies are improving our ability to detect and identify mites:

• Advanced microscopy techniques for more accurate species identification
• DNA analysis methods for detecting mite presence in environments
• Smartphone apps and attachments for at-home mite detection

How will improved detection methods impact mite management? Enhanced detection capabilities will allow for earlier intervention and more targeted treatment strategies, potentially reducing the severity and duration of mite infestations.

Innovative Treatment Approaches

Research is ongoing into new and improved treatments for mite infestations and their associated symptoms:

• Development of more effective and less toxic acaricides (mite-killing agents)
• Exploration of natural and biological control methods
• Advancements in immunotherapy for mite allergies
• Investigation of probiotics and microbiome manipulation for managing skin-dwelling mites

What potential do these new treatments hold? These innovative approaches could lead to more effective, safer, and potentially longer-lasting solutions for managing mite infestations and their health impacts. However, further research and clinical trials are needed to fully understand their efficacy and safety.

Environmental Control Strategies

Emerging strategies for environmental mite control include:

• Development of mite-resistant materials for bedding and furniture
• Advanced air filtration systems designed to remove mites and their allergens
• Innovative landscaping techniques to reduce outdoor mite populations

How might these strategies change our approach to mite prevention? By focusing on creating environments that are inherently less hospitable to mites, we may be able to significantly reduce human-mite interactions and their associated health impacts.

As research continues and new technologies emerge, our ability to manage and prevent mite infestations will likely improve. Stay informed about these developments and consult with healthcare professionals and pest control experts to implement the most effective strategies for your specific situation.

How to Know If You Have Them

Dust mites belong to the arthropod family. They’re related to ticks and resemble insects, but they lack wings and eyes. Dust mite bites are typically harmless, though they can sometimes result in swelling, itching, and pain

Dust mites are quite small, too, making them hard to identify. As a result, many people don’t realize they’ve been exposed to mites until they notice what look like small bites.

Read on to learn more about mite bites, including a photo guide to help you determine what bit you.

When people think of mites or suspect they’ve been bitten, their mind often automatically goes to dust mites. But dust mites don’t bite humans. They also don’t live on humans, though they can sometimes get onto your clothing.

Dust mites can, however, cause allergic reactions.

The dust in your home is partially made up of dust mite feces and decomposing dust mite bodies. Many people who believe they’re allergic to dust really have an allergy to this protein-rich dust, which often triggers symptoms of asthma and hay fever.

Mite bites are often hard to identify. You might not feel the bite until after it happens or notice the mite when it bites. Not knowing what’s biting you can be frustrating and a little unnerving.

While your symptoms will vary depending on the mite that bit you, there are some general signs that can help you identify a mite bite from, say, a spider bite.

Common signs of a mite bite

• red, rash-like marks on your skin
• small bumps that can become hard or inflamed
• irritation, itching, and pain near the mark, rash, or bump
• swollen or blistered skin near the bite

Was this helpful?

If you want to find out exactly what bit you, sticky traps or tape can sometimes help you trap the culprit. Specific characteristics or symptoms of your bite can also help you find out what type of mite you’re dealing with.

Chiggers

Chiggers live outside in cracks in the soil, generally in damp rural areas with tall grass and vegetation overgrowth.

Only chigger larvae bite humans. They feed by injecting saliva that dissolves your skin and sucking this product back up. If you don’t remove them from your skin, they may keep feeding for several days.

It’s common to get chigger bites on your:

• waist
• armpits
• ankles

The bites form red welts within a day, and these welts eventually harden and become inflamed. Chigger bites are often extremely itchy, but try not to scratch, as scratching may lead to infection and fever.

Scabies

Scabies mites need a human or animal host in order to live. They burrow into your skin, where they lay eggs. They’re very contagious and can easily pass through close contact.

With scabies, you may not experience any symptoms for several weeks, but eventually, rash-like bumps and blisters will develop along the folds of your skin, including:

• between your fingers
• in the bend of your knees and elbows
• around your waist, breasts, or buttocks
• around male genitals
• on the bottom of your feet, especially in children

Itching associated with scabies is often severe and can become even worse during the night. Scabies require medical treatment, so it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider if you think you have them.

Demodex

Two main types of Demodex mites live on your body. Demodex folliculorum, or the hair follicle mite, generally lives in hair follicles on your face. Demodex brevis more often lives on your neck or chest.

You can’t see these mites without a microscope, and they often don’t cause symptoms. But for some, they may cause:

• itchy or scaly skin
• redness
• increased skin sensitivity
• burning sensation
• skin that feels rough like sandpaper

You may be more likely to notice skin issues and other signs of this mite if you have a weak immune system. Research also suggests higher numbers of Demodex may contribute to or worsen existing facial skin conditions, such as rosacea, androgenic alopecia, or facial dermatitis.

