Everything You Need to Know About Mite and Flea Bites

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

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

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Chigger Bites

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

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

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

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

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Allergies

What Do Bedbug Bites Look Like?

The bites can appear on any part of the body that’s exposed while you sleep — places like the back of your neck, shoulders, arms, and legs are common, says Steve Durham, president of EnviroCon Termite & Pest in Tomball, Texas.

For most people, bedbug bites result in itchy bumps where the bite occurred, within a day of being bitten. (4) The bites usually look like mosquito bites and will appear as a somewhat swollen red spot that might itch. (3)

RELATED: How to Identify 11 Common Bug Bites and Stings

But the bites will look different from person to person, and some people won’t develop any reaction whatsoever. “The same bedbug could bite two different people and one could have no reaction at all and the other can have an extreme reaction with a swollen arm or itchy rash,” says Eric Braun, a board-certified entomologist and business manager for the national pest control company Rentokil Steritech, who is based in Redding, Pennsylvania. Some people end up developing a rash that looks like eczema. (5)

It’s also possible that you won’t see a reaction the first time a bedbug bites since it sometimes can take the body a while to react. (6) Some people will have an immediate reaction, while for others it could take two weeks to emerge. Your body will likely become more sensitive to bedbug bites over time, and if you get bitten repeatedly, it could be only a matter of seconds before your body shows a response.

You may notice a single bite, while other times several bites will appear in a line. (3) “In most cases, they occur in clusters or zigzags of flat, itchy bites,” Durham says. “One bedbug will usually take more than one bite, so the severity of your infestation can have a big impact on the severity of your physical reaction to the bites.”

RELATED: 7 Skin Conditions That Look Contagious, but Aren’t

Bedbug bites differ from other bites in a few ways:

• They can appear anywhere on the skin that’s exposed while you’re sleeping. Flea or chigger bites, on the other hand, usually only appear around your ankles, Durham says.
• They sometimes bite in a zigzag pattern. (6)
• Bedbug bites don’t normally have a red dot in the center, while flea bites usually do. (7)

Bedbug bites tend to stick around longer than mosquito bites, though they look very similar. (7)

Everything You Need to Know About Ant Bites

Merchant says fire ants are well named because their sting causes a hot, fiery sensation on the skin.

How You Know It’s a Fire Ant Bite or Sting

“It starts out as a small, red spot, and, after a day or two, a white pustule forms that’s itchy and a little bit painful,” Merchant says.

It’s possible to experience just a single sting from a lone fire ant. “You may be outside working in a garden or something and get just one on your arm or leg, but commonly people make the mistake of stopping and standing on a mound without realizing it, so they end up covered and they get hundreds of stings.”

A fire ant’s stinger is not barbed, so it can sting a person multiple times. “You may see a row of red marks, and that’s where one ant has grabbed on and stabbed its stinger down in a semicircle,” he says.

Of course, if you’ve picked up multiple fire ants, you’ll know what’s stinging you because you’ll see and feel them on your skin. But if you’re stung just once and don’t see the fire ant, you’ll know it by the fiery sensation and the white pus-filled blister that forms a day or two later.

What to Do About Them and When to Seek Medical Attention

Merchant says that, in most cases, fire ant stings don’t require any medical treatment. They’ll itch for a few days, but they’ll go away within a week to 10 days. “But some people — about one in 100 — will have a more serious reaction,” he says. (And in rare cases it can be lethal if the allergic reaction is not treated immediately.) (3)

Head to the ER if you notice any of the follow symptoms, which indicate an allergic response or other complications:

• Difficulty breathing
• A rapid heart rate
• A swollen throat, arms, or legs
• Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure (4,5)

Otherwise, wash the stings with soap and water and apply ice to keep the swelling down. You can use OTC pain or anti-itch creams as needed (6), but don’t apply rubbing alcohol — which can make the sting more painful.

If you notice the sting continuing to swell or grow larger a day or two after you’re stung, that may be a sign of a secondary infection. Fever, muscle aches, or flu-like symptoms can also be cause for concern, and you should call your doctor.

Fleas vs. Bed Bugs vs. Mosquitoes

It’s happened. You’ve woken up with a bite or bites, and you’re wondering what happened. Is this a new infestation you need to worry about, or is it just a rogue insect you need to find and kill? You have a hunch that it’s some type of pest, but just aren’t sure which one. In this article, we compare fleas vs. bed bugs vs. mosquitoes and compare bites of each.

If you’ve developed some type of red bite or skin irritation, it’s best to examine what the bite looks like, especially if it hasn’t gone away after a couple of days. So what do the different types of bites look like?

Your search for answers begins with the type of insect bite you have. Flea bites, bed bug bites, and mosquito bites are all different. Once you know for sure or with a fair degree of certainty what pest you’re dealing with, you’ll be able to prevent future bites and secure your home.

All About Fleas

Fleas are a common nuisance, and can be difficult to get rid of.

Fleas are a common household pest brought in on pets, other pests, or even you. They like to hitch rides and can jump long distances, giving them an advantage while traveling. If your neighbor has trouble with fleas, you have animals or wildlife nearby, or you have pets, there’s a good chance that you’ll have trouble with fleas in your home at least once.

Fleas can hide in carpets and furniture, shoes, only coming out to find their favorite food source: your dog or cat. Flea bites on humans aren’t that common, but if your infestation has gotten bad, that may not stop fleas from trying to take a bite.

What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

Fleas can bite humans, and they are usually in smaller clusters when it happens.

Many people think fleas can’t bite humans, but this isn’t true. Fleas do bite people and they have a distinct look to their bite. Flea bites are small red bumps that usually happen in a cluster formation. How itchy the bumps are usually depends on your skin’s sensitivity level. Some people are more allergic to flea bites and may react more strongly than others.

Flea bites tend to happen on your lower extremities, think lower legs and ankles. This accounts for the height of the flea jumping as you walk through your home. Children who are playing on the floor may experience bites in other places, however. Or, if your furniture has fleas, you may see those rash-like bumps in other areas as well.

Flea bites happen at random, so those clusters of dots shouldn’t appear in a straight line. In most cases, they’re only slightly swollen or red and most likely won’t develop into a welt or fluid-filled bite.

How Do I Treat Flea Bites?

It’s extremely important not to scratch when treating flea bites.

One of the most important things to remember is not to scratch. Scratching can make the bite worse and spread infection if fleas are carrying any form of the disease. Wash the area with soap and water and apply an antibacterial treatment immediately.

Keep the area clean and dry, applying antiseptic ointment if you need it. If you’re having a stronger reaction, a cold pack can help with swelling. Over-the-counter antihistamine lotion can also help reduce swelling and itchiness.

If your bites continue to get worse, or you begin to experience other symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, fevers, and other out of the ordinary symptoms, it’s essential that you see your doctor to rule out any secondary infections. This goes doubly for your children.

For pets, treating the infected area with an antiseptic spray can help numb and cleanse the area. Check with your veterinarian for flea treatments to minimize or eliminate bites altogether and ensure your pet doesn’t have any worsening symptoms.

How Do I Get Rid of Fleas?

You’ll want to treat your yard regularly for fleas if you’ve seen them near your home.

Getting rid of fleas may require several approaches. The first thing to do is to treat your pet if you have one and wash bedding in hot water and dry on the highest settings. Clean kennels and any other places where your pet tends to lay.

