How do bed bugs enter homes. What makes bed bugs difficult to detect. Why are bed bugs resistant to many insecticides. How can travelers prevent bringing bed bugs home. What temperature kills bed bugs. Where do bed bugs commonly hide in hotel rooms.

Understanding Bed Bugs: The Perfect Parasites

Bed bugs have evolved over millions of years to become highly efficient parasites. These blood-feeding ectoparasites rely solely on human blood for sustenance, which explains their tendency to inhabit areas close to where we sleep. Their ability to remain undetected until nighttime, typically between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., makes them particularly challenging to identify and eliminate.

Kenneth Haynes, Ph.D., a professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky specializing in bed bug biology, explains that these pests use chemical signals to aggregate in dark spaces during the day. At night, they are drawn to our body odor, heat, and exhaled carbon dioxide, which stimulates them to feed.

Characteristics of Bed Bugs

• Size: Adult bed bugs are approximately the size of an apple seed
• Shape: Very flat, almost as thin as a credit card
• Feeding mechanism: Soda straw-like mouth part that taps directly into blood capillaries
• Behavior: Nocturnal, hiding during the day and feeding at night

The Challenge of Bed Bug Detection and Elimination

Bed bugs present a unique challenge for homeowners and pest control professionals alike. Their ability to remain hidden and their resistance to many common insecticides make them particularly difficult to eradicate. Timothy Gibb, Ph.D., a clinical professor of entomology at Purdue University, notes that many over-the-counter bed bug treatments are ineffective against these resilient pests.

Another factor contributing to the persistence of bed bug infestations is their rapid reproductive rate. Edwin Rajotte, Ph.D., a professor of entomology at Penn State University, emphasizes that a single pregnant female can quickly establish a new population, making complete elimination crucial.

Factors Contributing to Bed Bug Persistence

1. Resistance to many insecticides
2. Ability to hide in small cracks and crevices
3. Rapid reproduction rate
4. Nocturnal feeding habits

Preventing Bed Bug Infestations: Travel Precautions

The most effective strategy for dealing with bed bugs is prevention. Since these pests are often introduced into homes after travel, taking precautions during hotel stays is essential. Bed bugs can be present in any accommodation, regardless of its quality or price point.

Hotel Room Inspection Protocol

1. Place luggage in the bathtub upon arrival
2. Inspect the mattress, focusing on corners and the cord around the edge
3. Check behind the headboard, wall pictures, and in electrical sockets
4. Look for signs of bed bugs, such as small dark spots or live insects

Is it possible to prevent bed bug infestations entirely? While complete prevention is challenging, vigilance during travel can significantly reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home. By carefully inspecting hotel rooms and taking precautions with luggage, travelers can minimize their chances of encountering these pests.

Dealing with Potential Bed Bug Exposure

If you suspect that bed bugs may have gotten into your luggage during travel, immediate action is crucial. Rajotte recommends the following steps:

1. Remove all clothes from the suitcase
2. Place clothes in a plastic bag and seal it tightly
3. Run the clothes through a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes

Why is heat treatment effective against bed bugs? Bed bugs are highly susceptible to high temperatures. Exposure to temperatures above 122-123 degrees Fahrenheit (50-51 degrees Celsius) is lethal to these pests. This vulnerability to heat makes the dryer an excellent tool for eliminating potential bed bug hitchhikers from clothing.

Identifying Bed Bug Infestations in the Home

Recognizing the signs of a bed bug infestation early is crucial for effective control. While these pests are adept at hiding, there are several indicators that homeowners can look for:

• Small, rust-colored spots on mattresses or bedding (bed bug excrement)
• Tiny white eggs or eggshells in crevices
• Shed skins of growing nymphs
• Live bed bugs in seams, cracks, or folds of mattresses and furniture
• A sweet, musty odor in heavily infested areas

How can you distinguish bed bug bites from other insect bites? Bed bug bites often appear as small, red, itchy bumps on the skin, typically in a line or cluster. However, reactions can vary significantly between individuals, and some people may not react to bites at all. Therefore, visual confirmation of bed bugs or their signs is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

Professional Bed Bug Treatment Options

When faced with a bed bug infestation, professional intervention is often the most effective solution. Pest control experts have access to more potent insecticides and specialized equipment that can target bed bugs in their hiding places. Common professional treatment methods include:

Chemical Treatments

Pest control professionals use a variety of insecticides specifically formulated to target bed bugs. These may include:

• Pyrethrins and pyrethroids
• Neonicotinoids
• Desiccants
• Insect growth regulators

What makes professional-grade insecticides more effective than over-the-counter products? Professional-grade insecticides often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients and may utilize formulations that provide better penetration into bed bug hiding spots. Additionally, pest control experts are trained in the proper application of these products to maximize their effectiveness while minimizing risks to humans and pets.