Bird and rodent mites

Rodent and bird mites typically live in nests and on animal hosts. If their host dies or leaves the nest, however, they may also bite humans.

You may feel a small sting when they bite and eventually notice:

• pain
• extreme itching
• a rash
• swelling
• skin irritation

Oak mites

These mites usually feed on small flies that live on oak leaves, but they can drop from trees and bite humans. This happens most often in late summer. Oak tree leaves with crusted brown edges can indicate oak mites. If you see these leaves, avoid sitting or working under these trees.

Oak mite bites leave red welts, usually on your face, neck, or arms. These welts are often mistaken for chigger bites. In 12 hours or so, the bites turn into bumps that look like pimples and are extremely itchy. You may have multiple bumps that form a painful rash. These bites may last for as long as two weeks.

Straw itch mites

These mites live in stored grain, hay, or seeds, as well as trees and leaves. They usually prey on insects but will also bite humans. However, they don’t remain on your body after biting you.

You’ll usually encounter these mites if you sit or walk under the trees they live in or lie down in leaf piles. They commonly bite the shoulders and neck and leave red marks that itch and may appear to be a rash.

If you’re still not sure what bit you, the photo guide below can help.

If you have visible bites or think a mite may have bitten you, it’s a good idea to take a shower using plenty of soap. Wash your clothes and any affected bedding in warm, soapy water. Carefully applying a topical permethrin cream (scabicide) will eliminate any remaining mites on your body. In most situations, care is directed at relieving itch and skin discomfort.

Antihistamine creams or anti-itch creams, including those containing hydrocortisone, can help reduce itching. You can also take oral antihistamines for severe itching. If you have painful bites, anesthetic creams can help.

Mite bites often cause severe itching, but scratching can lead to infection. It’s important to try to reduce the itch with medication, ice, or other treatments.

Do I need to see a doctor?

You’ll need to see a healthcare provider for treatment if you have scabies bites. For most other types of mite bites, you may be fine healing on your own.

However, you may still want to make an appointment if:

• over-the-counter creams don’t relieve pain and itching
• the bites don’t improve after a week or two
• you have any signs of infection, including fever, swelling, warmth, or leaking fluid at the bite location

If you develop hives, feel dizzy, or have trouble breathing after you’ve been bitten, seek emergency medical attention. These signs can indicate an allergic reaction.

Was this helpful?

Treating your house for mites and insects can help in some cases, but it’s generally recommended to make sure what type of infestation you have before using sprays and repellants. These treatments may not work on all types of mites.

Mite bites can be extremely uncomfortable. They may itch, hurt, and cause skin irritation that can last for as long as two weeks.

Most types of mite bites clear up on their own, so you usually won’t need medical attention. Over-the-counter pain medications and anti-itch creams can help relieve itching and pain.

If you keep getting bites you can’t identify, you may want to see a healthcare provider. Finding out what kind of mites keep biting you can help you figure out if you have an infestation.

Read this article in Spanish.

How to Know If You Have Them

Dust mites belong to the arthropod family. They’re related to ticks and resemble insects, but they lack wings and eyes. Dust mite bites are typically harmless, though they can sometimes result in swelling, itching, and pain

Dust mites are quite small, too, making them hard to identify. As a result, many people don’t realize they’ve been exposed to mites until they notice what look like small bites.

Read on to learn more about mite bites, including a photo guide to help you determine what bit you.

When people think of mites or suspect they’ve been bitten, their mind often automatically goes to dust mites. But dust mites don’t bite humans. They also don’t live on humans, though they can sometimes get onto your clothing.

Dust mites can, however, cause allergic reactions.

The dust in your home is partially made up of dust mite feces and decomposing dust mite bodies. Many people who believe they’re allergic to dust really have an allergy to this protein-rich dust, which often triggers symptoms of asthma and hay fever.

Mite bites are often hard to identify. You might not feel the bite until after it happens or notice the mite when it bites. Not knowing what’s biting you can be frustrating and a little unnerving.

While your symptoms will vary depending on the mite that bit you, there are some general signs that can help you identify a mite bite from, say, a spider bite.

Common signs of a mite bite

• red, rash-like marks on your skin
• small bumps that can become hard or inflamed
• irritation, itching, and pain near the mark, rash, or bump
• swollen or blistered skin near the bite

Was this helpful?

If you want to find out exactly what bit you, sticky traps or tape can sometimes help you trap the culprit. Specific characteristics or symptoms of your bite can also help you find out what type of mite you’re dealing with.

