How do you know if you have been bitten by mites. What are the common signs of mite bites. Which types of mites can affect humans. How can you differentiate between various mite bites. What are the potential health implications of mite infestations.

Understanding Dust Mites: Separating Fact from Fiction

Dust mites, often misunderstood creatures, belong to the arthropod family and share a relation with ticks. Despite their insect-like appearance, they lack wings and eyes. Contrary to popular belief, dust mites do not actually bite humans. However, they can cause significant discomfort through allergic reactions.

Why do people often mistake dust mite allergies for bites? The confusion arises from the fact that dust in our homes partially consists of dust mite feces and decomposing dust mite bodies. Many individuals who believe they’re allergic to dust are actually reacting to the protein-rich dust created by these tiny creatures.

Dust Mite Allergy Symptoms

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Facial pressure and pain

Can dust mites trigger asthma symptoms? Indeed, for some individuals with asthma, dust mite allergies can exacerbate their condition, leading to increased wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.

Identifying Mite Bites: Key Characteristics and Symptoms

While dust mites don’t bite, other species of mites can and do bite humans. Identifying mite bites can be challenging due to their small size and the delayed onset of symptoms. However, understanding the common signs can help you differentiate mite bites from other insect bites.

Common Signs of Mite Bites

• 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

How long do mite bite symptoms typically last? The duration of symptoms can vary depending on the species of mite and individual reactions, but they generally persist for a few days to a couple of weeks.

Chiggers: The Tiny Terrors of Tall Grass

Chiggers, the larval stage of certain mites, are notorious for their irritating bites. These minuscule creatures thrive in damp rural areas with tall grass and overgrown vegetation. Understanding their behavior and bite characteristics can help in prevention and treatment.

Chigger Bite Characteristics

• Commonly found on waist, armpits, and ankles
• Form red welts within a day
• Welts harden and become inflamed over time
• Extremely itchy

Why do chigger bites itch so intensely? Chiggers inject saliva that dissolves skin cells, which they then consume. This process triggers an intense immune response, resulting in severe itching.

Is scratching chigger bites dangerous? While tempting, scratching chigger bites should be avoided as it can lead to secondary infections and potentially cause fever.

Scabies: The Contagious Skin Invaders

Scabies mites are parasitic creatures that burrow into human skin to lay their eggs. Their highly contagious nature makes them a significant public health concern. Recognizing the symptoms of scabies is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing spread.

Scabies Symptoms and Affected Areas

• Rash-like bumps and blisters in skin folds
• Intense itching, often worse at night
• Common sites include:
  • Between fingers
  • Bends of knees and elbows
  • Around waist, breasts, or buttocks
  • Male genitals
  • Bottom of feet (especially in children)

Why is medical treatment necessary for scabies? Scabies mites can’t be eliminated through typical hygiene practices. Prescription medications are required to kill the mites and prevent reinfestation.

Demodex Mites: The Facial Dwellers

Demodex mites are a common but often overlooked inhabitant of human skin. Two main species, Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, reside in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, respectively. While usually harmless, they can sometimes cause or exacerbate skin conditions.

Potential Symptoms of Demodex Overgrowth

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

Who is most susceptible to Demodex-related skin issues? Individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience symptoms related to 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 prefer their animal hosts, but circumstances can lead them to bite humans. Understanding their behavior and bite characteristics can help in identification and prevention.

Characteristics of Bird and Rodent Mite Bites

• Small sting sensation during the bite
• Subsequent pain and extreme itching
• Development of a rash
• Swelling and skin irritation

Under what circumstances do these mites bite humans? Bird and rodent mites typically resort to biting humans when their primary host dies or leaves the nest, leaving them without their usual food source.

Oak Mites: The Arboreal Assailants

Oak mites, while not typically associated with human bites, can become a nuisance under certain conditions. These tiny creatures usually feed on small flies living in oak leaves but can occasionally drop from trees and bite humans.

Identifying Oak Mite Bites

• Red welts, often on face, neck, or arms
• Welts transform into pimple-like bumps within 12 hours
• Extremely itchy
• Can form a painful rash with multiple bumps
• Bites may persist for up to two weeks

How can you identify oak trees that might harbor oak mites? Look for oak leaves with crusted brown edges, which can indicate the presence of oak mites. It’s advisable to avoid sitting or working under such trees, especially in late summer when oak mite activity peaks.