Heat Treatments

Whole-room heat treatments involve raising the temperature of infested areas to levels lethal to bed bugs. This method can be highly effective, as it penetrates into cracks and crevices where bed bugs hide.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach

Many professional pest control companies employ an IPM approach, which combines multiple treatment methods for comprehensive bed bug control. This may include:

1. Thorough inspection and monitoring
2. Physical removal of visible bed bugs
3. Application of targeted insecticides
4. Heat treatments
5. Follow-up inspections and treatments as needed

DIY Bed Bug Control Measures

While professional treatment is often necessary for severe infestations, there are several steps homeowners can take to aid in bed bug control:

Decluttering and Cleaning

• Remove clutter to eliminate potential hiding spots
• Vacuum thoroughly, including mattresses, box springs, and furniture
• Seal and dispose of vacuum bags immediately after use
• Wash and dry bedding and clothing on high heat settings

Encasement

Using bed bug-proof encasements on mattresses and box springs can help trap existing bed bugs and prevent new infestations. How long should encasements remain in place? Experts recommend keeping encasements on for at least a year to ensure that any trapped bed bugs have died.

Isolation

Placing bed bug interceptors under furniture legs can help prevent bed bugs from climbing onto beds and other furniture. These devices also aid in monitoring for ongoing infestations.

Long-Term Bed Bug Prevention Strategies

After successfully eliminating a bed bug infestation, ongoing vigilance is crucial to prevent future problems. Consider implementing the following strategies:

• Regular inspections of beds, furniture, and potential hiding spots
• Continued use of mattress and box spring encasements
• Maintaining clutter-free living spaces
• Educating family members about bed bug prevention during travel
• Avoiding second-hand furniture or thoroughly inspecting it before bringing it into the home

Can bed bugs be completely eradicated from a home? While total eradication is challenging, consistent monitoring and prompt action at the first sign of reinfestation can help maintain a bed bug-free environment. Remember that bed bugs can survive for months without feeding, so long-term vigilance is essential.

The Psychological Impact of Bed Bug Infestations

Bed bug infestations can have significant psychological effects on those experiencing them. Common reactions include:

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

How can individuals cope with the stress of a bed bug infestation? Seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can be beneficial. Additionally, focusing on practical steps to address the infestation and educating oneself about bed bugs can help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of control.

The Future of Bed Bug Control

As bed bugs continue to pose challenges for homeowners and pest control professionals, researchers are exploring new methods for detection and control. Some promising areas of research include:

• Improved pheromone-based traps for early detection
• Development of new, more effective insecticides
• Biological control methods using natural predators or pathogens
• Advanced heat treatment technologies

Will bed bugs ever be completely eliminated? While complete eradication of bed bugs on a global scale is unlikely, ongoing research and improved control methods may help reduce their prevalence and impact in the future. As our understanding of bed bug biology and behavior continues to grow, so too will our ability to manage these persistent pests effectively.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs: Step-By-Step Plan From Entomologists

Thinking you may have a pest problem is never fun, but most homeowners dread one infestation in particular: bed bugs. It’s understandable why: Bed bugs can be difficult—not to mention expensive—to get rid of.

The reason bed bugs are able to stick around so long, often going unnoticed until they’ve become a bigger problem, is that they’ve evolved to become the “perfect parasite,” says Timothy Gibb, PhD, a clinical professor of entomology at Purdue University who’s studied bed bug infestations.

“They’ve had millions of years of evolution to fine-tune their feeding system and not wake the host,” says Edwin Rajotte, PhD, a professor of entomology at Penn State University. That means you often won’t realize you might have a problem until the bed bug population has become especially pervasive, or until you start waking up with bites you received the night before.

What are bed bugs, anyway?

A bed bug is what is called a blood-feeding ectoparasite, which means its only source of food is our blood, says Kenneth Haynes, PhD, a professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky who specializes in bed bug biology. That need for our blood is why bed bugs are often found exactly where their name implies: our beds. “They like to live near the host, meaning in our bedrooms, near our beds—as close as they can get to where we sleep as is possible,” says Haynes.