If you don’t have a pet, or once you’ve addressed your pet’s situation, inspect your home for signs of entry from rodents, bats, birds, or other small animals. Treat that situation and make changes to your home’s exterior that help deter animals from entering.

Minor infestations may be treatable with natural methods. Vacuum multiple times a day and empty canisters in an outside trash can. Spread diatomaceous earth across your carpet or furniture and vacuum after a few days, taking care not to allow anyone near the area.

Use essential oil sprays made from white vinegar, witch hazel, and insect repelling essential oils (rosemary, cinnamon, lavender, and lemongrass are good options). You can also just use white vinegar and water to help.

If you have a serious infestation, calling in professionals to help may be your best option. Have a company professionally steam carpet and furniture because the heat kills adults and eggs. Work with an exterminator to eliminate fleas and keep them from coming back. You may also want to invest in a spray for thresholds or inaccessible places.

All About Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs are another insect that can be annoying to humans.

Bed bugs are a feared household pest and rightfully so. Getting rid of them is often an extended process that requires patience and very often, professional interventions.

Bed bugs arrive in your home from infected materials such as bedsheets, secondhand furniture, luggage from traveling, and can even ride in on your clothing from public places. A bed bug infestation is more common than you think. Unfortunately, there’s no reliable way to tell if a property or place has bed bugs without a careful examination.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Bed bugs can be more severe, and develop a fluid filled center.

Bed bug bites are typically more severe than flea bites and can quickly develop a hard, fluid-filled center, much like a pimple. The reaction can depend on the person’s sensitivity, but in many cases, they’re highly itchy.

Bed bug bites often have several bites in a straight line as bed bugs move down, looking for an ideal spot for a meal. They often appear on areas of the skin exposed as you’re sleeping, like your hands, arms, feet, and face.

Bed bugs are perfectly capable of burrowing underneath clothing, however, so don’t discount bed bugs even if you have a bite somewhere normally hidden.

Bed bug bites may not always present symptoms right away. In fact, you may end up with itching or swelling hours or days after a bite, making it harder to pinpoint when you actually received the bite.

But bites can quickly become infected and spread welts, causing severe itching and increasing the risk of further, more severe symptoms.

How Do I Treat Bed Bug Bites?

Antibiotic creams are commonly used to treat bed bug bites.

It’s important not to scratch bed bug bites, especially if the bite becomes fluid-filled. This can cause infection and scarring. Wash the bite area with antibacterial soap and water and apply an antiseptic ointment to begin treating any possible infection or swelling.

Continue to keep the affected area clean and scratch-free, reapplying antibiotic ointments as necessary or even over the counter antihistamines if the itching is particularly bad.

If you notice bites becoming worse or you feel other symptoms, you may need to schedule a visit with your healthcare practitioner to diagnose or rule out any further infections or symptoms. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe treatments to help with bite symptoms and promote healing.

How Do I Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Getting rid of bed bugs typically requires washing all bedding with hot water.

Getting rid of bed bugs is going to be a practice in patience. Best case scenario, you can throw out most of your furniture and linens as well as bedding. But for many people, that’s just not a reality.

The first thing to do is to wash your bedding, clothing, drapes, and any pet bedding in hot water and dry on high for at least 30 minutes to kill bed bug eggs and the adults. This must happen with everything in your house and quickly.

Next, one of the most significant areas of an infestation is the mattress. Use an encasement that covers the mattress entirely with zipper covers to enclose the mattress and trap bed bugs inside. This cover will remain on for at least one year because bed bugs can survive up to a year without a meal.

You’ll need to cover all mattresses, and box springs in your house with bed bug approved encasements and treat furniture and other areas with a bed bug approved pesticide. Your best option here is calling an exterminator with experience treating bed bugs in homes, or you may still experience an infestation.

When you travel, ensure that you check ratings for previous bed bug infestations to avoid troublesome hotels and accommodations. Always check your luggage for bugs and fecal matter when you get home, too. Wash clothing on hot and wash out your luggage before putting it away.

You’ll need to take the long view with bed bugs because it may take patience to get your home free of them if the infestation has progressed beyond just a few bugs. Work with your exterminator for treatments and followups so that you remain worry-free.

All About Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are one of the more common insects that bite humans.

Mosquitoes are classic pests, ruiners of summer, and bringer of misery and disease. They are ubiquitous and can swarm in warm wet places where their habitat and breeding are made easy.

Most people get mosquito bites outside, but that’s not the only place mosquitoes can bite. In some cases, they make their way into your home, either as hitchhikers on you or your pets or coming in through poorly sealed doors, windows, and other entrances.

What Do Mosquito Bites Look Like?

Most people are acquainted with mosquito bites, which usually happen in more humid summer conditions.

You may be most familiar with the look and feel of mosquito bites. They seem to bite and inject the fluid that many people are allergic to rather quickly. The bites are typically a raised, red bump appearing in singles or random formations with no set pattern.

The itchiness of bites varies wildly depending on individual sensitivity. Mosquito saliva contains anticoagulants and proteins designed to prevent the body’s natural blood-clotting response and keep blood flowing for the meal.

People have different sensitivities to these proteins ranging from (rarely) no reaction at all to mild reactions to severe welts. Your response will depend on your sensitivities.

How Do I Treat Mosquito Bites?

Mosquito bites typically get treated with cortisone ointment or anti-itch creams.

Try not to scratch the bite because that can make the bites worse. Gently wash the area, especially if you’ve already scratched the bite, with antibacterial soap, and apply a topical antiseptic to help slow any infection.

Over the counter antihistamines or cortisone cream can help reduce any swelling and itchiness. If bites become severely infected or continue to get worse, you may want to seek medical attention to rule out any further infection.

Some mosquitoes are known disease vectors, so if you notice any unusual fatigue, headaches, fevers, or body aches, it’s vital to get checked out. If you’ve had a recent rash of mosquito bites and you notice other strange symptoms, or you know you’re in a high-risk area, get checked out.

How Do I Get Rid of Mosquitoes?

There are many ways to get rid of mosquitoes, including fogging.

Getting rid of mosquitoes centers around reducing their ideal breeding spots outdoors. Check around your own home for puddles, buckets, or even gutters with standing water. Even a few tablespoons of water is enough to breed mosquito larvae.

Turn over and allow to dry anything that has collected water. Next, trim back bushes and move brush to allow sunlight to dry anything further on the ground and reduce their nesting and resting areas.

Work with your neighbors to help reduce their habitats across your community. This is especially true if you live in an area known for dense mosquito populations. This helps reduce the burden on everyone.

You can set up fans in your general area when you’re outside because mosquitoes are not strong flyers. They will have trouble landing if there’s a constant breeze around where you’re sitting. Use insect repellents on yourself and your pets as well as candles with ingredients such as citronella or lemongrass.

Inside your house, you can vacuum up swarms of mosquitoes if you’ve left the door open, for example. Be sure to inspect your home regularly for places where mosquitoes and other pests may be getting in.

Seal doors and windows. This helps reduce entry points, and ensure that vents and ducts are covered with a mesh to reduce further the chances of mosquitoes making it inside. Everything you can do to seal off your home will help reduce mosquitoes inside since your home isn’t a typical infestation area.