Chiggers

Chiggers live outside in cracks in the soil, generally in damp rural areas with tall grass and vegetation overgrowth.

Only chigger larvae bite humans. They feed by injecting saliva that dissolves your skin and sucking this product back up. If you don’t remove them from your skin, they may keep feeding for several days.

It’s common to get chigger bites on your:

• waist
• armpits
• ankles

The bites form red welts within a day, and these welts eventually harden and become inflamed. Chigger bites are often extremely itchy, but try not to scratch, as scratching may lead to infection and fever.

Scabies

Scabies mites need a human or animal host in order to live. They burrow into your skin, where they lay eggs. They’re very contagious and can easily pass through close contact.

With scabies, you may not experience any symptoms for several weeks, but eventually, rash-like bumps and blisters will develop along the folds of your skin, including:

• between your fingers
• in the bend of your knees and elbows
• around your waist, breasts, or buttocks
• around male genitals
• on the bottom of your feet, especially in children

Itching associated with scabies is often severe and can become even worse during the night. Scabies require medical treatment, so it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider if you think you have them.

Demodex

Two main types of Demodex mites live on your body. Demodex folliculorum, or the hair follicle mite, generally lives in hair follicles on your face. Demodex brevis more often lives on your neck or chest.

You can’t see these mites without a microscope, and they often don’t cause symptoms. But for some, they may cause:

• itchy or scaly skin
• redness
• increased skin sensitivity
• burning sensation
• skin that feels rough like sandpaper

You may be more likely to notice skin issues and other signs of this mite if you have a weak immune system. Research also suggests higher numbers of Demodex may contribute to or worsen existing facial skin conditions, such as rosacea, androgenic alopecia, or facial dermatitis.

Bird and rodent mites

Rodent and bird mites typically live in nests and on animal hosts. If their host dies or leaves the nest, however, they may also bite humans.

You may feel a small sting when they bite and eventually notice:

• pain
• extreme itching
• a rash
• swelling
• skin irritation

Oak mites

These mites usually feed on small flies that live on oak leaves, but they can drop from trees and bite humans. This happens most often in late summer. Oak tree leaves with crusted brown edges can indicate oak mites. If you see these leaves, avoid sitting or working under these trees.

Oak mite bites leave red welts, usually on your face, neck, or arms. These welts are often mistaken for chigger bites. In 12 hours or so, the bites turn into bumps that look like pimples and are extremely itchy. You may have multiple bumps that form a painful rash. These bites may last for as long as two weeks.

Straw itch mites

These mites live in stored grain, hay, or seeds, as well as trees and leaves. They usually prey on insects but will also bite humans. However, they don’t remain on your body after biting you.

You’ll usually encounter these mites if you sit or walk under the trees they live in or lie down in leaf piles. They commonly bite the shoulders and neck and leave red marks that itch and may appear to be a rash.

If you’re still not sure what bit you, the photo guide below can help.

If you have visible bites or think a mite may have bitten you, it’s a good idea to take a shower using plenty of soap. Wash your clothes and any affected bedding in warm, soapy water. Carefully applying a topical permethrin cream (scabicide) will eliminate any remaining mites on your body. In most situations, care is directed at relieving itch and skin discomfort.

Antihistamine creams or anti-itch creams, including those containing hydrocortisone, can help reduce itching. You can also take oral antihistamines for severe itching. If you have painful bites, anesthetic creams can help.

Mite bites often cause severe itching, but scratching can lead to infection. It’s important to try to reduce the itch with medication, ice, or other treatments.

Do I need to see a doctor?

You’ll need to see a healthcare provider for treatment if you have scabies bites. For most other types of mite bites, you may be fine healing on your own.

However, you may still want to make an appointment if:

• over-the-counter creams don’t relieve pain and itching
• the bites don’t improve after a week or two
• you have any signs of infection, including fever, swelling, warmth, or leaking fluid at the bite location

If you develop hives, feel dizzy, or have trouble breathing after you’ve been bitten, seek emergency medical attention. These signs can indicate an allergic reaction.

Was this helpful?

Treating your house for mites and insects can help in some cases, but it’s generally recommended to make sure what type of infestation you have before using sprays and repellants. These treatments may not work on all types of mites.

Mite bites can be extremely uncomfortable. They may itch, hurt, and cause skin irritation that can last for as long as two weeks.

Most types of mite bites clear up on their own, so you usually won’t need medical attention. Over-the-counter pain medications and anti-itch creams can help relieve itching and pain.

If you keep getting bites you can’t identify, you may want to see a healthcare provider. Finding out what kind of mites keep biting you can help you figure out if you have an infestation.

