How to identify bed bug bites. Where do bed bugs typically hide. When and where do bed bugs usually bite. How to effectively treat bed bug bites. How to confirm a bed bug infestation.

Understanding Bed Bug Bites: Appearance and Characteristics

Bed bug bites can be challenging to identify due to varying individual immune responses. However, certain characteristics can help differentiate them from other insect bites:

• Red, raised bumps similar to spider or mosquito bites
• Often appear in a line or cluster on one part of the body
• Typically found in groups of 3 to 4 bites
• Commonly located on arms, neck, or trunk

The distinctive linear pattern of bed bug bites is a result of their “probing” behavior. These insects probe the skin in multiple places to find the best access point for drawing blood.

Can everyone detect bed bug bites?

Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way. Some individuals, particularly the elderly, may not show any skin response at all. This variation in reactions can make it difficult to rely solely on bite appearance for identification.

Bed Bug Habitats: Where These Pests Like to Hide

To confirm a bed bug infestation, it’s crucial to locate the insects themselves. Bed bugs have preferred hiding spots within your living space:

• Mattress corners and seams, especially near the head end
• Behind headboards
• Behind wall-mounted pictures
• In electrical sockets
• Within mattress cords

What do bed bugs look like?

Adult bed bugs are approximately the size of an apple seed, with a flat, brownish appearance. They are remarkably thin, almost as flat as a piece of paper. Baby bed bugs, while also brownish, are much smaller – about the size of a pinhead.

Are there visible signs of bed bug presence?

Look for black spots on your sheets, mattress, and mattress cover. These spots could be bed bug feces and serve as a strong indicator of an infestation.

Bed Bug Feeding Patterns: When and Where They Strike

Understanding bed bug behavior can help you determine if these pests are responsible for your bites:

• Bed bugs are most active between 2:00 and 4:00 AM
• They typically feed every two to three days when a host is present
• Bites often occur on exposed skin during sleep

The nocturnal feeding pattern of bed bugs is an evolutionary adaptation that increases their chances of survival. By feeding when humans are in deep sleep, they reduce the likelihood of detection and disturbance.

Treating Bed Bug Bites: Effective Relief Strategies

While bed bug bites can be incredibly itchy and uncomfortable, there are several ways to manage the symptoms:

1. Resist the urge to scratch, as this can further irritate the affected area
2. Apply over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl or Allegra to reduce itching
3. Use topical anti-itch creams or calamine lotion for localized relief
4. Apply a cold compress to soothe inflammation and reduce swelling

Are bed bug bites dangerous?

While bed bug bites can be annoying and uncomfortable, they do not pose a serious health risk. Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, excessive scratching of bites can lead to secondary skin infections, so proper care is essential.

Confirming a Bed Bug Infestation: Beyond the Bites

To definitively identify a bed bug problem, look for these additional signs:

• Live bugs crawling on mattresses, furniture, or walls
• Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses (crushed bugs)
• Bed bug eggs and eggshells (about 1mm in size)
• Pale yellow skins shed by nymphs as they grow
• A musty, sweet odor (in cases of severe infestation)

How can you differentiate bed bug bites from other insect bites?

While it can be challenging, there are some key differences:

• Bed bug bites often appear in a line or cluster, unlike random mosquito bites
• They typically don’t have a red dot in the center like flea bites
• Unlike spider bites, bed bug bites rarely occur in isolation

Prevention and Control: Keeping Bed Bugs at Bay

Preventing a bed bug infestation is far easier than eliminating an existing one. Here are some proactive measures you can take:

• Regularly inspect your bedding, mattress, and furniture for signs of bed bugs
• Use protective covers on mattresses and box springs
• Vacuum frequently, including along baseboards and in other crevices
• Be cautious when acquiring second-hand furniture or staying in hotels
• Wash and dry clothes at high temperatures after traveling

How quickly can a bed bug infestation spread?

Bed bugs can spread rapidly within a home or multi-unit dwelling. A female bed bug can lay up to 250 eggs in her lifetime, and these eggs hatch in about a week. Under optimal conditions, bed bugs can fully develop from egg to adult in as little as a month.