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’re known to bite humans when the opportunity arises.

Straw Itch Mite Bite Characteristics

• Intense itching within hours of exposure
• Development of red, raised bumps
• Possible progression to fluid-filled blisters
• Symptoms can last for several days

Who is most at risk for straw itch mite bites? Individuals who work with stored grains, hay, or in areas with decaying vegetation are at higher risk of encountering these mites. Farmers, gardeners, and warehouse workers should be particularly vigilant.

Prevention and Management of Mite Infestations

While various mite species can cause discomfort and health issues, there are several strategies to prevent and manage mite infestations. Understanding these methods can significantly reduce the risk of mite-related problems.

General Prevention Strategies

• Maintain clean and dry living spaces
• Regularly wash bedding and clothing in hot water
• Use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers
• Keep humidity levels low in your home
• Vacuum frequently, especially in carpeted areas
• Seal entry points to prevent rodents and birds from nesting near your home

How effective are natural remedies in controlling mite populations? While some natural remedies like diatomaceous earth or essential oils may have some effect, their efficacy is often limited compared to professional pest control methods. For severe infestations, it’s best to consult with a pest control expert.

Managing Mite Bites

1. Wash the affected area with soap and water
2. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and itching
3. Use over-the-counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream for symptom relief
4. Avoid scratching to prevent secondary infections
5. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist

When should you consult a healthcare professional about mite bites? If you experience severe allergic reactions, signs of infection, or if symptoms don’t improve with home treatment, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.

The Environmental Impact of Mites: Beyond Human Health

While mites are often viewed primarily through the lens of human health impacts, their role in ecosystems is complex and multifaceted. Understanding the broader environmental implications of mites can provide valuable insights into biodiversity and ecological balance.

Ecological Roles of Mites

• Soil health: Many mite species contribute to decomposition processes in soil
• Plant pollination: Some mites play a role in pollinating certain plant species
• Pest control: Predatory mites can help control harmful insect populations
• Food chain: Mites serve as a food source for various other organisms

How do changes in mite populations affect ecosystems? Fluctuations in mite populations can have ripple effects throughout ecosystems. For example, a decline in decomposer mites could slow nutrient cycling in soil, impacting plant growth and subsequent food chains.

Mites as Bioindicators

Certain mite species are increasingly being recognized as valuable bioindicators – organisms that can signal changes in environmental conditions. Their sensitivity to factors like soil pollution, climate change, and habitat disturbance makes them useful in monitoring ecosystem health.

How are scientists using mites in environmental research? Researchers are studying mite diversity and population dynamics to assess ecosystem health, track climate change impacts, and monitor the effects of agricultural practices on soil biodiversity.

Mites in Agriculture: Friends or Foes?

In the agricultural sector, mites play dual roles as both pests and beneficial organisms. Understanding this dichotomy is crucial for developing sustainable farming practices and effective pest management strategies.

Beneficial Mites in Agriculture

• Predatory mites for biological pest control
• Soil mites contributing to nutrient cycling
• Mites aiding in the breakdown of organic matter

How are beneficial mites being utilized in modern agriculture? Many farmers and greenhouse operators are incorporating predatory mites as part of integrated pest management strategies, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Mites as Agricultural Pests

• Spider mites damaging crops by feeding on plant cells
• Bulb mites affecting onions, garlic, and other bulb plants
• Broad mites causing distortion in young plant growth

What are the economic impacts of mite infestations in agriculture? Mite infestations can lead to significant crop losses, increased production costs, and potential trade restrictions, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Mite Studies

The field of acarology – the study of mites and ticks – is continuously evolving, with new discoveries and technologies opening up exciting avenues for research and application. Understanding these developments can provide insights into future management strategies and potential benefits derived from mite research.

Cutting-Edge Research Areas

• Genomic studies of mites for better understanding of their biology and evolution
• Development of novel, environmentally friendly mite control methods
• Investigation of mite-microbe interactions and their implications
• Exploration of mites as sources of new bioactive compounds

How might advances in mite research benefit human health and agriculture? Ongoing research could lead to new treatments for mite-related allergies and skin conditions, as well as more effective and sustainable pest control methods in agriculture.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite their significance, mites remain understudied compared to many other arthropods. The minute size of mites presents challenges in research, but also opportunities for developing new microscopy and molecular techniques.