Read this article in Spanish.

Why bedbugs do not bite all people in the family and can they bite only one person in the house



Why bedbugs do not bite all people in the family and can they only bite one person in the house

It is a mistake to believe that bedbugs do not bite all people in the family, that they somehow selectively approach the search for a victim, and even more so they choose the bitten person according to their blood type.

In fact, bedbugs bite all people with approximately the same intensity, and the impression that someone in the family was bitten by bedbugs, and someone was not, is explained by the fact that all people differ in the degree of sensitivity to bedbug bites and in the severity of the manifestation of these skin bites.

Simply put, some people have bed bug bite marks on their bodies, while others do not. At the same time, in the same room, and even more so on the same bed, bedbugs bite people about equally aggressively.

Let’s see why this happens…

Blood type, or thin skin? How people are mistaken about the selectivity of bedbugs…

Almost every day we encounter various misconceptions from our customers regarding the causes of selectivity in bedbugs. For example, we are regularly asked:

• Why don’t bed bugs attack all family members? – Accordingly, the person believes that insects touch only one person in the family, and wants to know why the insects chose this particular person.
• Why don’t bedbugs bite all people in the room? – On this issue, it is also clear that a person is convinced of the selectivity of bedbugs.
• Does it happen that bed bugs only bite one person in a house? – Apparently, the bugs obviously tortured someone, but his cohabitants are not bothered at all.

But there are also questions that are clearly not related to the selectivity of bedbugs, but imply the same thing. For example:

• People with what blood type are attacked by bed bugs? – It is assumed that they can choose their victims and somehow determine their blood type even before the bite, at a distance.
• Why do only women and children suffer from bedbug bites? – The author of the question believes that men are more fortunate, and the parasites do not touch them.

Although the questions are somewhat different, the essence is the same for all. People believe that bedbugs can know who they prefer to bite and who should not be touched, and they really choose one victim. At the same time, everyone wants to find out by what criteria insects determine victims. Someone suggests that by blood type, someone thinks that by gender and age, and someone thinks that smell is the decisive factor for them. There are a lot of assumptions. And almost all of them are wrong.

All assumptions that bedbugs somehow choose their prey are wrong.

So who is actually more likely to be bitten by bed bugs?

Most often, bedbugs bite people who sleep closest to the bedbugs’ hiding places. Simply because insects find such a person faster and easier.

Bed bugs do not deliberately choose anyone to be their victim. They attack all people in a row and, with the same convenience of attacking different people in the room, bite them with the same intensity. They don’t care if they are adults or children, men or women. A person’s blood group and its Rh factor also do not matter to them, they do not even know how to determine it either at a distance from a person, or even after absorbing blood. At least, there are still no known mechanisms that would help bedbugs identify such characteristics of the blood of the victim.

Moreover, even pets and birds can suffer from bites. Bed bugs often infest chicken coops and dovecotes. Within a few months, their number can increase so much that the birds will have to be transferred somewhere, and the room will be treated with special preparations and cleaned of insects.

So we can say for sure that bedbugs do not make exceptions for anyone: they bite all people, and in the absence of people, they attack cats, dogs, birds and even bats. By the way, in the wild, it is bats and birds that are the main victims of bed bugs (yes, bed bugs live in the wild, where people never go at all – for example, in deep caves, or in burrows of wild animals underground) .

Why, then, after sleeping, some people get bitten, while others don’t get bitten at all?

Because in some people the bites turn red, itch, and sometimes become inflamed, while in others they do not manifest themselves at all and it seems that they do not exist.

In addition, due to different sensitivity to bedbug bites, even reddened and itchy bites disappear at different rates in different people. For someone, the bumps itch for 2-3 days, while for someone they lose color and do not cause any sensations after 10-20 minutes, or 2-3 hours after the bite, but in any case, before the person wakes up. And after waking up, it seems that no one bit him.

According to statistics, about 70% of people hardly notice bed bug bites. Some of the bites do not show any marks at all, while others have reddened skin and even small pimples appear on it, which can also cause itching, but all these effects of insect attacks quickly disappear while the person is still sleeping. Bed bugs are most active in the middle of the night. For example, they can bite a person for about 3-4 hours. At this time, traces will appear on his body, which will disappear in a couple of hours. As a result, waking up at 7 o’clock in the morning, a person will not notice any damage on himself and will not experience any discomfort.

Another 30% of people experience bedbug bites and suffer from them to a greater or lesser extent. They may develop severe redness and bumps on their body, which can itch and cause discomfort. In some cases, people develop an allergic reaction, accompanied by swelling and hives.