Professional Intervention: When to Call in the Experts

While minor infestations can sometimes be managed with DIY methods, severe or persistent bed bug problems often require professional pest control services. Consider contacting a professional if:

• You’ve tried DIY methods without success
• The infestation has spread to multiple rooms
• You’re experiencing frequent bites despite your efforts
• You live in a multi-unit building where the infestation could spread

What methods do professionals use to eliminate bed bugs?

Professional pest control experts may employ a variety of techniques to eradicate bed bugs, including:

• Heat treatments
• Targeted insecticide applications
• Freezing treatments
• Fumigation (in severe cases)

These methods are often used in combination for maximum effectiveness.

Psychological Impact: Dealing with the Stress of Bed Bugs

Bed bug infestations can have a significant psychological impact on those affected. Common reactions include:

• Anxiety and stress
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Feelings of shame or embarrassment
• Social isolation

It’s important to remember that bed bug infestations can happen to anyone, regardless of cleanliness or social status. Seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can be beneficial in managing the emotional toll of dealing with these pests.

How can you cope with the stress of a bed bug infestation?

Coping strategies may include:

• Educating yourself about bed bugs to dispel myths and reduce fear
• Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
• Joining support groups or online forums to connect with others in similar situations
• Focusing on the steps you’re taking to resolve the problem
• Seeking professional help if anxiety or stress becomes overwhelming

Bed Bugs and Travel: Protecting Yourself on the Go

Traveling increases the risk of encountering bed bugs and potentially bringing them home. Here are some precautions to take while traveling:

• Inspect hotel rooms thoroughly before unpacking
• Keep luggage elevated and away from walls and furniture
• Use luggage racks rather than placing bags on the bed or floor
• Examine your luggage before bringing it into your home after travel
• Wash all clothes in hot water and dry on high heat immediately upon return

What should you do if you suspect bed bugs in your hotel room?

If you suspect bed bugs in your hotel room:

1. Immediately notify hotel management
2. Request a room change, preferably to a non-adjacent room
3. Inspect the new room thoroughly before settling in
4. Consider changing hotels if you’re not satisfied with the response
5. Keep all belongings in sealed plastic bags to prevent potential infestation

Bed Bug Myths and Facts: Separating Truth from Fiction

There are many misconceptions about bed bugs that can lead to ineffective prevention and treatment strategies. Let’s debunk some common myths:

Myth: Bed bugs only infest dirty homes

Fact: Bed bugs do not discriminate based on cleanliness. They can infest any home, regardless of hygiene levels. While clutter can provide more hiding spots, cleanliness alone won’t prevent or eliminate an infestation.

Myth: Bed bugs transmit diseases

Fact: While bed bugs feed on blood, there is no evidence that they transmit diseases to humans. However, their bites can cause allergic reactions and secondary skin infections from scratching.

Myth: Bed bugs can fly

Fact: Bed bugs cannot fly. They do not have wings and are not capable of jumping long distances. They move by crawling and can travel from room to room by hitching rides on clothing, luggage, or furniture.

Myth: You can feel bed bugs biting

Fact: Most people do not feel bed bugs biting. These insects inject a mild anesthetic when they feed, which numbs the area. Bites are usually discovered after the fact, when itching or welts appear.

How can accurate information help in managing bed bug infestations?

Understanding the facts about bed bugs is crucial for several reasons:

• It helps in implementing effective prevention strategies
• It allows for quicker identification of infestations
• It reduces stigma and encourages people to seek help promptly
• It promotes the use of proven treatment methods rather than ineffective “home remedies”

The Economic Impact of Bed Bugs: A Growing Concern

Bed bug infestations have significant economic implications, both for individuals and society at large:

• High costs associated with professional extermination services
• Expenses for replacing infested furniture and belongings
• Lost wages due to time off work for dealing with infestations
• Economic losses in the hospitality industry due to infestations and reputation damage
• Increased healthcare costs for treating bites and related health issues

How has the resurgence of bed bugs affected different industries?