Identifying Flea Bites vs. Bed Bugs vs. Mosquitoes

It’s essential to identify bites before it becomes a problem. If you aren’t sure what type of bite you’ve got, keep it clean and watch for symptoms. In the event there’s no repeat bites, you may just have a one-off insect.

If you continue to receive bites, it’s a sign that there’s some kind of infestation going on. This may be true even if you haven’t seen the insects themselves yet. This can be your first clue on how to proceed and could give you a jumpstart on what to do.

If nothing else, calling an exterminator to help you identify the signs of household pests. This will allow you to form a plan that can give you relief and help you proceed with your pest control efforts. Whatever you do, it’s essential not to ignore bites. If you do, there’s a possibility they ,au turn into something serious for you and your household.

Bed Bug vs Flea Bites: Differences, How to Treat, and Removing

Bedbug and flea bites are similar at first glance, so telling the difference can be difficult. You need to identify the problem so that you can properly treat it as both insects can carry several diseases that can be passed to even humans. Let’s break down the characteristics of each kind of bite and discuss how to identify the insects that cause them.

Characteristics of Bed Bug Bites: How They Look and Feel

One of the easiest ways to differentiate bed bug bites from those of other tiny critters is when you feel them. In general, you probably won’t feel a bed bug bite until long after it has happened. That’s because bed bugs secrete a mild anesthetic that numbs the bite area. But while most people feel nothing (and may not even develop a rash), some develop red welts that swell or itch the next day. With 1 out of 5 people reporting cases of bed bugs or know someone who had bed bugs, it’s important to know as many signs of bed bugs as possible. After all, you can’t address a problem until you know that you have one.

Symptoms & Risks Associated with Bed Bugs

One itchy bump can seem basically the same as another, but bed-bug bites display in subtly unique ways. If you’re wondering just what kind of critter is making your life miserable, look for these symptoms and see if you may be dealing with bed bug bites:

• Bites on exposed skin, usually on the upper body, neck, arms, and shoulders
• Slight burning sensation before the welts appear
• Red, itching welts that develop 24 to 48 hours after the bite
• Bites in lines or groupings
• In severe cases, bites swell or turn into blister-like inflammations

Everyone knows that bed-bug bites are incredibly uncomfortable, but were you aware that they also can pose significant health risks? Yes, it’s true that most bite sufferers won’t experience much more than itchy welts. The CDC reports, “Bed bugs are not known to spread disease. … Sometimes the itching can lead to excessive scratching that can sometimes increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.” Additionally, “an allergic reaction to several bites may need medical attention.”

In addition to infection, Medical News Today states that you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• difficulty breathing
• blisters
• fever
• feeling nauseous or flu-like
• swollen tongue
• irregular heartbeat

Characteristics of Flea Bites: How They Look and Feel

Unlike bed bug bites, flea bites start to hurt almost instantly. They also tend to appear in different parts of the body and to cluster in different patterns—essentially no pattern at all. According to Healthline, fleas seek out the following areas:

• feet and lower legs
• waist
• ankles
• armpits
• elbows and knees (in the bend)
• other skin folds

Another thing to consider about flea bites is that they look somewhat different from bed bug bites. Whereas bed bug bites can grow into larger pustules in the 24 to 48 hours after you’ve been bitten, flea bites generally present as simple small, red bumps.

Symptoms and Risks Associated with Fleas

Like bed bugs, fleas don’t typically spread disease to those they bite. Sometimes, though, they can cause illness. The CDC states that “fleas transmit germs that cause disease primarily through the processes of feeding on hosts or through fecal contamination, when infected flea feces (poop; also called ‘flea dirt’) are scratched into an open wound.” That’s why experts urge individuals to try to not scratch flea bites.

If you’ve been bit by fleas and notice any of the following, you may want to see medical attention:

• Breathing difficulties
• Raised welts
• A warm infection site with white-topped pustules
• Colored discharge

Treating Flea and Bed Bug Bites

Fortunately, the symptoms of both flea and bed bug bites eventually go away on their own, and you can use the same treatment methods to soothe the discomfort until they do. These remedies include:

• Gently washing the affected area with a cool cloth and a non-astringent soap
• Taking an antihistamine pill or applying an antihistamine ointment
• Taking over-the-counter pain-relief medication according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Avoiding scratching the welts, which only leads to further irritation

Finding Bed Bugs, What to Look For

If you are still in doubt about the source of your bite, it is good to look for the source. Fleas usually come in on pets, but bed bugs can hitchhike into your home in many ways. They can be hard to find, but a close inspection reveals their presence. Look for these signs of bed bug activity or presence:

• Tiny blood stains on your pillow or bedding (rusty or reddish stains)
• Dark spots (excrement) in the creases of your mattress or seams in linens or furniture fabrics
• Discarded eggs and eggshells: pale yellow skins about 1 mm in size
• Live bed bugs

Bed bugs like to hide in the creases, folds, and seams of mattresses, furniture, and in other small places. You may find them in the folds of curtains, in the joints of wood furniture, or under loose wallpaper. Also look in the creases of your luggage after a trip. When you are cleaning, make a habit of looking closely for signs of bed bugs and be aggressive against them when found. A small infestation is more easily eradicated. However, once established, they can quickly take over.

Bed Bug and Flea Killers: Getting Rid of Them

There are many flea and bed bug sprays on the market with mixed results. Because the bugs are so adept at hiding, most sprays are unable to completely eradicate the infestation. You will probably kill some, possibly most of the bugs, but those who remain will come back later in full force.

These sprays require direct contact with the insect to be effective, so you must be extremely diligent in seeking out their hiding places to be effective. Bed bugs are particularly difficult to eradicate using a spray formula.

If you do choose to use a flea or bed bug killer, it is important that you follow all the manufacturer’s instructions to protect your family and the environment.

One effective home remedy for bed bugs is to use a high-powered steam cleaner. They can be killed by the heat if you are able to force it into all the nooks and crannies. Again, you must be extremely diligent to find all of their hiding places.

Professionals use two very effective methods of eradicating bed bugs. They use thermal remediation, which is very much like the high-powered steam cleaning mentioned above and they use Cryonite technology to freeze them out.

Smithereen Pest Management Services uses both Thermal Remediation and Cryonite, in addition to conventional bed bug management, to help clients eradicate bed bugs for good. We will conduct a complete inspection to determine the extent of the problem, then recommend treatment procedures based on our findings. We also teach you how to prevent re-infestation and how to inspect your home for bed bugs. If you suspect you have a flea or bed bug problem, contact Smithereen today. We are happy to help.

Spencer Pest ServicesWhat Do Flea Bites Look Like?

Learn To Identify Flea Bites

Flea bites are characterized by red welts on the skin that can sometimes be surrounded by a small rash. These bites are usually extremely itchy. For this reason, flea bites will also tend to have a dark scab in the center, where it has been scratched. However, flea bites aren’t the only itchy bites you can get on your skin. Nor are they the only bites that will leave a rash. Luckily, there are some other ways to tell whether or not those bites on your skin came from fleas.

Do You Have Pets?