What role might citizen science play in advancing mite research? With the increasing accessibility of digital microscopy and mobile apps, there’s potential for wider public engagement in mite observation and data collection, contributing to broader understanding of mite biodiversity and distribution.

As we continue to unravel the complex world of mites, from their impacts on human health to their roles in ecosystems and agriculture, it becomes clear that these tiny creatures play an outsized role in our world. By fostering a better understanding of mites, we can develop more effective strategies for coexisting with these ubiquitous arthropods, harnessing their benefits while mitigating their negative impacts.

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.

Call us:

+7 (499) 393-60-08 (Moscow and Moscow region)

+7 (812) 949-46-04 (St. Petersburg and Leningrad region)

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bites, what they look like, where they hide

Bed bugs are dangerous and tenacious insects. It is very important to order professional bed bug extermination services as soon as possible and not to delay the solution of the problem. The faster and better the treatment is carried out, the less risks for health and comfort.

How can you tell if there are bed bugs?

To find out if bed bugs are infested, you need to do a number of simple manipulations, but it is important to do it carefully and without haste:

1. Check the skin : bug bite marks look like redness with swelling and are most often located on the neck, shoulders , back, ribs and legs. Examine all family members and pets.
2. Examine bed linen : blood stains from bites, black dots and dead specimens will definitely indicate the presence of a parasite and the need for treatment.
3. Sniff : bugs, with rare exceptions, exude an unpleasant odor similar to the smell of cilantro, coriander, spoiled fruits and berries, bad cognac. It will not be strong, but it can be felt next to pest clusters.
4. Ask the neighbors : bedbugs rarely start in only one apartment, it is highly likely that the neighbors have similar problems.

Where do bed bugs come from

It is commonly believed that bed bugs appear due to dirt, uncleanliness and the accumulation of old and dirty things, but this is not entirely true. The most common reason for the appearance of parasites in the house will be their migration from really dirty rooms: basements, from infected apartments, both from neighbors and animal hair brought on clothes.

One contaminated room can be a source of problems for countless people. And not always the presence of bedbugs in you indicates that you are doing the housework incorrectly.

What do bed bugs look like

Appearance

Bed bugs have a rounded body with pronounced stripes that form at the junctions of the chitinous segments of the abdomen. Well-fed bugs acquire volume and become darker, almost black, while hungry bugs become flat, brown or red. Outwardly, bugs can resemble an apple seed if they are full or a rusty coin if they are still hungry.

Structure of the body

The body of an insect consists of three conditional parts:

1. Head . On it are two bulging eyes, antennae and proboscis.
2. Chest . Three pairs of legs and a pair of miniature elytra are attached to it, despite the fact that the bugs do not have wings and cannot fly.
3. Abdomen . Consists of 10 segments and contains odorous glands, spiracles, reproductive and digestive systems.

Sizes

The size of an adult bed bug is 4 to 8 mm. The body of an insect is capable of almost doubling after saturation, which justifies the difference in average size. The larvae barely reach 1 mm after hatching from the egg and grow rapidly. The size of the egg laid by the female bed bug is about 1 mm, one individual hatches from one egg.

Males and females

The number of males and females in populations is approximately the same, but there are differences in appearance. Females are slightly larger than males and have a much more rounded body in the back. Whereas males are slightly smaller than females, and their body is pointed towards the end.

Eggs and larvae

Bedbug eggs look like small grains of rice. In some cases, they have small dents along the long side. The size is about 1 mm. The color is white, sometimes with a pearly sheen. On one side they have a hole through which the insect subsequently hatches.

With the help of a secret, they are perfectly attached to vertical surfaces. The egg also contains a special component, which, coupled with a strong shell, makes the larva almost invulnerable to mechanical damage, poisons and temperature. That is why it is very important to process the masonry with a specialized composition and with special care.

Small bugs

Recently hatched individuals are much lighter than adults – they are light, almost yellow. Their size increases by 1 mm after each meal – 1 time in 1-2 weeks. Then the shedding occurs. The discarded chitin remains in the nests; it is not transferred anywhere by insects and is not used.