The bed bug resurgence has impacted various sectors:

• Hospitality: Hotels face potential lawsuits and reputation damage from infestations
• Real Estate: Property values can be affected by bed bug history
• Retail: Increased demand for bed bug-resistant products and treatments
• Pest Control: Growth in specialized bed bug extermination services
• Healthcare: More patients seeking treatment for bites and related anxiety

Future Outlook: Advances in Bed Bug Control and Prevention

As bed bug infestations continue to be a global issue, researchers and pest control experts are working on innovative solutions:

• Development of more effective and environmentally friendly insecticides
• Exploration of biological control methods, such as fungi that target bed bugs
• Advancements in early detection technologies, including bed bug-sniffing dogs
• Research into genetic modifications to make bed bugs more susceptible to treatments
• Improvements in heat treatment technologies for more efficient eradication

What role might artificial intelligence play in future bed bug control?

AI could potentially revolutionize bed bug management in several ways:

• Developing predictive models for infestation risks in different areas
• Enhancing early detection through image recognition technology
• Optimizing treatment strategies based on infestation patterns and characteristics
• Improving public education through AI-powered information dissemination

These advancements could lead to more efficient and cost-effective bed bug control in the future.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Jump to:

• What do bed bug bites look like?
• Where do bed bugs hide?
• When and where do bed bugs bite?
• How to treat bed bug bites
• How do you know if you have bed bugs?

When you think of annoying, common house bugs your mind probably jumps to stink bugs, flies, cockroaches, and spiders. But there’s one home invader that is very different from the rest: bed bugs. While bed bug bites might not be the most common bug bites to receive, if you’ve recently woken up with a few itchy bumps, you might want to keep reading.

The trouble with identifying a bed bug bite—as is true for a lot of insects, including mosquitoes—is that it can be hard to identify the source, as not everyone’s immune response is the same. “Everybody’s going to respond differently,” says Timothy Gibb, Ph.D., a clinical professor of entomology at Purdue University. “Same thing’s true with a mosquito bite. Some people are going to swell up and it’s going to itch. That same mosquito could bite someone else and it’s hardly noticeable.”

In fact, Gibb says some people’s skin doesn’t respond to a bed bug bite at all, which is especially the case for the elderly population. That’s why it can be difficult to determine if your bite is from a bed bug just by looking at it.

However, there are a few things that can tip you off to the fact that bed bugs are the culprit of your bites. Here’s what to know, including bed bug bites pictures to help you visualize the symptoms.

What do bed bug bites look like?

Joel Carillet//Getty Images

The key bed bug bite symptom to look for is a red, raised bump, says Gibb, similar in appearance to a spider or mosquito bite. But what sets bed bugs apart from other insects is that oftentimes, their bites will present in a line or cluster on one part or side of your body. This is the result of what’s called “probing.”

Bed bug bites show up in a line, most often in a cluster of 3 to 4 bites.

“They probe the skin in several different places, I think probably to find best access to draw blood,” says Gibb. In fact, if you have screens on your windows—thereby keeping out other insects that might bite—but are still waking up with a line of 3 or 4 bites on your arm, it’s safe to suspect that bed bugs might be to blame, says Edwin Rajotte, Ph.D., a professor of entomology at Penn State University.

Where do bed bugs hide?

Another way to determine if your bites come from bed bugs is to look for the insects themselves. They naturally like to hide in your mattress, especially in the corners, near the head end, and in the cord that goes around it. They also like to camp out behind the headboard, behind any pictures on the wall, and in electrical sockets.

Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and are very flat from top to bottom—almost as thin as a piece of paper—with a brownish color, says Rajotte. Baby bed bugs are also brownish in color, but pinhead-sized. Another key identifier? Look for black spots on your sheets, mattress, and mattress cover, which could be bed bug feces.

John-Reynolds//Getty Images

When and where do bed bugs bite?

Bed bug bites will most commonly occur on the arms, neck, or trunk of the body, says Gibb, although they’ll bite anywhere they can find exposed skin. And—as their name suggests—bed bugs will bite you at night while you’re sound asleep.

“We’ve found it’s most active when people are most sound asleep, and that’s usually from about 2:00 to 4:00 in the morning,” says Gibb. “That’s natural for a parasite like that to do that because it’s going to protect it. People won’t see it, they won’t feel it. It makes their survivorship much more probable.”

Joel Carillet//Getty Images

According to Changlu Wang, Ph.D., extension specialist in entomology at Rutgers University, bed bugs typically feed every two to three days when a host is present, so if fresh bites appear in such a frequency, the timing could be another indicator of their presence.