When determining whether or not you have flea bites, it is helpful to determine how possible it is that those bites came from fleas. Fleas are often associated with dogs and cats. There is a good reason for this. Fleas look for a host creature to live on, and humans don’t have enough fur to be a suitable host. When humans get bitten, it is usually because an infestation has taken root in a home. Flea infestations are usually the result of a pet bringing fleas in from outside the home. If you have pets, you have a greater chance of getting flea bites. The chances that the bites you have are flea bites will also increase if you have recently stayed overnight at the home of someone who has a pet.

Mosquito Bites vs Flea Bites

Mosquito bites tend to be puffier than flea bites, but this is not always the case. It depends on your skin’s resistance and type of mosquitoes that bit you. If you have hard, red welts, you may need to ask yourself a few questions:

• Have I been outside in the morning or evening when mosquitoes are more active?
• Have I been in the woods, or near an area of wetland?
• Have I been camping?
• Do I have a lot of bites all in one place? (If you do, those bites are probably from something other than mosquitoes. You would remember being bitten a few dozen times in one area, if it had been mosquitoes.)
• Where did I get the bites? If you have lots of bites concentrated on your lower legs and ankles, or in an area that would have been covered by your clothing, they are most likely flea bites.

Bed Bug Bites vs Flea Bites

There is a close similarity between flea bites and bed bugs bites. Both types of bites can happen inside your home, and in great numbers. Bed bug bites also appear on skin that would have been protected from mosquitoes by the clothing you wear–just like those flea bites.

The easiest way to tell flea bites from bed bug bites is by the rash bed bug bites often have around them. But, while this rash can be significant, there is not always a rash associated with bed bug bites. It can take several feedings for the anticoagulant in bed bug saliva to cause a noticeable skin reaction.

Unlike fleas, individual bed bugs feed multiple times. This will make bites appear more purposeful, and less random. If your bites look like they are in lines, or have some type of pattern to them, they are most likely not bites from bed bugs

Chigger Bites vs Flea Bites

If your rashy bites have blisters or pustules, they are not likely to be flea bites. These characteristics are more associated with chigger or spider bites. And chigger bites are another type of bite you are most likely to get outside.

Fly Bite vs Flea bite

It can often be hard to tell the difference between fly bites and flea bites. Both leave bites that look random on the skin. Both leave red welts with a slight rashy halo. Additionally, both leave bites that are itchy enough to make you scratch them, till they leave a small scab. The only way to really tell these two types of bites apart is to assess whether or not you’ve been exposed to flies that bite and where on your skin you’re getting the bites. Like with mosquitoes, fly bites are less likely to be on skin that was covered by clothing.

Get Help From The Professionals At Spencer Pest Services

If you need help determining what type of bites you’re getting, or you’d like professional help sealing biting pests out of your home, Spencer Pest Services would be happy to help. Find out if you’re in our South Carolina service area and reach out to us today!

Insect bites and stings – Symptoms

An insect bite or sting often causes a small, red lump on the skin, which may be painful and itchy.

Many bites will clear up within a few hours or days and can be safely treated at home.

It can be difficult to identify what you were bitten or stung by if you did not see it happen. But do not worry if you’re not sure – the treatment for most bites and stings is similar.

Wasp and hornet stings

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A wasp or hornet sting causes a sudden, sharp pain at first. A swollen red mark may then form on your skin, which can last a few hours and may be painful and itchy.

Sometimes a larger area around the sting can be painful, red and swollen for up to a week. This is a minor allergic reaction that is not usually anything to worry about.

A few people may experience a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), causing breathing difficulties, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth. Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you have these symptoms.

Bee stings

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A bee sting feels similar to a wasp sting, but the sting will often be left in the wound. See treating insect bites for advice about how to remove this safely.

The sting can cause pain, redness and swelling for a few hours. As with wasp stings, some people may have a mild allergic reaction that lasts up to a week.

Serious allergic reactions can also occasionally occur, causing breathing difficulties, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth. Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you have these symptoms.

Mosquito bites

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Bites from mosquitoes often cause small red lumps on your skin. These are usually very itchy. Some people may also develop fluid-filled blisters.

Mosquitoes don’t cause major harm in the UK, but in some parts of the world they can spread serious illnesses such as malaria.

Get medical help right away if you develop worrying symptoms, such as a high temperature, chills, headaches and feeling sick, after a mosquito bite abroad.

Tick bites

Tick on pale skin

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Tick on darker skin

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SINCLAIR STAMMERS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

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Tick bites are not usually painful, so you may not realise you’ve been bitten straight away.

Symptoms of a tick bite can include:

• a small red lump on the skin
• swelling
• itchiness
• blistering
• bruising

Ticks in the UK can sometimes carry a potentially serious infection called Lyme disease, so they should be removed as soon as possible if you find one attached to your skin.

See your GP if you develop any symptoms of Lyme disease, such as a rash that looks like a “bull’s-eye on a dartboard” or a fever.

Horsefly bites

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A bite from a horsefly can be very painful and the bitten area of skin will usually be red and raised.

You may also experience:

• a larger red, raised rash (called hives or urticaria)
• dizziness
• weakness
• wheezing
• part of your body becoming puffy and swollen

Horsefly bites can take a while to heal and can become infected. See your GP if you have symptoms of an infection, such as pus or increasing pain, redness and swelling.

Midge or gnat bites

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Midge and gnat bites often look similar to mosquito bites.

They usually cause small, red lumps that can be painful and very itchy, and can sometimes swell up alarmingly.

Some people may also develop fluid-filled blisters.

Bedbug bites

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Bedbug bites typically occur on the face, neck, hands or arms. They’re typically found in straight lines across the skin.

The bites are not usually painful, and if you’ve not been bitten by bedbugs before, you may not have any symptoms.

If you have been bitten before, you may develop itchy red bumps that can last for several days.

Mite bites

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Mite bites cause very itchy red lumps to develop on the skin and can sometimes also cause blisters.

Mites usually bite uncovered skin, but you may be bitten on your tummy and thighs if your pet has mites and has been sitting on your lap.

Some mites burrow into the skin and cause a condition called scabies.

Flea bites

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Flea bites can cause small, itchy red lumps that are sometimes grouped in lines or clusters. Blisters may also occasionally develop.

Fleas from cats and dogs often bite below the knee, commonly around the ankles. You may also get flea bites on your forearms if you’ve been stroking or holding your pet.

Spider bites

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Bites from spiders in the UK are uncommon, but some native spiders – such as the false widow spider – are capable of giving a nasty bite.

Spider bites leave small puncture marks on the skin, which can be painful and cause redness and swelling.

Some spiders bites can cause you to feel or be sick, sweating and dizziness. Bites can also become infected or cause a severe allergic reaction in rare cases. Get medical help immediately if you have any severe or worrying symptoms after a spider bite.

Ant stings and bites

The most common ant in the UK, the black garden variety, does not sting or bite, but red ants, wood ants and flying ants sometimes do.

Ant bites and stings are generally harmless, although you’ll probably feel a nip and a pale pink mark may develop on your skin.

Sometimes the bitten area may be painful, itchy and swollen.

Ladybird bites

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All ladybirds can bite, but a type called the harlequin ladybird found throughout much of the UK is more aggressive and tends to bite more often.

The harlequin ladybird can be red or orange with multiple spots. Look out for a white spot on its head – other ladybirds do not have these patches.

Ladybird bites can be painful, but are not usually anything to worry about.

