How To Tell A Mosquito Bite From A Spider Bite

No one likes a pest in or around their home. From the simple buzzing of a nearby mosquito that you flick away to the ‘Ouch!’ of the bite from a venomous spider, you don’t want them in or around your home. 

Warm weather means outdoor barbecues, pool parties, picnics, sports and a host of other activities that people enjoy. Warm weather also means more pests around to be a nuisance to you and your family as you are outside enjoying all there is to do in the beautiful sunshine. Inevitably, you will find yourself with a bite and trying to decide if the bite is something to worry about. The most common bites that occur to people are mosquito bites and spider bites. You need to know the difference.

Mosquito Bites

Did you know that only the female mosquito of most mosquito species are the ones that bite humans? Female mosquitoes need the blood in order to lay fertile eggs. The main energy source of both male and female mosquitoes is flower nectar. Mosquitoes continuously search for food which means the female mosquito is constantly looking for her next victim to bite. As you and your friends and family are outside enjoying a fun game of Frisbee, you are all prime targets for a hungry mosquito.

What Does a Mosquito Bite Look Like?

A typical sign of a mosquito bite is a small, pink or red bump on your skin. It may or may not itch. Most people who get a mosquito bite have mild to no reactions. Some people, however, will develop a large, swollen bump with excessive itching from a mosquito bite. Few people will have severe reactions to a mosquito bite.

What are the Symptoms of a Mosquito Bite?

Mosquito bites, in general, are nothing to be concerned about. You might feel a small sting when a mosquito bites you. From there, you will possibly begin to itch at the site of the mosquito bite. When a mosquito bites, it pierces your skin and injects saliva. Depending on your histamine response to the saliva, you will itch accordingly. The bump and itching are usually gone within a day or two. Occasionally, people have been known to get a secondary infection at the site of a mosquito bite that might need to be treated with antibiotics. You will need to seek medical treatment if you notice any of the following:

• Bright red bump that has grown larger than initial bite
• Soreness at the site
• Mosquito bite site feels feverish
• Temperature of 100F or greater
• Body aches
• Vomiting

West Nile Virus, Easter Equine Encephalitis and Dengue Fever have been found in mosquitoes in the US. https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/mosquitoes-101/

How to Treat a Mosquito Bite

You have been outside with your family and notice your daughter is incessantly scratching her legs. She comes to you complaining that her legs are itching and you see several red whelps where she is scratching. The first thing you want to do is take her inside where the air is cooler. The heat and sweat tend to make the itching worse. An ice pack will help with any swelling at the mosquito bite site. An over the counter topical anti-itch medication can be applied directly to the irritated site to help control the itching. For a better control of the swelling and itching, an internal antihistamine can be taken. All of these used together will help with immediate swelling and itching of a mosquito bite.

If a mosquito bite seems worse in a day or so, seek medical attention.  If you experience any extreme reactions, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.

For most people, a mosquito bite is simply a nuisance because of a slight itch. Pay attention to your body. If you have any extreme reaction or notice any of the above symptoms in the days following a mosquito bite, a trip to your doctor or your local ER is warranted. Take care of yourself and your family by keeping your yard free of mosquitoes. 

Spider Bites

Spider bites are not as common as you might think. Most spider species are not large enough for their pincers to be able to pierce human skin even if they do try to bite. As much as 80% of suspected spider bites in humans end up being something completely unrelated. Larger spiders can bite and inflict harm. The most dangerous thing associated with spider bites is the venom. A spider’s venom can contain neurotoxins and necrotic agents. Infectious diseases are rarely spread by spider bites. The black widow and the brown recluse are the two most commonly found spiders in the US that cause concern from their bite. They are both typically non-aggressive spiders.  Areas you might find these spiders are:

• Dark, dry areas
• Under sinks
• Under litter in a garage
• In closets
• Woodpiles
• Under lawn mowers
• In attics

While these spiders are timid, they will bite when they feel threatened. A spider bite from one of these two species is dangerous.

What Does a Spider Bite Look Like?

The majority of spider bites are harmless. You likely will not notice any symptoms from a spider bite. In fact, other bugs and insects are usually the culprit for most perceived spider bites. It is possible, however, for you to get a spider bite so here are some things to look for if you suspect you have been bitten:

• Itching at the site of the spider bite
• Rash
• Redness around the area of the suspected spider bite
• Swelling of the area of the suspected spider bite.
• Pain in the area of the suspected spider bite

What Are The Symptoms Of A Spider Bite?