Our partners from the klop911 channel conducted an experiment on themselves: they simply planted bedbugs on their hands and let them bite them. The bugs really bit and already swelled from the sucked blood, but at the same time, there were no traces left on the skin of the experimental experimenter at all – no bleeding wounds, no bumps, no blisters. Also, there were no unpleasant sensations – itching, pain, sensation of skin puncture. This entire experiment is shown in the video:

About 70% of people do not feel the bites of bedbugs at all and it seems that the parasites do not bite them at all

It is noteworthy that more than half of people whose body does not react in any way to the bites of these parasites. At the same time, insects bite them in the same way as others.

At the same time, in particularly sensitive people, reactions to bedbug bites can be really frightening. Sometimes large red bumps appear on the arms, legs and in general throughout the body. They can itch a lot, which is why people often comb them. As a result, some bumps even begin to fester, while others merge into extensive red spots. All this can cause discomfort and pain, prevent a person from sleeping at night, and make them feel uncomfortable in society due to noticeable bites.

Now let’s assume that one family member is susceptible to bed bug bites and another is not. People sleep in the same room, but someone in the morning wakes up well-rested and rested, and someone is exhausted, in red spots that itch and do not give rest. This not only looks unaesthetic, but can also cause a deterioration in overall well-being. Sensitive people, especially young children, may even have a fever. At this time, his parents, or someone alone, may not notice a single insect bite on themselves.

It is on the example of such situations that one gets the impression that bedbugs bite people selectively. This seems especially obvious if two people sleep in the same bed. It becomes clear that the parasites ran all over the bed, but for some reason they bit one, but did not touch the second. Of course, as a result, there immediately appears a desire to find out the reason for such illogical behavior of insects.

In fact, the bugs equally bit everyone they could quickly and safely reach. At the same time, a person sensitive to their bites left noticeable marks on the body, while in a less sensitive person they either did not appear at all, or had already disappeared by morning.

Many people do not leave any marks at all at the site of bedbug bites

The most common myths about the selectivity of bedbugs

There are quite a lot of misconceptions about the selectivity of bedbugs. Most often, people believe that bedbugs choose a victim by blood type. There is also an opinion that insects bite women and children more often, since their skin is thinner than that of men. There are even hypotheses that due to the thinner skin, the bugs allegedly better smell the blood flowing through the veins.

Another theory is that bed bugs bite more and more people who have been attacked by their relatives before. There is also an opposite opinion, that a person can develop a kind of immunity, which is why the parasites do not like their blood.

Statistics completely refutes all theories about the selectivity of bedbugs. As the reviews show, parasites cause inconvenience to absolutely all categories of people. They bite both children, and women, and men with different blood types, and in addition also their pets (although only because there are no people nearby – in the hair of a dog or cat, it is more difficult for bugs with their wide flattened body to get to the skin, and the skin itself because of its greater strength, it is more difficult for them to pierce with a proboscis). At the same time, in other apartments, and sometimes in the same room and even on the same bed, parasites do not touch the same men and women for some reason. This proves that bed bugs do not choose whom they will bite, either by blood type or by other criteria. They bite everyone in a row with almost the same frequency.

From a scientific point of view, neither theory has any evidence. In particular, scientists do not know the mechanisms that would help bedbugs determine a person’s blood type and Rh factor. As a result, a person would have at least a small amount of bite marks, but some people do not have them at all.

It is also known that bed bugs bite not only people with different blood types, but also animals. At the same time, if we assume that insects prefer the blood of one blood type, then it follows from this that its antigenic characteristics are important for them. However, in these same characteristics between the blood of a human and a dog or, for example, a chicken and a bat, there are much more differences than between the blood of people with different groups and Rh factors. Obviously, if bedbugs preferred to bite people with one or two blood types, then they definitely would not bite their pets. The antigenic characteristics of the blood of humans and animals are very different. However, as can be seen from the statistics, dogs, cats, domestic rabbits, and birds also suffer from parasite attacks. In addition, in the wild, bats are the main victims of bedbugs. This completely proves the inconsistency of the theory about the love of these insects for the blood of only a certain group.

The assumption that insects can smell human blood through the skin has also not been confirmed by scientists. There is no reason to believe that bedbugs prefer to bite children and women, because their skin is thinner and more tender than that of men, and the smell of their blood is felt by insects more strongly.

In general, no theory about the selectivity of bedbugs can withstand even the slightest criticism.

At the same time, in some situations, bedbugs can really bite some people more often, and less often others, but for more prosaic reasons.

When are bed bugs more likely to bite some people than others?

For example, in an apartment, bugs can live mainly in one bed or sofa and, accordingly, they will bite the person who sleeps in this sleeping place. Only over time, they multiply, spread throughout the room and in all sleeping places and begin to bite everyone who sleeps here.