Flower bug bites

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Flower bugs are common insects that feed on aphids and mites. You can identify the common flower bug by its tiny oval body, reflective wings and orange-brown legs.

Flower bugs bites can be painful and very itchy, and are often slow to heal.

Caterpillar hairs

The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth are a real pest. They were first found in the UK in 2006 and are now in London and parts of southeast England.

In late spring and summer, the caterpillars have thousands of tiny hairs that can cause itchy rashes, eye problems and sore throats – and very occasionally breathing difficulties. The caterpillars walk up and down trees in nose-to-tail processions.

If you find them, or spot one of their white silken nests, report it to the Forestry Commission or to your local council.

Page last reviewed: 8 July 2019
Next review due: 8 July 2022

90,000 Flea bites – species, how to help, photo

Flea bites cause discomfort to humans, these small insects are able to deprive sleep and calm existence. They can carry dangerous diseases, so fleas should be destroyed as soon as their appearance on a pet, person or indoors is detected.

What flea bites look like

Traces of harmful insects are usually found on the skin of the legs in the area of ​​the feet and legs.Sometimes there are marks on other open areas of the body. Flea bites in humans appear as itchy patches. Most often they look like successive red spots.

The striking consequences of a flea bite are redness, itching and irritation of the skin. Insect saliva can cause an inflammatory response, so a person may develop scabies or severe swelling. In the most severe cases, open wounds may appear.

Insects carry infections that are dangerous to health and life:

90 025 90 026 typhus;

90,026 tularemia;

90,026 plague;

90,026 anthrax.

Fleas that live on animals are intermediate hosts for parasites. Getting on a person and biting him, an insect can transmit them, and helminthiases appear in a person.

First aid for flea bites

Most importantly, there is no need to comb the bite site, because secondary infection can occur and there will be a possibility of secondary infection. It is imperative to disinfect the bite site with alcohol, iodine or antiseptic soap. These flea bite remedies can help prevent the initial infection of the wound. After that, you need to relieve itching and irritation at the bite sites.

Ways to relieve itching and inflammation after flea bites

• Ice relieves itching and inflammation and prevents swelling;
• Calamine solution will significantly reduce itching and have a disinfectant effect;
• Apple cider vinegar relieves itching, irritation and accelerates the healing of the bite site;
• Baking soda will disinfect and relieve itching;
• Antiallergenic agents will help to cope with the inflammatory reaction.

Self-treatment should be discontinued if a severe reaction to a flea bite occurs. Symptoms (intoxication of the body, lethargy, headache, high fever, suppuration in the wound) indicate that you need to go to the hospital. Children are especially prone to this reaction. They have thinner and softer skin, so the reaction will be stronger. It is the specialists who will give professional advice on how to treat flea bites in a child or an adult, and if necessary, they will provide medical assistance.

Different types of insects and damage caused by them

Sand (earthen) fleas are very dangerous for human health. Bites cause festering abscesses because insects penetrate the skin and reproduce there. This can lead to the development of serious diseases. Prevention is by wearing socks and shoes, keeping your home clean, and washing your feet after walking in contaminated areas. These measures will help prevent sand flea bites from getting infected. Treatment is possible under surgical conditions: the flea is removed with tweezers, the wound is disinfected and a bandage is applied.

Pets are also susceptible to attack by these insects. Fleas can be found in both cats and dogs. An animal that is infected with these parasites shows anxiety, bites itself, combes, trying to catch a flea with its teeth. Dog (cat) flea bites cause allergic dermatitis in animals.

Ways of dealing with fleas

The best way to get rid of flea bites and prevent them from appearing is prevention. Simultaneously with the treatment, it is necessary to carry out operations to exterminate insects.It is necessary to carry out cleaning and processing throughout the house. It’s not easy enough, but prevention is better than follow-up treatment. After all, itching from a flea bite, swelling and redness are the mildest symptoms that can appear.

The most effective method of exterminating insects is the treatment of premises with chemicals. The most effective drugs are chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and others. Before processing, it is necessary to remove all sources of heat, since the preparations are highly flammable, cover all food and remove pets from the premises, because insecticides are very toxic.

After treatment, the remains of the drug should be removed. Insecticide chemicals do not reach hidden areas (such as the surface behind furniture) and do not affect pets, so these products must be used in combination with other methods for maximum effect.

Contact the specialists who will carry out high-quality disinsection of the premises. Only professionals will be able to finally rid the room of harmful insects by making the treatment of the room with specialized means.

90,000 12 types and what to do with each of them. / State Budgetary Institution of Health of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug “Labytnangskaya City Hospital”

Insect bites: 12 species and what to do with each of them.
Insect Bites do not look the same. How to determine who bit you? In this article, you will learn about the 12 most common insect bites you may experience. Be careful! In the summer, when families go out of town on vacation, to summer cottages or picnics near the lake, the risk of getting unwanted bites from various insects increases.Some pass quickly, and with especially severe bites, you should immediately contact a doctor. We suggest reading about the 12 most common bites that you may experience while outing in the city or abroad on an exotic vacation. Insect bites: how to distinguish and what to do 12 types of different insect bites. Tick ​​Mosquito Wasp Bee Hornet Flea Ginger ant Lice Blindfuck Bug Deer fly (golden-eyed) Hermit spider
1. Tick. The most dangerous for humans is the forest tick, since it is a carrier of dangerous diseases.The oral apparatus of the parasite is designed in such a way that it makes it possible to deeply and firmly adhere to the skin. At the same time, a person will not experience pain and may find a tick on his body even after a few days. It may turn out that the tick bit you and fell off. Then, at the site of the bite, there will be a red spot with a circle of several centimeters, and in the center there will be a black or red dot. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor.
2. Mosquito. Visually, mosquito bites look like pink papules with circular outlines, drops on the skin.If the bite is combed, it will turn red because the mosquito’s saliva will enter the surrounding tissues, which will intensify the reaction. There are cases when an allergic reaction with edema appears at the site of the bite.
3. Wasp. The wasp sting is very painful. A burning sensation is felt in its place, it swells and turns red. Occasionally, a wasp sting will cause headaches, fever, and a rash all over the body.
4. Bee. Once stung, the bee dies. This is because, along with the sting, she leaves her digestive tract.Therefore, it is quite easy to recognize a bee sting. It is necessary to urgently remove the sting so that the poison does not enter the bloodstream. Bee sting is the second most common cause of anaphylaxis. If you have shortness of breath, decreased pressure, or breathing problems, call an ambulance.
5. Hornet. The insect pierces the skin like a bee, however, the sting does not leave in the wound. The bite site swells, turns red, and sharp pain appears. Among the symptoms of a hornet bite: rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, cold limbs, bluish tinge to the lips, ears and neck.Loss of consciousness is not excluded. Young children and adults with weakened immunity are very painful to tolerate a hornet bite. If symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.
6. Flea. The bites of these insects are most often observed on the legs. The flea may bite repeatedly. The bites appear as small red dots. If you comb them, they heal for a long time, and dark spots remain for a long time at the site of the bites.
7. Red ant. When bitten, the insect releases a toxin that causes an allergic reaction.The affected areas are visually similar to flea bites, but the sting of an ant causes instant sharp pain.
8. Lice. Most often, insects live on the head, but there are species that are located on other hairy parts of the body. The bite causes severe itching and leaves a small red dot.
9. Horsefly. The bite leaves a noticeable mark with swelling around it. There is a hot sensation at the site of the edema. The bite causes itching, dizziness, infection is possible.
10. Bedbug. The bites are massive, close to each other and grouped.Bed bugs bite, as it were, in one line. The number of bites of one bug is from 3 to 5 punctures of the skin with redness at intervals of 2-4 centimeters.
11. Deer fly (golden-eyed). The bite leaves a red spot and is unusually painful. The insect can carry a disease called rabbit fever. Symptoms: skin ulcers, fever, headache.
12. Hermit spider. Dwells only in certain areas. Its bite can only be felt after 6 hours, when pain occurs.Redness or a purple-colored ring (similar to a bull’s eye) appears at the site of the bite.