But another hard part of realizing you have a bed bug infestation is that bed bugs will remain hidden until nighttime, using a chemical signal to aggregate together in cracks, crevices, or other dark spaces, says Haynes. Then, during the middle of the night—typically between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.—our body odor, body heat, and the carbon dioxide we emit stimulates the bugs to get close to us for feeding. “Once they find us, then they take their soda straw-like mouth part and stick it directly into a blood capillary and tap into their food,” says Haynes.

How to get rid of bed bugs the right way

It’s particularly difficult to get rid of bed bugs because they’re resistant to a lot of insecticides, including many of those you’ll find in bed bug treatments at the hardware store, says Gibb. Plus, in order to truly get rid of bed bugs, you need to banish all of them. “Because all you need is one pregnant female, and you get a whole new population going there rather quickly,” says Rajotte.

That means the best way to get rid of bed bugs is to avoid bringing them home in the first place. But should you encounter a bed bug situation, follow these steps to nix them from your home for good.

1. Prevent bringing them home.

The key to avoiding a nasty bed bug situation is to identify them before you bring them into your home. But where do bed bugs come from? They are often brought into the home after travel, where the bed bugs might have crawled into your suitcase or backpack at a hotel, says Rajotte.

And don’t think just because you stayed at a five-star resort that means you’re exempt from getting bed bugs. “The insidious thing is anybody can get them,” says Rajotte. “It has nothing to do with how good a housekeeper you are or what your socioeconomic status is.”

So whenever you go into a hotel or vacation rental—regardless of the price or quality—expect that bed bugs can be there, says Rajotte. “A good practice is to put the suitcase in the middle of the bathtub until you’ve had a chance to inspect the room,” he says.

Where do bed bugs hide?

Since they’re most likely to be on the mattress, start by looking there first. Pull back the sheets and check the corners of the mattress with special focus on the cord that goes around the mattress—a favorite spot for bed bugs, according to Rajotte—and around the head end of the mattress, as that’s where most people sleep.

You should also look behind the headboard, behind any pictures on the wall, and in any electrical sockets, which are all places bed bugs like to camp out. “If there’s a decent infestation, you should be able to find them,” says Rajotte.

If you don’t spot any bed bugs, you’re probably safe to take your suitcase out of the bathtub and go about your business. But if you do spot bed bugs and suspect they might have gotten into your bag, take all of the clothes out of your suitcase and put them in a plastic bag, taping up the end of the bag, says Rajotte. “The one saving feature about bed bugs is they are killed by heat,” he says. “So if they are exposed to temperatures over 122 to 123 degrees Fahrenheit, they’ll die.”

That said, once you have the clothes taped up in a plastic bag, run them through the dryer at high heat for 30 minutes. “That’s your main defense against bringing them home,” says Rajotte.

2. Identify the problem.

Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, very flat (almost as thin as a piece of paper), and brownish color.

John-Reynolds//Getty Images

Let’s say you went on a trip, came home, and soon after, you start waking up with bites. “If you’re getting strange bites at night, or you wake up and there’s a row of three or four bites on your upper arm or something like that, and you have screens on the windows so you’re not getting a lot of mosquitos in there, I would suspect bed bugs,” says Rajotte.

This is what will start off what experts call your “monitoring” process in which you’ll need to identify: 1) if you have bed bugs, and 2) how big that bed bug population is.

⚠️ If you are waking up with three to four bites in a line or clustered together you may be dealing with bed bugs, especially if they are red, swollen, and itchy.

What do bed bugs look like?

To identify bed bugs, conduct a search in your own home the same as you would in a hotel room. Look for an insect that’s about the size of an apple seed, that’s very flat from top to bottom—almost as thin as a piece of paper—and that has a brownish color, says Rajotte. These would be adult bed bugs. However, you should also keep your eye out for pinhead-sized bugs that are brownish in color, as they could be baby bed bugs, and look for black spots on your sheets, mattress, and mattress cover, which could be bed bug feces.

If you spot bed bugs, then you’re next going to want to determine how big your population is. If it’s smaller and newly established—think 10 to 15 bed bugs—you’ll likely be able to control the situation on your own, says Gibb. However, if it’s a bigger population, your best bet is going to be calling in a pest control management team to get rid of the problem. “If it’s really entrenched and there’s thousands, I just don’t see a person being able to control it themselves,” says Gibb.

3. Control the bed bug population and prepare for treatment.

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Once you know you have a bed bug infestation on your hands, you’re going to want to take steps to control the population and prepare your bedroom for treatment.