Differences from other species

Domestic bed bugs, in comparison with others, are quite small (from 4 to 8 mm) and not so diverse in their coloration (adults – from brown to black, juveniles – from yellow to light brown ). They are easier to confuse with a small cockroach than with a wild relative.

Bed bug bites

What they look like

Bed bug bites look like small redness with swelling and swelling, with a pronounced center – a bump. Arranged “paths” – one after the other. Most often on the human body, bites can be found on the neck, shoulders, back, ribs and legs. Animal bodies are best examined in their entirety.

Biting process

The insect spreads its proboscis, which is usually pressed against the abdomen, and pierces the skin with the help of piercing bristles. During the bite, the insect injects the victim with a substance that temporarily numbs the area of ​​​​the bite so as not to be detected. In the process of feeding, the bug moves along the body and makes 5-7 bites every 3-5 cm, each time sucking out an insignificant part of the blood. The duration of one feeding of the bug is from 3 to 10 minutes, if nothing disturbs it.

Do bedbugs bite?

No. The bug “takes care” of itself and its victim by injecting an anesthetic compound during the bite.

How fast do they pass?

Usually the bites of these insects disappear within 5-7 days. If irritation and swelling does not go away for a longer time, there is a danger of an allergy and you should seek medical help.

Why bites are dangerous

For adults

Usually, for adults, bed bug bites are more dangerous from an aesthetic and psychological point of view, if there is no predisposition to allergies. Despite the fact that bedbugs are carriers of diseases, they cannot transmit them during a bite.

Biting irritation in adults can contribute to insomnia and irritability, but nothing more.

For children

A feature of the harmful effects of bedbug bites on newborns and young children is the possibility of anemia, in addition to the problems that bites cause in adults.

Allergy

Allergy to bedbug bites can be life-threatening for the bitten. If you have even the slightest suspicion of developing an allergy to the resulting bite or are predisposed to it, seek medical help immediately.

Signs of allergy to bed bug bites:

1. Bite spot more than 1 cm in diameter
2. Trail lasts more than seven days
3. Rash develops
4. Itching and irritation became unbearable

Treatment of bed bug bites

Bites can be treated with folk remedies, as well as with the help of medicines purchased at a pharmacy. All of them will be aimed at reducing itching, swelling and restoring the skin.

Medical supplies

1. Rescuer Balm
2. “Bepanthen”
3. Gektor Gel
4. Psilo Balm
5. Epidel
6. Erythromycin ointment
7. “Fenistil-gel”
8. “Cycaderma”

Traditional medicine

1. Ice application
2. Rubbing with rubbing alcohol
3. Attaching a cut half of an onion
4. Lotions from decoction of chamomile and St. John’s wort, crushed fresh mint leaves

Please note that folk remedies are a great way to temporarily solve the problem if medicines are out of reach, but they are not able to replace them.

Life cycle of bed bugs

The development and life span of a bed bug consists of three stages:

1. Egg – 4-5 days
2. Larva – up to 30-35 days
3. Adult insect – up to 400 days

In the absence of food and the ambient temperature drops below +5°C, adults are able to fall into a state of suspended animation and live without food for up to 1 year or more. At an ambient temperature of more than + 50 ° C, adults, larvae and eggs die. Under adverse conditions, the development process can slow down and be up to 100 days before becoming an adult. This provides the insects with their extreme survivability.

Reproduction

Bed bugs reproduce in the adult stage. A female is capable of laying up to 5 eggs per day; for the entire life cycle, one female lays from 250 to 500 eggs.

Where can bed bugs hide?

Bed bug habitats are easy to find. All waste products and accumulations of the insects themselves are clearly visible upon close examination. You can find bedbugs where it is dark, dry and warm:

• In furniture: in cracks and grooves, folds of linen and upholstery, mattresses, on bookshelves
• In walls and floors: under skirting boards, wallpaper, wooden window sills, paintings

Summing up, we can conclude that household bed bugs are moderately dangerous insects (don’t forget about allergies and small children!), with an extremely high survival rate and ability to reproduce.

Dezraptor offers a wide range of sanitation services for premises, vehicles and equipment. Our arsenal includes modern equipment and strict adherence to processing technologies. Turning to us, you can always be sure of the high quality of the disinfestation, disinfection, deratization, site protection, ozonation, removal of mold, unpleasant odors and demercurization.