How to treat bed bug bites

If you’ve been bitten and have an insatiable itch, chances are, you’re going to want to speed up the treatment process. Unfortunately, the best way to do that is also the hardest way to do it: not scratching the bite, says Gibb, which will just further irritate the area.

If you’re having trouble keeping your claws off, you can also try using an antihistamine—think Benadryl or Allegra, which are meant to curb allergy symptoms—to help mute that itchy feeling.

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And if bed bugs are the cause of your bites, realize there’s no urgent need to panic. Yes, they might cost you a pretty penny and can be a pain to get rid of, but bed bugs can’t do any serious damage to your body. “They don’t kill people,” says Gibb. “A parasite would have a hard time surviving if it killed its host, and these do not.”

In fact, they don’t even transmit anything dangerous to you. “They’ve never been shown to transmit any diseases,” says Rajotte. “Unlike mosquitoes and ticks and things, which can transmit some pretty bad diseases, bed bugs do not. And so while they’re annoying and all that, they’re not going to harm your children or anything like that. They’re just annoying and you need to get rid of them.”

Are bed bug bites itchy? Do they hurt?

Although some people will say a bed bug bite hurts somewhat—though not as intensely as the sting of a bee, for example—most complaints are due to the itching the bites cause, says Gibb. And that itching is due to the chemicals the bed bug inserts into your body during the bite, adds Rajotte.

“They’ve become what I consider the perfect parasite, because their mouthparts are kind of interesting,” says Gibb. “They will inject an anesthetic prior to biting, so people won’t feel it. And then they inject an anticoagulant that allows the blood to run easier for them to suck that up.” So while that system works great for the bugs, those left-over chemicals will usually lead to some uncomfortable itching on your end.

Joel Carillet//Getty Images

How long do bed bug bites last?

Although the duration and intensity of a bed bug bite will hugely vary from person to person, you typically won’t feel the effects of a bed bug bite—like itching and those raised red bumps—until mid-morning after a bite due to the anesthetic the bug injects, says Gibb.

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“So they certainly don’t feel it when the bite is occurring, but shortly after, probably within a day, for sure,” he adds.

The bite symptoms typically last for about two weeks, explains Wang. “Some people may still show symptoms after a month,” he says, while others may see their bites dissipate over a few days.

Ready to banish them from your home? Here’s our expert-approved, step-by-step guide to getting rid of bed bugs for good.

How do you know if you have bed bugs?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), there are two main ways to know if you have bed bugs lurking in your home: Bed bug bites themselves, and signs of their existence.

First, examine your bug bites (if you have any) and determine if they appear to be from bed bugs or not. As mentioned above, bed bug bites will likely occur on the arms, neck, and trunk of the body, and often appear as a line or row of red, raised bumps on one section of the body. They can also appear in a zig-zag pattern.

Next, inspect your mattress and other furniture for signs of the bed bugs themselves. There may be small specks of blood on the mattress (be sure to look near the seams) or other upholstered furniture, according to the AAD. You also may notice small, black specks, which are excrement from the bed bugs, or tiny, white, oval-shaped specks which are eggs.

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Brielle Gregory

Brielle Gregory previously worked at Men’s Health magazine, where she reported, edited, and fact checked all things health, nutrition, and weight loss related; she currently spends her time digging into similar topics as a freelancer writer and editor. She’s a doting dog mom to a half-corgi and an aspiring world-traveler who’s probably planning her next trip right now (the dog included).

Identifying Bugs and Bug Bites

Many bugs give us reason for pause, including spiders, chiggers, bees and lice. But few get under our skin — quite literally — like the tick. If you enjoy the outdoors, be careful of ticks — they can attach as you brush past grass and plants. Ticks don’t always carry diseases, and most bites are not serious. But they can carry diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Once a tick latches onto skin, it often moves to the warm, moist armpits and groin — feeding on blood and passing on any disease it carries. A tick bite can also trigger an allergic reaction. If you have a tick, it is important to remove it properly. To prevent tick bites, keep your arms, legs, and head covered when outdoors. Use tick repellant with DEET on skin or clothing, or products with permethrin on clothing. Check for ticks after spending time in grassy or wooded areas.