The symptoms of a spider bite can range from mild to serious enough to need medical attention. Most spider bites are inconsequential. However, if you experience a spider bite from a known venomous spider like the black widow or the brown recluse, you will need to watch it closely. Symptoms of a spider bite can begin anywhere from one to three hours and can continue to worsen throughout the day. Spider bite symptoms from a venomous spider can include the following:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Sweating
• Stomach cramps
• Chills
• Body aches
• Weakness
• Joint pain
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Ulcer at the site/purple center

If you notice any of these, you should seek medical attention. Rarely, allergic reactions to non-venomous spider bites can happen. In this case, you may experience a swollen face, all over itching and trouble breathing. You should seek medical attention immediately when this occurs.

How to Treat a Spider Bite

Remember that most ‘spider bites’ are not actually from the bite of a spider. Most perceived spider bites are actually from something unrelated. However, if you suspect that you have been bitten by a spider, here are some ways to treat a spider bite:

• Clean a spider bite with soap and water
• Apply a cold compress or ice to the spider bite
• Take antihistamine for minor symptoms of itching
• Take acetaminophen for minor symptoms of pain
• If you have a severe reaction and go to a doctor, try to capture the spider and take it with you to show the doctor.
• If you suspect a spider bite from a black widow or brown recluse, elevate the area if possible.
• If you suspect a spider bite on a limb is from a black widow or brown recluse, tie a bandage above the bite (don’t cut off circulation) and elevate the limb
• If you have any severe reactions or symptoms, seek medical attention
• If symptoms worsen over a 24 hour period, seek medical attention

If you notice redness that is spreading away from the site of the spider bite, an increase in pain, drainage, numbness or tingling or a bull’s eye around the spider bite, seek medical attention. These are signs of a spider bite from a venomous spider and treatment is necessary by a medical professional. https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-health-hub/spider-bites/

There are many activities that you enjoy with your friends and family so it is inevitable that someone will end up with a mosquito bite or a spider bite. It is important that you know the difference between a mosquito or spider bite. If you are concerned with mosquitoes or spiders in your home or yard, you should contact a licensed pest control professional to ensure effective control of these pests. You don’t want a mosquito bite or a spider bite to end your fun prematurely. After-all, the best times in life are spent with friends and family.

What is More Dangerous? Spider Bite vs. Mosquito Bite

According to the Cleveland Clinic, mosquito bites typically appear as “small, raised bumps on the skin” that can cause “mild annoyance and irritation for a short period of time.” Likewise, as the University
of Pittsburgh Medical Center notes, common spider bites can cause “symptoms that may include small, itchy, and sometimes red, irritated skin that will clear up in a few days. ” Because both mosquito bites and spider bites can cause similar physical symptoms, it can be difficult to determine whether you were bitten by a spider or mosquito, or are simply facing a different skin ailment.

One major difference between spider bites and mosquito bites, however, is the length of time it can take for symptoms to appear. Not all spider bites are immediately detectable. As the University of Rochester Medical Center mentions, it can take a half hour for symptoms of a black widow spider bite to appear, and as long as 4-8 hours after a bite for symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite to appear. Mosquito bites, on the other hand, can often be noticed within a few minutes after they occur. While some people may have no reaction at all, for others, the bite may form into a puffy, red bump with a white interior and begin to itch within a few minutes. According to the Mayo Clinic, these bites may also turn into “small blisters instead of hard bumps” and form “dark spots that look
like bruises. ” More severe reactions to mosquito bites may be accompanied by hives, a low-grade fever, and swollen lymph nodes, but this type of reaction is rare.

The Dangers of Spider Bit
es

While spider bites may appear scary, the Mayo Clinic insists that “Spider bites are
usually harmless. Many bites attributed to spiders turn out to have been inflicted by other bugs.” Usually, the only spider bites that result in serious medical issues are bites from venomous spiders. This statement may seem misleading because all spiders have fangs that carry venom, but only a few species of spiders have fangs long enough to puncture human skin and transfer enough venom to impact humans. The two most common venomous spiders that may have medical impacts in the US are the black widow and brown recluse spiders.

While brown recluse and black widow spider bites may first be difficult to differentiate from other bites or skin ailments they can cause a myriad of severe symptoms as time passes. According to the Mayo Clinic, in addition
to skin irritation, a black widow spider bite can cause pain in the chest and back, severe stomach cramps, and sweating. Brown recluse spider bites can bring fever, chills, and body aches, and the site of the bite may begin to grow an open sore. While rare, both types of bites can be potentially fatal, especially to small children, so the Mayo Clinic recommends seeking emergency medical treatment
if you believe you were bitten by a venomous spider.