Similarly to as you would at a hotel, start by putting your sheets, bedding, mattress cover, and any other fabrics that might have been exposed to the bed bugs—like stuffed animals or clothing—into the washer and dryer at high heat, says Rajotte. “Then, don’t reintroduce those until the bed bugs are gone,” he adds.

From there, you can use other tactics like vacuuming around the areas bed bugs might be—think around the mattress and in cracks and crevices—or steaming those same areas, says Gibb. You can also get a zippered bed bug mattress encasement to prevent bed bugs from further spreading.

4. Kill the bed bugs.

Now that you’ve prepared your room for bed bug treatment and know the population you’re dealing with, it’s time to get ready to kill the bugs. To control the bed bug situation, you’re going to want to use what experts call integrated pest management (IPM), which essentially means using more than one tactic to get rid of the parasites, says Rajotte. “Our recommendation is never to just use one approach, because chances of success there are pretty slim,” adds Gibb.

Once you’ve taken the steps above, then you’re going to want to begin other methods, including heat and pesticide treatment.

When it comes to heat treatments, this is something you’re especially going to want to get done by professionals. That’s because in order to kill the bed bugs via this method, you need to get the room up to at least 119 degrees, says Gibb, including in every crack and cranny where the bed bugs might be residing. Although this can be difficult on your own, pest controllers have the right equipment and training to thoroughly heat the room and kill off the population.

Do bed bug sprays work?

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If you take the pesticide route, you can choose to either hire a professional who will be able to use restricted pesticides unavailable for consumer use—which is what experts recommend—or you can try to tackle the treatment yourself.

If you do decide to try the pesticide treatment yourself, recognize that bed bugs are resistant to lots of different chemicals, including pyrethroids, which are often found in stores and tout false bed bug control labels. Instead, use diatomaceous earth—which is a white powder that you’ll apply directly to wherever the bed bugs are and can be found online—or a bio-oil spray designed specifically to kill bed bugs, like Eco-Raider, says Gibb, which you’ll apply the same way. Both are long-lasting and don’t break down over time like other pesticides, which means you should only have to apply them once.

5. Monitor the treatment to make sure the bed bugs are gone.

After every treatment you perform, you’re going to want to monitor your attempts until all of the bed bugs are gone, says Rajotte. If you hired a pest control company, expect them to check in two weeks after each treatment, he says, and if you did the treatment yourself, perform a similar check at home.

One thing you should expect is that it might take a couple rounds of treatment to consider yourself completely rid of bed bugs. “I think we’ve kind of spoiled our society in terms of, ‘I have a pest problem, come in and spray for it, and I expect it to be gone as soon as you leave,’” says Gibb. “That’s just not the case with bed bugs, unfortunately.”

But the good news is, as long as you follow these measures—and continue to perform tactics like washing and drying materials that might have been affected by bed bugs until the parasites are gone—bed bugs won’t stick around forever. “Anybody can get bed bugs,” says Gibb. “But it takes a concentrated effort to get rid of them.”

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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.

safety measures and assistance in case of bites

Mosquitoes, midges, horseflies appear on the street along with heat … Parents with small children need to be extremely careful when walking in nature. In children, insect bites can fester, because the child does not control himself, and can comb the wound with dirty fingers. Don’t forget about allergies!

So, who can bite us: what are the security measures and what to do if, nevertheless, they “bite”.

How to recognize who has bitten you?

Not all insects bite us, but many do. Sometimes you don’t understand who exactly bitten. And this can be important and fundamental! Let’s figure it out.

Moshka

Where and when. Favorite places – near fast rivers, where their larvae develop. They bite, as a rule, on hot sunny days.

Bite. We often do not feel the moment of a bite – the midge simultaneously injects saliva – “freeze”.

How does it manifest itself? After a few minutes there is a burning sensation, severe itching and a large red swelling (sometimes the size of a palm).

Why is it dangerous? The saliva of midges is poisonous. The swelling subsides after a few days, but the unbearable itching can bother you for several weeks. Children usually scratch the bite sites for blood, before the sores appear. Multiple bites sometimes lead to fever and signs of general poisoning. Those who are allergic to insect bites should be especially careful.

What to do? Wipe the skin with ammonia, then apply ice. You can take an antihistamine.

Midge bite protection. Treat the skin with repellent.

Mosquito

Where and when? Mosquitoes are especially numerous near ponds with stagnant water. They atrocity around the clock from the end of May to September, especially at night and before the rain.

Bite. You may not feel it.