In the U.S., the Western black–legged tick and the deer tick can carry Lyme disease bacteria. Infected ticks usually don’t spread the disease until they’ve been attached for at least 36 hours. The first sign of infection is often a circular skin rash. Early symptoms may also include fever, headache, and fatigue. Untreated Lyme disease may spread to other parts of the body, including the muscles, joints, heart, and nervous system. If you have symptoms or are worried, see your doctor.

Wood piles and tree stumps — that’s where venomous female black widows hide. They are long-legged and glossy black, with a distinctive orange, red, or yellow “hourglass” shape on their underside. These spiders are roughly 1/3 inch wide and 1 1/2 inches long, counting their long legs.

Black widow spider bites may cause stabbing pain in the bite area, but they can also be painless. Look for one or two red fang marks, redness, tenderness, and a nodule at the bite site. Severe muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, seizure, and a rise in blood pressure may follow soon after. Get medical care immediately. Anti-venom medicine is available. If possible, bring the spider with you for positive identification.

Vespa mandarinia is the largest and most dangerous species of hornet in the world. It’s nicknamed “murder hornet” because a few dozen of them may decapitate and wipe out a hive of 30,000 honeybees or bumblebees in mere hours. This black and yellow-orange striped hornet was spotted in North America for the first time in 2019. It doesn’t usually bother people or pets. But it can sting dozens of times if threatened. 

Its stinger is a quarter-inch long and tough enough to pierce protective beekeeper wear. Venom from an Asian giant hornet is more toxic than from a domestic bee or wasp. A sting may feel like a hot nail. The venom can be serious or even deadly if you’re allergic. Walk away calmly if you spot the hornets. Put ice on the area right away if you’re stung. Get medical care if you’re stung multiple times

Hiding in attics and closets — in Midwestern and Southern states — that’s where you’ll find brown recluse spiders. The spiders range in color from yellowish-tan to dark brown, with darker legs. Their venom is extremely toxic, and their bite can cause serious wounds and infection. Yet you may not feel their bite.

When the brown recluse bites, it is often painless — then skin reddens, turns white, develops a red “bull’s-eye,” blisters, and becomes painful. These bites can be deadly in rare cases. Get medical care immediately. If you can, bring the spider with you for positive identification.

In hair — that’s where you’ll find lice. They like to hide in the neck area of the scalp and behind the ears. If you have lice, you likely got it from sharing a hat, brush, or other item with a person who has lice. Lice are itchy, but scratching can lead to infection. In severe cases, hair may fall out.

To kill lice and their eggs (called nits), use lotions, creams, or shampoos from the drug store or prescribed by your doctor which are designed specifically for lice. You’ll also need to use a comb to get rid of the nits. In some areas, lice are resistant to permethrin; check with your doctor about which treatment is best.  Wash clothing, bedding, and brushes in hot water and dry in a hot dryer of dry clean to prevent the spread of lice. Check all household members, and treat everyone who has nits or lice. 

Fleas are small, wingless, agile insects that live off the blood of their host — and they don’t just bite pets. They dine on people, too.

Some people are very sensitive to flea bites — but scratching can cause a wound or infection. The best solution is to get rid of fleas on pets and in your home. Keep pets out of your bed and be sure to vacuum rugs daily. Spray insecticides according to directions on infested areas. Consider using a veterinary approved insecticide on your pet.

When certain types of bees sting, they lose their stinger and die. But a wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket can inflict multiple stings because it does not lose the stinger. These stings can cause serious reactions in people who are allergic to them.

If you don’t have an allergic reaction, simply remove the stinger, clean the sting site, apply ice, take oral antihistamine for itching, and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief. If you have a severe anaphylactic reaction, use an epinephrine auto-injector if you have one. Call for emergency care. Lie down and carefully remove the stinger without squeezing the venom sac. 

Fire ants look much like ordinary ants — and are found in most of the Southern states. They produce large mounds in open areas and are aggressive when disturbed. During an attack, the fire ant latches onto the skin with its jaw, then stings from its abdomen. It may inject venom many times.

The fire ant sting typically causes red lesions that burn and itch. Painful pus-filled lesions can also occur. Cold packs, pain relievers, and antihistamines can help relieve the discomfort. A large number of stings may trigger a toxic or severe life-threatening allergic reaction. Get emergency care.