Fleas – Evidence-Based Medicine for All

Fleas are very small insects, about 0.6 cm in length. They have no wings, but their long hind legs are designed for jumping. They multiply rapidly and often inhabit fabrics and carpets.

Fleas can bite both humans and animals, and their bites are often itchy and painful. Fleas are also capable of carrying some human diseases.The most famous example is plague .

Having a pet increases the risk of fleas, but is not necessary. Fleas can enter the house with any fabric or fur. The fast breeding cycle of fleas means that once in the house, they can quickly become a nuisance.

This article covers everything you need to know about fleas , including how to identify and treat their bites, including tips on how to get rid of fleas in your home and pets.

Basic Flea Facts

• Fleas primarily feed on animal blood, but are also capable of biting and infecting humans. They can be difficult to eradicate in the home, and without a food source, fleas can survive for more than 100 days .
• Flea bites can cause allergic reactions, but they are not often a serious health problem. Recommended reading: Anaphylactic shock and anaphylaxis. Information for patients.
• Flea bites are usually very small, with a red spot in the center, often in groups of three or four.
• Blisters develop in the area of ​​bed bug bites, but not in the area of ​​flea bites.
• Wash and vacuum floors, furniture, bedding and baseboards regularly to reduce the risk of fleas in your home.

What do flea bites look like?

Flea bites often look like a bunch of small sores.The photo shows a severe case.

In humans flea bites are usually located on the feet, ankles, or shins .

If left unchecked, fleas can spread throughout the body and bite anywhere, especially in people with thick hair on their legs or chest.

• The bites themselves will be very small with a red spot in the center.
• They are often grouped in three or four bites, and sometimes in a line.
• Flea bites are often covered with a small sore surrounded by a light red halo.

Since flea bites often do not cause any reaction, they may well go unnoticed. You may be interested in seeing other types of rashes, including those similar to flea bites

How do fleas bite people?

Humans are often a secondary food source for fleas because they are poor hosts. People are usually bitten by hungry adult fleas that have not yet found a pet or other more suitable host.

If an adult or child walks or crawls past a flea that has just emerged from its cocoon, they can be the first choice for a food source.

Signs of being bitten by fleas

For most people flea bites do not cause noticeable symptoms . Fleas usually do not tolerate any disease.

Young children and people with allergies can have a serious reaction including swelling and itching. The skin around the bite can become irritated and painful, and sometimes hives and rashes appear.Combing the bite can cause a secondary infection. Read more on urticaria.

In most cases, fleas are just a nuisance and may indicate an infestation in the home, requiring some attention, but they will not cause serious symptoms.

Complications from flea bites

Flea bites have two main complications – allergic reactions and secondary infections.

If the following symptoms appear after a flea bite, you should immediately consult a doctor:

• Difficulty breathing
• nausea
• swelling of the lips or face

A flea bite can also become infected.If your lymph nodes are swollen, severe pain around the bite site, or excessive redness, see your doctor.

Sometimes fleas carry diseases that can be transmitted through bites, such as spotted fever, plague, typhus, and cat scratch disease.

Fleas, mosquitoes and bed bugs

It is important to distinguish between flea bites and other insect bites. Many people are bothered by bed bugs while traveling, and flea and bed bug bites can be easily confused.

In the photo: flea bite on the left and bed bug bite on the right

It is important to know the differences between the bites of these common parasitic insects in order to avoid improper treatment and infection.

Flea bite looks like a tiny red bump surrounded by a small patch of inflamed skin. If there are fleas in the house, the bites will continue to appear.

A bed bug bite is more like a mosquito bite – a large, irritated swelling.However, mosquito bites tend to be larger and not grouped together.

In the photo: multiple, grouped flea bites on the left and a single mosquito bite on the right

Mosquitoes bite mainly at sunset or at night. A flea can bite at any time of the day.

Bed bugs will bite periodically due to their habitat. Both types of bite are itchy, but bed bug bites may appear more inflamed.

Flea bites are usually characterized by small accumulations on the skin in places easily accessible to insects.They can be found anywhere on the body, but most often on the feet and ankles. Bed bug bites are often in a line. They can also appear anywhere, but most commonly on the face, neck and arms.

The biggest difference between the two is the possibility of blistering in the area of ​​bed bug bites.

Treatment

Flea bites can be treated with simple home remedies or over-the-counter medications or over-the-counter medications.These include:

To avoid secondary infection, is important not to comb the bites of fleas . Treating the bites will help relieve itching. In most cases, flea bites go away on their own without treatment.

What to do if your pet has fleas

It is important to know how to kill fleas from your pet. Pets (cats, dogs, etc.) are the most common source of fleas in the home. Therefore, it is important to understand how to eliminate fleas and prevent their appearance at home.
Pet owners should check with a veterinarian to determine if their pet has health problems caused by fleas. Your veterinarian can offer a number of inexpensive and effective treatments for fleas.

After processing the pet, you will need to destroy the fleas in the house. This can be difficult, so it is recommended that you contact a dedicated service.

If you are not sure if there are fleas in your house, walk around the house in white socks.Tiny black bugs on the socks are likely an indication of the presence of fleas in the house.

Tips for getting rid of fleas

There are several ways to get rid of fleas in your home.

Make sure pets and household items are flea-free. Fleas can survive without a host for more than 100 days.

Do the following:

• Throw away the dust bag from the vacuum cleaner after every use.
• Clean and vacuum furniture, floors, baseboards and bedding regularly.
• Only treat your pet with the recommended or prescribed flea control.

Summary

Most fleas in the home will be cat or dog fleas. They pose more of a threat to your pet’s health than to anyone else in the house.

To fight fleas, keeping your home clean is crucial.

90,000 how to protect yourself from fly bites, mosquitoes and fleas?

Mosquitoes and fleas can cause serious allergic reactions, including angioedema.How to relieve inflammation, when you need to immediately go to the doctor and what diseases flies, mosquitoes and fleas carry, the head of the medical clinic Sergei Dlin told to the MIR 24 TV channel.

– Why does the mosquito bite itch?

Sergey Dlin: When a mosquito bites, it enters the lining of the skin and injects its saliva inside, which contains a large amount of anticoagulants, so that the blood is diluted and the mosquito can suck it unhindered.This is for the body – foreign penetration, which causes a reaction: redness occurs around the bite site. This leads to itching.

– Do mosquito bites cause an allergic reaction?