The Dangers of Mosquito Bites

Unlike spiders, mosquitoes use their sharp proboscises to leave just one puncture bite on the
surface of human skin. Though many mosquito bites disappear after a few days to a week, the World Health Organization warns that “mosquitoes cause millions of deaths every year.” The mosquito feeds from an infected mammal, allowing the virus to replicate in the mosquito. When the mosquito feeds on another mammal, the pathogens can be transferred through the saliva, potentially resulting in illness.

The CDC notes that the West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the
continental United States. 8 out of 10 people who contract West Nile virus will not experience any symptoms. But, according to the Centers f
or Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 will “develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.” In the more severe cases, which occur in 1 out of every 150 people who contract West Nile virus, symptoms include “encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spin
al cord).” The organization also notes that 1 out of every 10 people who experience severe symptoms from West Nile virus die.

It’s important to note that this illness is not the only mosquito-borne disease that may pose a risk to people in the United States. Those that travel to parts of Africa, South Asia, South America, and Oceania are still at risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases. Before traveling internationally or to a US territory, CDC recommends to speak with a healthcare professional about preventing the contraction of these diseases while you travel.

Spider Bites vs. Mosquito Bites: Which Are More Dangerous?

While you’re more likely to spot a spider inside your home rather than encounter a mosquito, the American Mosquito Control Association
specifies that “mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism” because “over one million people worldwide die from mosquito-borne diseases every year.” Additionally, with the ability
to carry a wide variety of diseases that include West Nile virus, a mosquito bite may seem innocent for the first few days until more serious symptoms appear.

Both spider bites and mosquito
bites can pose severe risks to humans if not properly managed. If you or a member of your family come into contact with a venomous spider or experience symptoms of a mosquito-borne disease, contact your primary care physician immediately to discuss symptoms and possible treatment options.

The Difference Between Mosquito Bites and Spider Bites – Just the Facts!

Mosquito and spider bites

Insect bites are a defensive reaction to possible contact with a predator, more precisely, with a person. Insect bites are seen as a method used by insects to feed humans through their blood. The tangible result of an insect bite is a red mark around the original bite site and swelling of a certain surface. The bite is usually followed by itching. Itching can last from several hours to several days. A few common bites that cause such problems are mosquito and spider bites. There are certain procedures that you must take to prevent specific encounters with various insects. Citronella and DEET can help keep most of these insects at bay. Insect repellents can be conveniently purchased at any pharmacies, department stores, and other specialty stores.

Mosquitoes select their next prey using a highly developed scent-based mechanism. Their odor receptors are located in the insect’s antennae. This apparatus is designed to distinguish the sweat level of a particular person. Spiders may bite as a defense mechanism against human intrusion. Of great importance for certain species is the question of their toxicity. About 20 families, covering 200 species, have this venom gland.

A mosquito bite can cause a response in the immune system of the human body in the form of the production of antibodies against antigens that come with the insect’s saliva. This mechanism can cause a perceptible reaction on the skin surface after a bite. The bite site may itch for an hour or more. Bites from non-venomous spiders may cause a slight sensation of pain in addition to the red spot at the site. Poisonous spiders can cause severe nerve damage in the victim they bite. To prevent mosquito bites, there are several gel or spray-based treatments available that are applied to the skin. These substances can affect how these insects recognize the smell and thus repel them. Spider bites can be avoided by contacting insect exterminators who will rid your home of them. It is very important to know in which areas poisonous spiders live.

The mosquito has a sensitive olfactory system and most spider bites are the result of their defense mechanism. Spider and mosquito bites cause swelling, itching, and red patches on the skin. Spider bites can seriously affect the human nervous system. A child’s reaction to a bite or stings depends on their sensitivity to the particular insect venom. While most children only have a mild reaction, those with hypersensitivity to a particular poison may develop severe symptoms that require urgent attention. In most cases, bites usually do not pose a major dilemma. Although insect bites can cause irritation, it usually resolves by the next day and does not require treatment by a doctor.

To relieve itching, a person can apply calamine lotion or cold compresses to the affected area, except around the genitals and eyes.

Summary:

1. Mosquitoes select their next prey by a well-developed scent-based mechanism. Spiders may bite as a defense mechanism against human intrusion.

2. Mosquito bites can cause a response of the immune system of the human body in the form of the production of antibodies against antigens that come with the saliva of the insect. Poisonous spiders can cause severe nerve damage to the prey they bite.

3. To prevent mosquito bites, there are several gel or spray treatments available that are applied to the surface of the skin. Spider bites can be avoided if a person contracts with insect exterminators to get rid of them in their home.