Contrary to popular belief, chiggers are not insects; they are arachnids. Specifically, chiggers are the juvenile (or larval) form of a family of mites called Trombiculidae. They only dine on humans in their juvenile form. Their bites are painless, but lesions are very itchy. Itching usually peaks a day or two after you’re bitten.

After a few days of being attached to the skin, chiggers fall off — leaving itchy red welts. Over-the-counter products can help relieve itching. See your doctor if the skin appears infected or the welts appear to be spreading.

When scabies mites get into the skin, they can cause a big skin problem. The mites spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person — or by sharing towels, bed linens, and other objects.

Intense itching and skin sores don’t appear until several weeks after mites get into skin. The itching is very severe and usually worse at night. The rash typically is seen on the sides and webs of the fingers, the wrist, elbows, genitals, and buttock. You’ll need prescription lotion or pills to get rid of scabies. Wash all clothes, towels, and bedding in hot water and dry in a hot dryer or dry clean.

Their name tells the tale, as these tiny insects tend to hide in bedding. They are often found in hotels, shelters, and apartment complexes — and can hitch a ride into your home aboard luggage, pets, and boxes.

Bedbugs leave itchy, red bites on the skin, usually on the arms or shoulders. More of a nuisance than a health hazard, it is possible to develop an infection from scratching. If you have an allergic skin reaction, use creams with corticosteroids and take oral antihistamines — and see your doctor.

The most venomous caterpillar in the U.S., puss caterpillars can be found in Southern states where they feed on shade trees like elm, oak, and sycamore. The venom is hidden in hollow spines among the hairs.

When a puss caterpillar stings, you may get waves of intense pain, rash, fever, vomiting, and muscle cramps. Remove the broken-off spines by using cellophane tape or a commercial facial peel — and call your doctor right away.

All scorpions are venomous, but only a few species are dangerous to people. Scorpions are found mostly in the Southern and Western states. Symptoms of a sting include pain, swelling, itching, vomiting, increased sweating, and vision problems. Get medical care immediately.

These biting flies live in wetlands, forests, and other damp environs. Keep these painful bites clean and avoid scratching to help prevent infection. Some types of deerflies spread Tularemia, an infectious bacterial disease that requires medical attention. Insect repellant and protective clothing help prevent deerfly bites.

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying, they rank anong the world’s deadliest animals. Scratching a bite can cause a skin infection. Also, mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus, dengue fever virus, and other diseases including malaria. To protect yourself from mosquitoes, apply insect repellent and cover up when you go outdoors. Use window screens, and get rid of standing water in your yard.

A housefly is a dirty insect — carrying more than 1 million bacteria on its body. It can spread intestinal infections by contaminating food. To control flies, keep food and garbage in closed containers and use window screens on your home.

They’re not just ugly. Cockroaches carry diseases like salmonella. They can trigger allergic reactions and asthma. If you live in a warm climate, getting rid of cockroaches can be difficult. It helps to use pesticides (or an exterminator), keep a clean kitchen, and repair cracks and holes in floors and walls.

How to recognize an insect at the site of a bite

Not all bites are mosquito bites. In total, there are about 4 million different types of insects on Earth, and the poor mosquito has to take the rap for everyone, since he is always the main suspect in the blister, itching and swelling. Let’s not forget about fleas, ants and bedbugs. It is with the latter that we will begin our cognitive excursion.

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Health

Insects

Children’s health

Bed bugs

Bite site:

Bite site with a clear contour, swollen, with a bump, in the center of which a puncture can be seen. It is through him that the bug feasts on your blood. The parasite goes hunting collectively, so bites go in a “path”, and there can be several dozen such paths. These babies prefer open areas of the body: neck, inner elbows and knees, back and abdomen. When combing, severely itchy blisters or urticaria appear at the site of the bite.

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Bee

Place of the bite:

At the place of the bite you will always find evidence in the form of a sting that comes out of the body of the insect. It contains a reservoir of poison that will enter your body for a few more minutes. What we see: a small itchy white spot and swelling that persists for 3 to 7 days.

Wasp

Place of bite:

The wasp never leaves a sting, which distinguishes its bite from a bee. In the rest, we also see a characteristic white thick spot and swelling of the tissues, which does not subside from 3 to 7 days.