If the house is large, the bugs may first settle in one room, and in others they may not be there for some time. Accordingly, at first the parasites will attack those who sleep in the “captured” room, and not those who are in neighboring rooms. Over time, the number of parasites can increase, and then they quickly spread throughout the house, starting to regularly bite all its inhabitants.

There is also an assumption, and quite justified, that bedbugs bite men more. This is due to the fact that when searching for prey, insects are guided by the smell of carbon dioxide that a person exhales, and to some extent by the smell of sweat and the body as a whole. Thanks to this sense of smell, bedbugs can easily find prey in the absence of even weak light. There are even special traps for bedbugs that release carbon dioxide and attract parasites with it.

As for men, as a rule, their lung capacity is larger than that of women and children, respectively, they inhale more air and exhale more carbon dioxide. Because of this, it should be easier for bedbugs to find exactly men and they should bite them more often.

Mostly women complain about bed bug bites. They say that for some reason the insects do not touch the men living with them. It seems that the facts contradict each other, but this is not entirely true. It is known that men have rougher skin and less sensitivity, and as a result, they often simply do not notice insect bites, since they do not cause pain and do not leave marks.

At the same time, speaking of sensitivity, one should not refer to gender differences. It cannot be argued that men are less sensitive to bedbug bites than women. None of the statistics allow such conclusions to be drawn. Many men suffer from insect bites, just as many women do not feel them.

A typical example is the terrible consequences of bedbug bites in a healthy young man:

In general, bedbugs do not choose their victims according to any characteristics. They bite those who are easier and faster to get to. If a person is closer to their habitat, then they will attack him first, because it is easier and safer than going somewhere further. In this case, the blood type of a person will not matter to them. If several people sleep side by side and it is equally easy for the bugs to get to one and the second, then they will bite them with equal intensity. At the same time, depending on the level of sensitivity, people may react differently to a bite.

If I itch from mosquito bites, can I not feel bedbug bites?

Sensitivity to bedbug bites does not correlate with sensitivity to other insect bites, including mosquitoes. People who have bumps and redness on their bodies after being attacked by bedbugs may not respond to bites from other parasites. At this time, those insensitive to the attacks of the former can experience real suffering if they are bitten by someone else.

For example, in the video above, the presenter said that he has no sensitivity to bedbug bites, but he reacts very strongly to mosquito and flea bites. In places of bites of these insects, his skin swells and begins to itch badly. Thus, two people living together can wake up in the morning and find the same bumps on their arms and legs, indicating the presence of mosquitoes. At the same time, bug bite marks can appear only in one person. However, it cannot be concluded from this that they did not bite the second. They may just have a different reaction to these particular insects.

A case from practice

Once in Podolsk we treated three apartments for bedbugs at once – two in one front door, on adjacent floors, and one in the next front door. Moreover, all three walls bordered on another apartment, which, obviously, was the source of infection. The neighbors in these three apartments agreed on a joint persecution of bedbugs, but they could not agree with the owner of the nursery apartment, since he assured that he did not have bedbugs. It was a one-room apartment in which a young man lived, quite intelligent, prosperous, but sincerely confident that bedbugs did not live in his housing.

Luckily, all three apartments were processed in the afternoon, and Oleg was still working here when the young man returned from work. We managed to talk with him and he allowed me to go into the apartment and inspect the bed. The apartment was in very good condition, with a relatively fresh renovation, but in the bed, on the underside of the mattress, and near it, Oleg found large clusters of bedbugs. The owner himself was shocked when he saw this entire ecosystem right next to him. He admitted that he never felt how they bite him at all, but from time to time when cleaning or just in the evening he meets these insects on the bed, or near it, but did not attach any importance to this, did not know that these were blood-sucking parasites, and believed that these are just random guests who made their way into the apartment through the window.

Oleg cleaned this apartment right away and destroyed the bugs in it. But how many of these apartments remain in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities in which people do not suffer from bedbugs at all, but parasites breed and spread to their neighbors is an open question.

How does this information help in the elimination of bed bugs?

Such differences in susceptibility to parasites must be taken into account when looking for the source of their spread, especially in apartment buildings. It is likely that people from different apartments and even from different floors will feel the bites of bedbugs, unite and poison them regularly. However, this will only give a temporary result, if in some other apartment, even one for the entire entrance, they will not be poisoned. The people living in it may not even be aware of the problem if no one in their family has sensitivity to these insects. It should be borne in mind that this can also be a very cultured and intelligent family that does not hide the presence of parasites in their apartment, but simply does not really suspect about it. As a result, if the neighbors poison the bedbugs, over time, from one infected apartment, they can again spread to all the others.