4. Spider and mosquito bites cause swelling, itching and red spots on the skin.

5. The reaction of a child to a bite or bites depends on his sensitivity to a particular insect venom. While most children have only a mild reaction to a sting, children with hypersensitivity to a particular venom may have severe symptoms that require urgent attention.

How to Distinguish a Bug Bite from a Mosquito Bite

We live in new houses and clean apartments. In specialized stores you can find a wide variety of cleaning products. We keep our bed and our clothes clean, but even life in strict accordance with all existing sanitary rules and regulations cannot guarantee that there are no harmful parasites around us. No matter how sad it may sound, but insects live next to us and there are a lot of them.

The problem of bedbugs is especially urgent. If you thought that there were fewer bedbugs in the apartments, then you are still right, but they did not become so smaller that a person could forget about the problem.

Not everyone was lucky enough to live in a new house. The vast majority of houses in the vastness of our country are still old. However, even in new apartments, bugs can settle.

The life of a bug is a search for shelter and a donor, whose blood the insect drinks as needed, as well as constant reproduction. The apartment of any person, as well as his blood for insects, is a ticket to heavenly life.

Therefore, if you nevertheless brought parasites into your house, then it will be very difficult to drive out these insects.

Bed bug – who is he?

The bed bug is a worldwide parasite that feeds on blood. The size of the bedbugs is from three to eight centimeters. The color and size of the bug depends on its age and type.

An interesting fact: the color of the bug changes depending on how much blood he had to drink.

How are bed bugs bred?

Bedbugs are very different from all parasites. The fact is that the bug is able to exist exclusively near the source of food. Therefore, for bedbugs, the presence of a person is more important than any unsanitary conditions. This means that bedbugs enter the apartment to the victim through cracks in the walls, through ventilation and on wardrobe items.

Most often, bugs are brought into the house by the one who lives in it, on clothes, things, books and flowers. Bed bugs nest in the depths of upholstered furniture, in mattresses, inside household appliances and electrical appliances, as well as inside decor. To make a lot of bedbugs in your house, it is enough to bring one insect.

Bedbug bites: what they look like and how to identify them

Let’s see what bedbug bites look like on the human body. To begin with, it is worth noting that the bites of bedbugs leave traces on the skin, which many take for ordinary allergies. Because of this, people are not aware of the existence of bedbugs at their side.

However, bed bug bites have certain signs. Let’s take a closer look at them:

1. Bites can scar your skin;
2. Bites are small marks on the body. Visually, they resemble red dots, the diameter of which is about one millimeter;
3. Bites create a so-called “path” on the body. This is a line of bed bug bites;
4. The bug sometimes makes an inaccurate bite. If this happened, then in the morning you will definitely find bloody footprints;
5. Bites must not be scratched. Absolutely impossible! Try to reduce itching with ice or other folk remedies.

The thinner the skin, the easier it is to find bite marks. Bedbug bites should be looked for on the face and neck. So look for them first of all there.

Key differences between bed bug bites

Bed bug bites are confused with mosquitoes or other insects that feed on human blood.

However, it is necessary to pay attention to certain bite parameters that will accurately indicate the heroes of this article:

• Mosquito bites differ in that they do not have clear boundaries. They have a vague shape. After a bug bite, a red mark remains, which has a clear shape;
• The vast majority of insects leave bites in any part of the body. Bed bugs are different. An elementary check will show that you have bedbugs. Bedbug bites are located on the same line. The fact is that the bugs feed in several visits. Therefore, one bug can make several bites;
• Bedbug bites have certain symptoms, but they do not begin to manifest in humans immediately, but after some time. The peculiarity of the bite is that the bugs inject a special anesthetic (their saliva), because of which the victim does not feel the bite of the bug. The place starts to itch later;
• Another feature of bed bug bites is intense itching. After a bug bite, the affected area will itch much more than after a normal mosquito bite.

The bug bite is also very different from the bite of other large insects. If you are stung by a hornet, wasp, bee or someone else, then the bite site will swell up and hurt. In some cases, special preparations will be needed to avoid an allergic reaction. However, bedbug bites also often cause allergies in humans.

Bed bugs feed on the blood of their prey. An insect bite damages a small depth of the skin. Bedbugs cannot get drunk on blood in one place, so they bite the donor again in a nearby place and look for new capillaries. Therefore, bedbugs are inherent in the creation of a so-called path. This is the signature footprint of bed bugs.