Sergey Dlin: Mosquito bites almost always cause an allergic reaction. The degree of its severity is different for each person. In most cases, it goes away quite easily – as a slight redness and itching, it lasts for 2-3 days, and then disappears completely.However, there are cases when edema appears in the area of ​​bites or Quincke’s edema occurs – a life-threatening one. A small number of people are prone to such reactions, but they are.

– How big is the risk of contracting an infection after being bitten by a mosquito?

Sergey Length: In our latitudes, there is practically no risk. Basically, for most people, the bite will only manifest as an allergic reaction. Mosquito species that can carry diseases are found mainly in southern countries, where the tropics are hot.

– Have there been any cases of exotic diseases that a person contracted after being bitten by a mosquito?

Sergey Long: I personally have not heard about such cases. Basically, these can be the southern regions. The same malaria mosquito does not live in our latitude.

– What other insects can be dangerous to humans?

Sergey Length: The second most important vector of serious diseases is the fly.It carries on its paws a large number of different bacteria and infections and can cause damage to the intestines, typhoid fever – a lot of serious diseases. She mainly sits on food, these bacteria are transmitted through the legs to the food. When consumed, a person becomes infected.

The next most dangerous are fleas. They can also cause allergic reactions, typhoid, plague – they were previously one of those who caused massive epidemics of typhoid fever.

– How to deal with allergic reactions to insect bites?

Sergey Length: In simple situations – taking antihistamines. If a more serious situation arises in the form of edema, headaches, when the reaction of the body and the immune system is too pronounced, it is better to consult a doctor.

At mild degrees, when, for example, a mosquito bites, iodine or brilliant green is very good at relieving itching. This will further prevent infection from entering the bite area and relieve inflammation.

– How to protect yourself from insect bites?

Sergey Dlin: First, the use of special equipment, thicker clothing, especially in the evening.If we are in nature, on vacation, the proximity to the fire will scare away mosquitoes – there will be less risk that a large number of mosquitoes can bite you.

These are simple ways that can reduce the risk of being bitten, although mosquitoes are now quite active.

– Can repellents harm? Can you cook them yourself?

Sergey Dlin: There are repellents that are intended for children, there are those that can be used in adults.Of course, they can harm if they come into direct contact with mucous membranes. If they are used clearly according to the instructions, they cannot harm.

Various oils can be used at home to repel mosquitoes.

90,000 What is the difference between bug bites and fleas in humans

Being bitten by someone is an unpleasant feeling.What if you don’t know the source of the bite? That’s right, figure it out. If you suspect a flea or bug bite, it is worth considering the difference in the behavior of the parasites and the nature of their diet.

Livelihoods and bug bites?

Bug is an insect ranging in size from 2 to 10 mm. The parasite is quite nimble, it moves quickly. In a dwelling, bugs prefer to live in colonies, their favorite places are areas near the victim’s sleeping place. They are nocturnal and feed only in the dark.

They attack the victim at about 3-5 o’clock in the morning. By piercing the skin, a special analgesic secret is injected inside, and you do not feel pain. The bug looks for the place where the vessels are closest to the skin in order to provide itself with simpler nutrition.

The parasite is not saturated in one bite, this is its peculiarity. Therefore, on the skin, you can see several red spots located in a path. There is a distance of 1-2 cm between each bite, their number may vary. It has not been proven that bedbugs can be carriers of dangerous diseases, but the bite site is very itchy, inflamed, and allergic reactions appear.The person does not sleep well, irritability and nervousness appear. Another feature of bedbugs is that their larvae also feed on blood.

Unlike adults, they do not possess anesthetic secretions, and their bites are very painful. Man tosses and turns in a dream. At the slightest rustle, the bugs quickly retreat to shelter.

Vital activity and flea bite?

Unlike bugs, fleas are smaller insects. Their body is dark brown in color. They also feed on blood, but only adults.

The larvae are content with the remnants of the skin, dust, food particles. They, like bedbugs, do not live on the body of their victim. Fleas bite mainly on the lower body and legs.

During a bite, a secret is injected into the wound, which has an anticoagulant effect (does not allow blood to clot), but it does not have an analgesic effect. Therefore, a flea bite is easy to spot. At the place where the flea “dined”, the skin turns red, the puncture site is visible. Slight swelling is possible.

The itching is very severe, but it is impossible to comb the affected area so that the infection does not get into the wound.The bites are randomly located. Fleas live in floor crevices, under baseboards, parquet and linoleum joints, in dusty dark corners.

How to recognize the culprit of the bite?

Based on the above, the following differences can be distinguished:

1. Bedbugs bite in a “path”, fleas – chaotically.

In the first case, all unprotected parts of the body with thin skin are exposed to bites: neck, chest, wrist, hands, legs, back. Fleas attack mainly on the legs.

2. Bedbugs bite painlessly (except for larvae) and at night, fleas do not have a clear boundary of the day, bites are disturbing.In both cases, the parasites leave unpleasant, itchy marks on the skin. There are other ways to identify the culprit.

For example, if you notice that bites appear at night, and the risk of being a victim of mosquitoes is excluded, then these are bed bugs. Set your alarm clock for 3-4 o’clock in the morning, turn on the light abruptly and search your bed place, you may find bed bugs. Eated adults often leave red-brown marks on the bedding, you simply crush them in a dream with your movements.

Finding fleas in your home is much more difficult.Insects are very small. Spread a white cloth on the floor and stand in the middle of it; if you see jumping dots on it, these are fleas.

What if you have identified parasites?

When you have found the culprit for your bites, be it fleas or bedbugs, you need to fight them. Traditional methods are not always effective.

Insects quickly get used to chemicals, especially non-professional ones, which are freely available in markets or at points with household chemicals (Dichlorvos, Reid, Mashenka).The struggle is aggravated by the fact that many drugs do not work on eggs and larvae, and soon you again become hostage to the situation. There is an exit!

You need to contact a professional pest control service, such is “Biotrix”. If you have not identified the cause of the bites, competent employees will do it for you: they will identify parasites, select a drug and a method to rid your home of insects.

We work quickly and efficiently, we give a guarantee. All products used are safe for humans and pets.Contact us and order pest control by the specified phone numbers.

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How to treat flea bites

Fleas are tiny, annoying insects that mainly attack pets. But, if you have pets, or fleas are found in your area, chances are high that you may also suffer from their bites.

Flea bites are itchy and painful.They can look like small, red bumps, usually in groups of three to four or in a straight line. Bites are most commonly seen around the ankles, on the legs, as well as around the waist, armpits, or the folds of the elbow and knee joints.

Excessive scratching can damage the skin and lead to a secondary bacterial infection. If flea attacks are more of a nuisance than a daily threat to you, use our tips to relieve itching and bite reactions.If your house has been invaded by these blood-sucking insects, contact the services for their destruction.

Cold compresses will help stop itching and pain at the site of the bite, and relieve swelling. Pre-wash the bite site with warm soapy water, then attach an ice pack.

Baking soda reduces itching, swelling and inflammation, and reduces the risk of infection. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a little water and apply this paste to the bite.Let it sit for five to ten minutes, then wash off with cool water. This product can also be used for pets, as well as bathe pets in water with diluted soda (0.5-1 glass)

Apple cider vinegar contains an acid that prevents infection and relieves itching. Apply a cotton swab dipped in vinegar for five minutes on the bite site. Alternatively, you can spray vinegar with an aqueous solution of flea sites.