Also, do not forget that more than half of people are not sensitive to the bites of these parasites. That is, they cause inconvenience to only a small number of people who encounter them. As a result, in a completely infested home, those who decide to fight the insect invasion will be in the minority anyway.

As a conclusion, it can be said with certainty that in a room infested with bugs, all its inhabitants will be bitten. We know that they bite anyone they can easily get to, regardless of their blood type or gender. At the same time, due to varying degrees of sensitivity to insect bites, some people may suffer from them, while others may not. The fact that bedbugs are selective seems especially convincing, if bumps and red spots appear on the body of one person, he begins to itch all over, and another, who lives nearby, does not find a single trace. In fact, this only says that someone has a strong sensitivity, while someone has practically none.

Be that as it may, if at least one person in the room suffers from bedbugs, then they need to be poisoned, and this should be done as quickly as possible. Over time, their bites will only intensify, and even those family members who have not suffered from them before can begin to feel them. Therefore, if you or your child are bitten, immediately call Dezincity, call the exterminator and in a day the bugs will not bite you.

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How to get rid of bedbugs and their bites: all means

Bedbugs in the house are an unpleasant phenomenon, but it is quite possible to cope with it. How to detect bedbugs in the house, what their bites look like, what means will definitely help get rid of bedbugs – RBC-Real Estate understands together with an expert

Photo: Shutterstock

Bed bugs are not a thing of the past. These parasites can appear in any apartment, and its social status is completely unimportant for bloodsuckers.

• How to understand that there are bugs at home
• How to detect bed bugs
• How to get rid of bed bugs

Experts in this article

• Maria Boyko, MD, gastroenterologist, therapist of the Semeynaya clinic network
• Petr Fisenko, Disinfector Specialist, Dez_Hunter Disinfection Service

adv.rbc.ru

How to understand that there are bed bugs at home

Bed bug is a blood-sucking insect. About 0.5 cm in size, dark yellow or brown. The body is flattened – this shape helps in most cases not to be crushed, for example, when a person turns in a dream. A well-fed parasite is less mobile and more rounded. This nocturnal insect attacks during sleep, when the victim is as relaxed and defenseless as possible.

Manifestation of a bug bite – a blister of about 2-5 mm

(Photo: Casey Nye/Flickr.com)

They can appear for a variety of reasons. Cleanliness and constant hygiene of the premises, of course, reduce the risk of infection, but also not a panacea. An insect can be brought on shoes, building materials, from any crowded places.

Renting an apartment: what problems arise when renting a house

What bedbug bites look like

One of the first signs that bedbugs live in the house is the appearance of bites on the body. Since the insect moves along the body in the process of saturation, the wounds are located nearby, most often in a chain. One bloodsucker can put about three to five wounds.

Insect stings can cause a severe allergic reaction: they become inflamed and enlarged, and sometimes the temperature may rise. However, in some people they do not appear at all. This does not mean that the bugs bite selectively, it’s just that the body does not always give out a reaction.

Maria Boyko, Candidate of Medical Sciences, gastroenterologist, therapist of the Semeynaya clinic network:

— Bed bugs painlessly bite exposed skin at night and are rarely noticed by victims. Bites usually occur on the face, neck, and hands. Some people do not react, and the only sign of a bite is a small dot. It has been observed that they are less common in older people.

The classic manifestation of a bug bite is a blister about 2-5 mm, which is most often accompanied by itching. Some patients have asymptomatic purplish spots at the bite sites, which may also present as hives.

Skin reactions may appear on waking or a few days after bites. Usually bites disappear after a week.

If the bites become infected, see a doctor immediately. Treatment of such complications can take several weeks.

The causative agents of some diseases, such as hepatitis B virus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and others, have been found in bedbugs, but no clinical transmission of these diseases to humans has been identified.

It is believed that a bedbug-infested apartment smells like nutmeg or cheap cognac. But with a small accumulation of these insects, it may not smell like anything.

How to detect bed bugs

1. Check your bedding carefully. Bedbugs leave excrement – small black dots. You can also see tiny traces of blood after bites.
2. Since these insects are active at night, they can be seen around four or five in the morning if the lights are turned on. It is during this period that they crawl out.
3. Be sure to check the possible habitats of parasites. The bloodsucker tries to stay closer to the power source, so it most often hides in the seams of the mattress, sofa, upholstery – not far from the bed. But they can also hide in places where they are unlikely to be disturbed: in baseboards, cracks or behind pieces of peeled wallpaper, paintings, carpets.
4. Even if the insects themselves are not visible, discarded chitin shells remain in their habitats.