How does it manifest itself? White itchy blister with redness around.

Why is it dangerous? In general, a mosquito is far from a harmless creature. There are mosquitoes, carriers of malaria and some viral infections. Plus, bites are allergic.

What to do? Itching relieves lotion from a soda solution.

Mosquito bite protection. Treat all open areas of the body with a repellant, which is better to buy at a pharmacy. For children, special products are sold: be sure to look at the age restrictions!

Wasp or bee

Where and when. All summer during daylight hours in glades, meadows, in the garden.

Bite . Sharp pain and burning, the left sting (black) is visible in the wound. Insect venom causes severe swelling in the bite area. The sore spot turns red and becomes hot

Why is it dangerous? Allergic reaction, especially if bitten to the head, can be life threatening! If a small child is bitten, in any case, it must be shown to the doctor, an ambulance should be called.

What to do? Remove the sting with tweezers, wash the wound with alcohol. Take an antihistamine, apply ice in a towel to the bite.

What attracts them? Everything sweet, bouquets of flowers, perfumes with a floral scent, clothing in neon colors.

Insect bite protection. Do not leave sweets, fruits on the table, wipe your mouth after eating with a damp cloth, do not walk barefoot in clover fields.

Tick

Bite. Insensitive, the mite anesthetizes the wound with saliva and sticks to the skin.

How does it manifest itself? Redness appears around the bite, the wound does not itch.

Why is it dangerous? Ticks carry deadly diseases – borreliosis or Lyme disease and encephalitis.

What to do? It is best to immediately go to the nearest emergency room – they will remove the tick and tell you the procedure. If this is not possible, you can try to carefully remove the tick with tweezers (so that the head does not remain in the skin). Treat the wound with alcohol. And – still running to the doctor! Together with the tick (in a jar), it will also need to be passed to the doctors for analysis. If your area is endemic for encephalitis (that is, there have been cases of detection of this disease in ticks), then an injection of immunoglobulin is necessary. Prevention of infection with borreliosis – taking antibiotics, strictly according to the doctor’s prescription.

Security measures. Tightly close the body: a stand-up collar, cuffs on trousers and sleeves will protect the body, a cap or scarf – the head. Examine the skin after each foray into the forest. Treat clothes (not skin!) with special tick repellents – again, attention to age restrictions.

Important ! Before the start of the season, vaccinate against tick-borne encephalitis – this is the most reliable protection against a dangerous infection.

Ant

Where and when. From spring to autumn in forests and parks.

Bite . The ant does not bite, but shoots with a stream of poisonous formic acid. The victim feels a burning pain, the affected area turns red, a tiny blister may appear – a trace of a burn. Possible dermatitis, allergic reactions.

Why is it dangerous? Nothing – if you were “bitten” by one ant. If it’s too much, it’s best to see a doctor.

What to do? Neutralize the acid with a solution of soda, if it is not at hand, simply moisten with saliva. Ice can be applied at home.

Protection against insect bites. Keep away from anthills with children, repellents do not work on ants.

• Ice may be applied to the bite site. It acts as a “local anesthetic”, relieves swelling.
• If there is no wound, smear the bite with iodine and brilliant green.
• You can apply a cotton pad moistened with calendula tincture to the wound. The tincture acts as an antiseptic and can relieve inflammation.
• If a midge has bitten or the victim has a tendency to allergies, you can take an antihistamine inside: tablet, drops, syrup.
• Anti-itch cream or gel.

• Tea tree oil is considered a good remedy for mosquito and midge bites. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties, fights swelling and itching.

When should I see a doctor?

• If a wasp, a bee or a bumblebee has bitten a small child, in any case, he should be shown to a doctor, call an ambulance.
• If a person has a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite, an ambulance must be called.
• If there are more than 10 bites on the body.
• If the lymph nodes are enlarged after the bite.
• If bitten by a tick, contact with the tick itself. It must be taken to the laboratory and checked for infections.
• If, after being bitten, an adult or a child has a sharp rise in temperature, severe poor health, nausea, vomiting.
• If a tumor has developed at the site of the bite and does not subside.
• If pus appears at the site of the bite.

Popular Questions and Answers

We discussed with pediatrician Ekaterina Morozova the danger of insect bites, reasons to see a doctor and possible complications.

Which doctor should I contact for an insect bite?