Hornet

Bite:

These striped bees, unlike normal bees, do not leave a stinger and can attack several times in a row. The bite site swells, a red spot forms around it, the skin around the bite site is hot to the touch. With a high concentration of poison, a severe allergic reaction is possible, up to anaphylactic shock.

Lice

Place of bite:

Small red spots, as a rule, are located on the scalp, strongly itch and quickly scab over when scratched. And their eggs (nits) look like small white spots that can easily be confused with dandruff.

Flea

Place of bite:

Flea bites where it can jump. Therefore, she has to be content with ankles, feet and shins. The flea bite first looks like a small red dot, around which then a halo of reddening of the skin appears.

Ant

Bite Site:

The bites are blister-like and are most often located in the pelvis, shins and elbows. The affected area quickly turns red and swells. During an insect attack, a person feels something similar to a mosquito bite.

Tick

Place of bite:

The most likely place for the parasite to stick to a person: groin area, lower back and abdomen, chest, neck and armpits, ear area. At the time of the bite, under the action of the saliva of the tick, a local allergic reaction and inflammation develop on the skin. The suction site is painless and is manifested by reddening of a round shape. The perpetrator rarely leaves the battlefield. Moreover, it is necessary to make an effort to make him do it. Better yet, show the tick to the doctor and then send it to the resort to the laboratory.

Cockroach

Place of the bite:

Imagine, cockroaches can bite too, but they are not interested in blood, but particles of skin. Therefore, the bites look like skin peeling or are completely invisible. They bite children all over the body, adults mainly on the lips, eyelids, face skin. Parents may confuse a cockroach bite with a manifestation of food dermatitis, especially if the phenomenon in the wound has acquired an allergic component.

Earwig

Place of the bite:

The bite for an adult will not seem strong at all, but a child and an allergy sufferer will appreciate it. Redness, swelling and swelling will appear. Sometimes blistering may occur, which is similar to herpes. Sometimes this insect can crawl into the ear.

Insect bite prevention

No summer is complete without insect bites. This is not only unpleasant, but sometimes dangerous to health.

The immune system of each person reacts to bites in different ways: from swelling, itching and pain to anaphylaxis. An anaphylactic reaction can develop after a bite from any insect. Fortunately, this is rare, but people who have experienced any kind of allergic reaction before should be especially vigilant.

An anaphylactic reaction occurs at lightning speed. A person feels weak, then symptoms quickly increase: difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, loss of consciousness.

If an anaphylactic reaction occurs, emergency medical attention is needed, as this condition is life-threatening.

A milder allergic reaction to insect bites manifests itself in the form of itching, inflammation of the bite site. When there are many such bites, it causes great discomfort. Often there are complications – the addition of a secondary infection.

5 common insect bites in summer

Mosquito bites are accompanied by severe unbearable itching – this is a reaction to the proteins contained in the saliva of the insect.

In some tropical countries, mosquito bites can transmit diseases such as malaria, Zika fever, Dengue fever, yellow fever.

Wasps, bees and hornets have stingers for self-defense. The sting contains a poisonous substance that enters the bite site, causing severe pain and burning. At the site of the bite, swelling, inflammation, redness and itching may appear. The most dangerous complication of such bites is anaphylaxis. The stings of bees, wasps, bumblebees and hornets are very dangerous for children.

Horseflies attack in hot stuffy weather. Their bite is quite painful, it can cause a sharp burning sensation. Often there is a feeling of itching, inflammation and swelling in the bite area. There may even be a bruise.

There are about 4000 species of midges biting . The smallest of the flies that attack humans can range in size from 1 to 3 mm. Despite their tiny size, midge bites can be irritating and even cause local pain.

Flea bites leave small sores on the skin, usually several, next to each other, often on the ankles and legs.

First Aid

• apply cold
• remove tip
• clean with antiseptic solution
• do not scratch
• if necessary, drink an antihistamine (recommended by a doctor, respecting the age dosage)

Get medical attention right away, if you have had a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting in the past, or if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

• sudden urticaria
• swelling of the face
• labored breathing
• dizziness
• fainting

Basic precautions for preventing insect bites

Remain calm and walk away slowly if there are wasps, hornets or bees nearby – do not wave your arms and do not try to drive them away.