Discarded chitin shells remain in their habitats

(Photo: Shutterstock)

How to get rid of bed bugs

The ideal temperature for bed bugs is +20–30 °С. Therefore, its significant change can kill them. But they are quite tenacious and in uncomfortable conditions are able to slow down life processes – fall into a state resembling suspended animation, without needing food for months.

1. Apply heat

A mark on the thermometer over 45 °C is fatal for bed bugs and their larvae [1]. Therefore, boiling or washing clothes at a high temperature for at least 30 minutes will help get rid of them. The higher the temperature, the sooner and more likely the insect will die.

Other items must be carefully treated with a steamer or iron. Heat guns will also help in cleansing the house of parasites.

In summer, you can pack your things in black bags and take them out into the sun.

But the death of bugs will come only in direct contact with heat, if during processing they hide deeper from the heat source, then the temperature increase will be non-fatal for him.

Ultraviolet rays are also harmful to these insects. Therefore, drying household items in the sun will also help.

2. Exposure to cold

Bed bugs can survive temperatures as low as -10°C for about three weeks [2]. To quickly destroy them, you need to lower the temperature: larvae and adult insects die at -16 ˚C in 82, and at -24 ˚C – in 24 hours. Things can be placed in the freezer or taken outside if it’s cold outside.

Significant change in temperature can kill bed bugs

(Photo: Shutterstock)

3.

Use popular bedbug products

• Vinegar. He can help, but only if they flood the nest itself. It is mainly used for scaring. In the manufacture of home remedies for bedbugs, vinegar is mixed with ethyl alcohol and naphthalene.
• Turpentine. It can only be used on hard surfaces away from fire, as it is flammable. The smell of the substance is unpleasant and weathered for a long time. The product may leave stains.
• Ammonia diluted in water. Spray on surfaces. This should only be done with the windows open.
• Kerosene can also help control bed bugs. Paper or cloth moistened with a substance is placed on all points of the possible habitat of insects.
• Boric acid. The powder is scattered in places where parasites are located.
• If these methods did not help, then chemistry is indispensable. Bed bug aerosols and powders are available in almost all stores. The result from their use is about the same.

4. Disinfect from bedbugs

The most effective way is to contact a specialist. Before the arrival of the disinfector, prepare the apartment.

It is necessary to do a thorough damp cleaning, curtains, bed linen and clothes to wash at a high temperature (at least 60 degrees). You also need to move the furniture away from the walls and cover all the equipment (so that the solution does not damage). You will also have to de-energize the wiring in order to be able to process the sockets. Remove dishes and food in advance.

You will need water to make a bed bug solution, so you must not block access to it.

Petr Fisenko, Dez_Hunter Disinfection Specialist:

— Bed bugs can appear anywhere. They live next to people. When there are a lot of them, part of the population remains to live where it was, and the rest go to neighbors through communications, ventilation holes, cracks.

Do I need to apply to the management company? According to SanPiN, management companies must carry out disinfestation of basements and garbage chambers. But the apartment is the area of ​​responsibility of the residents.

Many, having noticed bed bugs in the house, begin to fight with their own methods. For example, use lavender. But if we take into account the fact that resistance (the so-called immunity) to professional chemicals is growing in parasites every year, then, alas, the smell of lavender will not destroy them. But you can try to protect your home from migration from neighboring premises, since the smell of lavender has some deterrent effect for these parasites. For example, you can lay out bags of lavender in linen drawers and in baseboards along the walls adjacent to “suspicious” neighbors.

Also, I do not advise you to get rid of bedbugs with the help of products bought in ordinary stores. They do not act on the entire part of the population, because the active substances are diluted there in very small quantities. Only a specialist can maintain the correct concentration of the substance in order to kill all the bugs.

Folk methods, it seems to me, are completely irrelevant and do not help. If you notice bites, you need to contact a specialist.

Bed bugs are one of the most difficult parasitic insects to breed. First, they are not immediately visible to the naked eye. Secondly, they multiply very quickly and for a long time (more than a year) they can do without food (blood). Thirdly, they adapt very well to insecticides (chemical preparations). Several active ingredients have to be used.

If the apartment is heavily infested, spot disinfection is carried out. After two to three weeks, the procedure is repeated for prevention and can be carried out two to three times. In half of the cases, you have to throw out the furniture – and only after all the stages of disinfection have been completed, you can bring in a new one. After disinfection, even if the bug crawls to the neighbors, it will die there.

The biggest difficulty in the destruction of bedbugs is that people are embarrassed to admit that they have got these parasites, and try to fight with folk methods.