The tactics of action depends on the type of insect that caused the bite. As a rule, with the bite of stinging insects (bee, wasp, bumblebee, hornet), with the development of anaphylactic shock, you must immediately call an ambulance. If there are no allergic reactions, then treatment can be carried out under the supervision of a therapist or pediatrician, while giving the person first aid: pull out the sting, apply cold to the damaged area and then, removing the cold compress, apply antihistamine ointment.

If the edema is large, it will not be superfluous to take an antihistamine by mouth, according to the instructions.

A tick bite requires an appointment with a traumatologist, if, according to the results of the tick examination, the laboratory detects an infection, for example, borreliosis, the patient is sent for treatment to a neurologist or infectious disease specialist.

An infectious disease specialist will treat a patient with a bite from a cross spider. This patient specialist should be contacted for tropical insect bites (sand fleas, mosquitoes, tropical mosquitoes) received as a result of trips to Thailand, Sri Lanka, Africa, Vietnam and other hot countries.

Common mosquito bites are most often self-limiting with zinc-based antipruritic ointments.

Are any diseases transmitted by insect bites?

Unfortunately, yes. Tick ​​bites transmit Lyme disease and encephalitis. Steppe mosquitoes, which, as a rule, live in Asian countries, the former Soviet republics, carry tularemia, a dangerous infectious disease. Tropical insects, including sand fleas, through a bite, can lay eggs in the upper layer of human skin, the larvae of which then form passages in human skin. A tropical mosquito bite can cause dengue fever.

How to avoid insect bites?

Repellents and appropriate clothing and footwear will help protect yourself and loved ones from dangerous insects.

If a person plans to travel to a tropical country, it is necessary to buy a repellent in advance, and on the territory of an exotic country to move in closed clothes and closed shoes with rubber soles, even on a sandy beach.

If a person plans to go outdoors, especially in the period from mid-spring to June (the peak of tick activity), it is necessary to have high shoes, a hat or scarf that cover the maximum part of the head, clothes that almost completely cover the body. After returning from the forest, all clothes will need to be shaken out and checked for intruders. As a rule, first of all, ticks are picked up on animals and children who have a shorter stature. In any case, during any trip to nature, a person must use repellents.

How to anoint insect with vinegar?

When bitten by a mosquito, the wound should be lubricated with zinc-based antipruritic ointment. If such an ointment was not at hand, then a gruel of soda can temporarily soothe the itching. But still, soda, parsley or tea tree oil as antipruritic and anti-inflammatory agents seem to be a controversial solution in stopping insect bites.

For bee vinegar, the gold standard of care is to remove the stinger, cool the wound, and apply an antihistamine ointment.

It is important to understand that any insect is dangerous for allergy sufferers. Such people need to constantly have antihistamines with them in order to help themselves cope with the unpredictable reactions of the body to an insect bite in time.

When bitten by a tick, the insect must be carefully removed from the surface of the skin and must be sent for examination in order to start the necessary therapy in time, if necessary.

symptoms, consequences, treatment, photos of bites

Biting midges – these annoying bloodsuckers are part of the midges and can crawl into the ears, eyes, nose and mouth. In a mass attack, they can cause serious harm to human health. Insect saliva is toxic, getting into the blood, causes both local (redness, swelling at the bite site) and general (fever, fever) reactions.

Why is the bite of an ordinary midge dangerous, and what to do if you have already been bitten?
– the entomologist Svetlana Zarechnaya will tell.

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Control of midges. Overview of methods and means

According to scientific classification, midges are a separate family of insects. Outwardly, they resemble miniature (2-4 mm) flies: two wings, a piercing-sucking type of mouth apparatus, and three pairs of legs. But in everyday life, midges are called insects from any family in the presence of small sizes and a similar appearance.

A separate species of midges feeds on the blood of people, wild and domestic animals. Such carnivorous midges belong to the midge complex – blood-sucking insects with wings. Despite the fact that midges living in different climatic conditions are different, the consequences of their bites are similar. The reaction and symptoms depend on the immune response and other characteristics of the individual.

Differential diagnosis of insect bites

Therefore, do not try to diagnose and prescribe treatment according to articles on the Internet. This should only be done by a qualified doctor. This is especially true in cases with an acute reaction to the bite. Therefore, the recommendations below should be taken as an introductory text, and not a direct guide to action. However, we have tried to list simple and useful recommendations to alleviate the effects of a bite.

Illustration, a bite mark of a midge

What does a midge bite look like?

Depending on the presence of a blood-sucking proboscis, the bite site looks different:

• A small maroon spot appears if the mouth apparatus is adapted to bite through the skin, and is equipped with a proboscis for sucking blood (like a mosquito).