Bed bug bites: what is the danger

Bed bug bites can cause an allergic reaction. In some cases, the body’s response can cause anaphylactic shock. However, the nature of the allergic reaction is also for the bites of other insects, such as fleas, ticks, lice, and so on.

A person does not have to worry if he has been attacked by bed bugs once. However, you should pay close attention to the regular attacks of parasites.

What are the consequences of bed bug bites:

1. Bed bug bites can cause allergies;
2. The victim’s skin swells;
3. The skin begins to redden and peel off, bites are accompanied by the formation of skin lesions;
4. Another common reaction is fever;
5. One symptom is weakness and nausea;
6. People have migraines;
7. There is a fear of sleep;
8. Swelling occurs at the site of bites;
9. Bite may cause muscle spasms.

Note that not everyone has a reaction when bitten by bedbugs. If you don’t have a reaction, the itching will go away and the bite will heal on its own. You may not seek help from a specialist. If you have any side effect, then in order to avoid a disastrous result, we advise you to contact a specialist.

Attention, no matter how severe your itching is, in no case should you scratch the bitten place. The skin can become inflamed and infection can enter the body. If you still scratched the bite site and you have suppuration or inflammation, then contact a qualified specialist as soon as possible.

When bed bugs bite most often

If you have bed bugs in your apartment, they will 100% bite you. However, at certain times, one should expect more assertive attacks from these bloodthirsty parasites.

Bed bug bites are to be expected at night. During the day they hide from human eyes, but at night they leave their homes and go hunting. Typically, indoor bed bugs can be found in bed. That is why these insects are called bed bugs. They prefer to live as close to their prey as possible in order to start feeding as soon as possible.

Bedbugs do not have any prey preferences. Insects bite any people. It can be men and women, old people or children. Anyone can enter their menu.

An interesting fact: for a long time it was believed that parasites prefer to attack women and children. Actually it is not. The fact is that in men, the symptoms of bites appear less.

If you find bedbug bites on your body, try to clean the wounds with soap and water. By and large, the treatment of bites is the treatment of the skin and the muffling of unpleasant symptoms.

There are several ways to help you get rid of itching. Bed bug bites can be relieved with:

1. Solution of water and soda;
2. Chamomile decoction;
3. Ice;
4. Chlorhexidine solution;
5. Essential oils;
6. Any ointment that relieves inflammation (read the advice of specialists on the Internet).

It is possible to protect yourself from bites: there are ways

Insects will do everything in their power to get to the victim. If parasites are wound up in your apartment, then you need to fight the bugs and do it as quickly as possible.

The most effective and practical way would be to clean up their habitats and carry out a complete pest control of the apartment. You can use the services of our company. Our specialists guarantee the professional destruction of parasites and always achieve the perfect result of their work. Our company is able to solve any issue. If insects have entered your premises – call us!

If you want to drive away pests, use essential oils. They can be bought at any pharmacy. Because of their bright aroma, they drive away insects. Such aromas do not guarantee destruction, but they can drive away bedbugs.

It is difficult to get rid of bloodsuckers, so it is much more important to prevent them from appearing in your home.

To do this, follow a few simple rules:

• Carefully check bedding and furniture for signs of pests. Even if you buy a bed in a store, this does not give a 100% guarantee that bedbugs do not live in it. Remain vigilant always;
• After returning from trips or business trips, do not hang things in the closet with the rest of the wardrobe. We recommend that you treat suitcases and things with hot steam. So all unexpected guests (parasites) will definitely be defeated;
• If you have pets, we recommend that you carefully monitor their feathers and coat. This rule is especially important for owners of cats and dogs who occasionally walk outside the house;
• If you have received information that one of the neighbors has got bed bugs, then treat the room regularly;

Cleanliness, as we all know very well, is the guarantee of health. Therefore, do not be lazy to do a thorough wet cleaning at home. Look out for signs of bed bugs or any other insects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you tell allergies from bed bug bites?

Quite often people confuse bed bug bites with allergies. However, there are certain criteria by which you can say for sure that the traces are precisely the consequences of bedbug bites. The bites are arranged in islets or paths. Another nuance – the rash on the skin will not have edema, which is with bites. It is noteworthy that parasite bites themselves can also cause allergies.

What do bed bug bites look like on the body?

It is quite easy to identify a bedbug bite on the body. They look like paths of red swelling. Bites are located close to each other. The fact is that blood-drinking parasites make several bites at a time. Each person will have a different bite size. It all depends on the presence of an allergy to insect saliva.

What could be similar to bed bug bites?

Bed bug bites can be confused with other insect bites. If you have encountered these pests for the first time, you may not understand the difference.