Aloe vera has antiseptic as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve itching and swelling and speed up the healing process.To apply, cut an aloe leaf and brush the bite site with gelatinous juice. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

Oatmeal, ground into an extremely fine powder, neutralizes toxins in the skin as well as soothes it and helps heal irritation and inflammation caused by bites. For localized bites, prepare a thick paste using equal parts ground oatmeal and yogurt, and a little honey. Apply the paste to the affected areas and keep it on for 30 minutes, then rinse with water.

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90,000 Allergy to bites of blood-sucking insects: how it manifests itself and how dangerous

There are insects that sting, and there are those that bite.Bees, wasps, bumblebees and ants, when they sense danger, sting. They inject poison, which can cause an allergic reaction in a person. Let’s talk about blood-sucking insects – mosquitoes, mosquitoes, bedbugs and others. These drink blood to get a portion of food.

The saliva of these small predators contains a mixture of proteins: anticoagulants that prevent the victim’s blood from clotting, and proteins that help blood flow into the mouth.

Therefore, a person, as a rule, reacts differently to the bites of stinging and blood-sucking insects.

Allergy to a bloodsucker bite is rare

Allergic reactions of an immediate type can occur to the venom of bees and wasps, and they are infrequent to the bites of blood-sucking insects.

Systemic allergic reactions are rarely caused by bites from hornets, bumblebees, ants, mosquitoes or flies. Almost never, such a reaction occurs as a result of ticks, bedbugs, caterpillars or spiders bites: only a red ring or bump is observed at the site of the bite.

Also local and extremely rare allergic reactions can be to the bites of mosquitoes, horseflies and flies.

In addition, flea, tick and mosquito bites cause itching rather than pain, unlike stinging. Redness is another symptom. Scratching the wound can trigger an infection, and the skin will become rough and crusty.

Both redness and itching (swelling is possible) are not caused by the bite itself, but by the reaction of the immune system to the proteins of the insect’s saliva. It is rather a toxic reaction, that is, the body’s response to foreign substances.

Other manifestations include nausea, fever, loss of consciousness, convulsions, shock.Even a lethal outcome is possible.

Bite allergy symptoms

An allergic reaction to bloodsucker bites can have the following symptoms:

In addition, serum sickness may occur in response to a bite. Its symptoms are similar to those of the flu (fever, muscle pain), and sometimes hives appear.

Cockroaches and dust mites can also provoke allergies. At risk are workers in warehouses and granaries, silk-winding production, foresters, entomologists and employees of insectariums.

Such people can develop both contact allergy, manifested by a rash, and inhalation. Its symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. This is a runny nose, cough, itchy eyes, mouth, or throat. But, unlike a cold, these symptoms can last for several weeks or even months. Some people may develop asthma.

For example, year-round allergic rhinitis, one of the most common allergic diseases, is precisely the reaction of patients to mites living in house dust.

How to treat allergy symptoms

To reduce itching and swelling at the site of the bite, doctors advise:

• Wash affected area with soap and water;
• Apply ice to the bite to prevent the spread of the poison;
• do not comb itchy wounds;
• ointments for healing wounds from insect bites should be used only after consultation with an allergist, which is especially important for patients with allergies;
• if in a personal history there were cases of an acute reaction of the body to allergens, including difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, you should always have an automatic injector-syringe with adrenaline with you, which will help relieve the symptoms of anaphylactic shock.

Bites of non-poisonous insects, as well as those to which the reaction develops without anaphylactic shock, do not need first aid. It is enough to use local antipruritic (sometimes antimicrobial) agents.

Why mosquitoes and mosquitoes are dangerous

It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites not only because toxic and allergic reactions can be observed on the saliva of these insects. Mosquitoes, even in the Ukrainian climate, carry malaria.And also – viruses and larvae of parasitic worms – filaria.

Due to climate warming, filariasis, which were previously considered tropical diseases, are increasingly common in Ukraine. Read more about the dangers of mosquito bites and how to protect yourself from them here.

Mosquitoes are very small (about 3 mm) flies of gold, brown or gray color. They are found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, from the rain forests of Brazil to the deserts of Western Asia.

Poses a danger to tourists who travel to exotic countries.

Mosquito bite causes pain and itching. In its place, red bumps and blisters can develop, sometimes ulcers.

Allergies to mosquito bites are rare. However, the good news ends there: mosquitoes carry a serious tropical disease called leishmaniasis.

It is of two types – cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. The former can cause skin ulcers that are difficult to heal, the latter can cause serious damage to internal organs, in particular the liver and spleen.

When going to places where there is a risk of being bitten by a mosquito, use the recommendations for protection against mosquito bites.

Now let’s talk about the bites of blood-sucking insects that can threaten us even at home.

Bedbugs – Night Hunters

Bedbugs are flat wingless insects, usually brown or red, up to 1 cm in length. Contrary to popular belief, they live not only in cheap hotels and hostels.They can be found wherever there is a large flow of people, crowded conditions and pest control is neglected.

These insects can appear both in the office and in a private home, “arriving” on your belongings from the airport or hotel.

Bed bugs usually feed on human blood at night. Having found bite marks in the morning, the victim often confuses them with allergic rashes.

Itching may be felt at the bite site, red small dense swelling occurs. The rash is linear, marking the movement of the insect along the human body.

Bedbugs, unlike mosquitoes, do not transmit pathogens through a bite. However, scientists in Latin America have the latest data, according to which bedbugs can carry the Chagas disease common there.

The biggest problem from bedbug bites is the possibility of infection of the skin around the bite site: the itching is severe and it is difficult to resist scratching the wounds. A concomitant complication is insomnia: a person has a fear that insects will attack him again during sleep.

How does bug bite allergy manifest

If you are allergic to bug bites, you will experience more severe symptoms than just itching. The most common signs of an allergic reaction to a bug bite are painful swelling and burning at the site of the bite, and in some rare cases, an anaphylactic response.

Prevention of bedbug bites

You can protect yourself from bedbug bites, first of all, by destroying them in your home.For this, they carry out general cleaning using insecticides.

Compulsory processing of mattresses, washing of bed linen and clothes at a high temperature.

When traveling, do not put luggage on the bed in the hotel to reduce the risk of carrying bed bugs in the suitcase. Upon returning home, it is worth handling any luggage: vacuuming, washing, washing.

Why fleas are dangerous

Fleas can enter the living space on human shoes, on the hair of pets.They appear especially often in private houses or on the lower floors of multi-storey buildings.

After 5-30 minutes, small itchy red bumps may form at the site of the flea bite. Like the traces of bug bites, sometimes they are located in a heap or in a line – in the direction of the insect’s movement.

Blistering is also possible. In sensitive individuals, the bite site may itch for a week or longer.

Fleas jump onto humans from cats or dogs, often bite below the knees, usually around the ankles.But if you pet or just hold your pet, the flea can bite in the forearm as well.

The danger of fleas is not only in bites and possible allergies to them. With saliva, the flea often injects the bacteria that carry typhus and bubonic plague into the blood of the victim, which can be fatal.

Fleas can also bring pathogens from rodents living in the backyard.

Control of fleas in an apartment primarily includes the destruction of pets and thorough cleaning.