• A small red abrasion with torn edges remains after a midge bite without a blood-sucking proboscis. Such insects, when bitten, simply tear out a piece of skin.

Mosquito bite site

The bite site, especially the second type, may bleed for a while, and then covered with a crust of gore. The saliva of bloodsuckers contains a component that prevents blood clotting. Therefore, if a lot of it enters the wound, blood can flow for a long time. At the same time, the bite site remains red and burns, as if the insect had damaged the skin a few seconds ago. To prevent infection, it is important to immediately disinfect the wound.

Midge bites cause such manifestations: hardening of tissues and swelling, the appearance of compaction and redness near the bite site. One or more symptoms may appear at the same time.

The intensity of the symptoms depends solely on the characteristics of the organism. Some people have a small spot of a perfectly round shape 5-10 mm in size. In others, an area of ​​arbitrary shape over 10 cm in size turns red and swells. In the case of an acute allergic reaction, the body reacts to a bite very quickly. Moreover, as time passes without adequate assistance, the consequences are aggravated.

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Symptoms of midge bites

In the photo you can see what the skin looks like after a bite.

Skin after a bite.

The list of symptoms is extensive:

• Burning, which is replaced by itching.

• Monotonous dull or sharp, as if throbbing pain.

• Hypersensitivity of the skin or, conversely, a weakening of sensitivity in the area of ​​​​the bite.

The specific reaction of the body, swelling and color of the bite site is individual. The intensity depends on where the midge bit the person. Where the skin is thinner (face, inner thighs) redness and swelling are more noticeable.

With an allergy, you will have to face an arbitrary combination of the following symptoms:

• Itching and the appearance of red spots on the skin far beyond the bite.

• Edema of mucous membranes. Due to edema, it can even stuff up the nose, swell the larynx or tissues in the mouth.

• Active tearing of the eyes.

With an allergic reaction, midge bites may look like this:

Allergic reactions

With numerous bites, a deterioration in well-being begins, which may be accompanied by an allergic reaction. In this case, the symptoms mentioned earlier will be added:

Fever, shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness and nausea, changes in blood pressure. In such cases, you should immediately consult a doctor. Otherwise, an allergy may be followed by anaphylactic shock.

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How long does a midge bite heal?

Recovery time depends on the intensity of the allergic reaction and general health:

• 1-4 days for mild reaction.

• 4-10 days in case of local allergy.

• 7-14 days for severe allergies.

In addition to allergies, the duration of the preservation of edema is affected by the metabolic rate and timely treatment. If you immediately consult a doctor, even severe swelling will subside in 1-3 days. Redness and other symptoms will also disappear much sooner than 2 weeks.

But the period after which there will be no trace of a bite depends on the size of the damage and the speed of skin regeneration. Small wounds heal on average in a week. If the bite is also combed, then healing can take more than a month.

The midge has eaten into the skin

What to do if the midge has bitten?

Therapy for insect bites in the presence of local reactions is carried out mainly with antihistamines (suprastin, tavegil, etc.). In order to reduce pain, itching and burning, analgesics are used. Means with glucocorticoids are applied locally.
With a bullous rash, an opening of the blisters is used.

After a bite, you must immediately disinfect the wound with one of the following means:

Important: alcohol-containing preparations destroy the infection, but cause skin burns. This increases the healing time and can lead to scarring. It is better to use miramistin, hydrogen peroxide and other non-alcohol-based products.

A special “bite ointment” effectively relieves itching and burning. But at the first moment it can be replaced with improvised means:

• Sprinkle the skin with baking soda.

• Apply ice, some frozen food.

• Lubricate the area around the bite with hand cream or a simple hygienic lipstick.

Important: ice and any other compounds should not get on an open wound. You only need to treat the skin around the bite.

After treating the wound, the development of a reaction to the bite should be observed and the consequences treated.

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How to treat a midge bite?

For the speedy healing and prevention of complications, remedies that relieve swelling, soothe burning and itching, and accelerate wound healing are suitable:

• Belogent

• eplan

• Afloderm

• Beloderm

• Butadion

• Irikar

• Kuterid

• Fenistil

• Exalb

Before treating bites, carefully read the instructions for the medication and strictly follow the recommendations for the frequency of application and dosage of the drug. Antihistamines will help relieve or stop allergy symptoms: loratadine, suprastin, clarifer, lomilan, diazolin, clarotadine and others. All of these funds are freely sold in pharmacies. If they are of little help, you should consult a doctor who will prescribe a course of treatment.

Where should I turn if bitten by a midge?

Actions depend on the situation and the time elapsed since the bite:

• If a violent reaction occurs immediately after a bite, hurry to the emergency room.

• When signs of anaphylactic shock appear, an ambulance should be called urgently.

• If the effects do not go away for a long time, consult a therapist. After the examination, he will issue a referral to a specialist.

Tip: you can save time on a visit to a therapist in a commercial clinic. There, allergists and dermatologists immediately see patients.

Unfortunately, being in nature, it is difficult to avoid insect bites. If midges attack you in your summer cottage, it makes sense to order a professional service for the destruction of garden pests.

Biting midge

Those who suffer from allergies should prepare for the summer season in advance. For this:

• Consult with an allergist who, based on tests and allergy tests, will advise the best treatment regimen in case of a bite.

• Buy a standard first aid kit and add the products prescribed by the allergist to it. Grab it when you go on a picnic.

• Search in the navigator, enter the telephone numbers of emergency centers located near the cottage or other country vacation spot where you plan to go in your smartphone notebook.

These measures can help save lives when an allergic reaction can turn into anaphylactic shock.

However, this applies only to a small group of people suffering from allergies. In most cases, the midge can only cause mild itching and redness of the bite site.

Why is a midge bite contagious?

In the tropical countries of Africa, Central and South America, midges are active specific carriers of onchocerciasis (filariasis) in humans and animals. In endemic areas, the incidence of onchocerciasis can reach 80%. The disease is often accompanied by blindness. On the territory of Russia, human onchocerciasis has not been registered, but there is onchocerciasis in cattle, the carriers of which are such mass species as Od. ornata, Sim. morsitans, B. erythrocephala, etc. Midges are specific carriers of avian hemosporidiosis that affects poultry and pigeons. Mechanically, midges can transmit pathogens of tularemia and anthrax. Thus, there are no known cases of midges infecting people in Russia with any specific infections.

Ways to deal with midges?

Fighting activities

The fight against midges should be aimed at protecting humans and animals from attacking bloodsuckers. This can be achieved by carrying out complex measures, including the fight against larvae, the fight against adults and individual protection of the population. At the same time, the main attention should be paid to environmentally friendly methods and means of control.

Sustainable improvement of the territory is achieved only through the implementation of measures aimed at the prevention and reduction of breeding sites: regulation of the flow rate and periodic changes in the water level in watercourses with the help of dams and locks, mechanical cleaning of the channel.

The best effect is the extermination of the larvae. At one time, the method of treating breeding sites with a 20% mineral-oil emulsion of DDT at the rate of 0.1-0.2 g of DDT per 1 m³ of water has proven itself well. The drug was injected into the watercourse at a point above the location of the larvae with a 30-minute exposure. A one-time treatment made it possible to clear several tens of kilometers of the channel from larvae. Such treatments were repeated several times a season, since the cleared areas were again colonized by larvae migrating from the upper reaches of the rivers. However, the use of strong insecticides polluted the water and caused significant damage to the fauna and flora of the rivers. Later, this drug was replaced by Bactoculicide and other environmentally friendly drugs.

The fight against adults is especially difficult, which is determined by the spread of midges over tens of kilometers. from breeding sites. It is possible to create a barrier around the protected area using aerosols or smoke bombs, but the effect of such a struggle is short-lived and often ineffective.

For individual protection of the population, it is necessary to use the nets of Academician E.N. Pavlovsky, which should be impregnated with repellents. In regions where biting midges are included in the midges, besides mosquitoes and midges, it is recommended to wear special protective clothing (Dremova V.P. et al. 1977). This recommendation applies primarily to lumberjacks, geologists, tourists, etc.

To prevent midges from flying into rooms, in residential and livestock buildings, it is necessary to check the windows. During the period of a mass attack, livestock also suffers greatly from midges: milk yields decrease, cases of death are noted. During the season of activity of bloodsuckers, the veterinary service organizes the processing of livestock before driving it to pastures.

Zarechnaya Svetlana Nikitichna
Freelance entomologist

Associate Professor, Ph.D.

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Bitten by midge. Most frequently asked questions

Light trap overview

What might a midge bite look like?

Immediately after the bite, a small burgundy spot may appear. The bite will be similar to a mosquito bite, as some midges have a proboscis to pierce the skin. Also, after a bite, you can find an abrasion or a wound with torn edges. This kind of bite comes from midges that do not have a proboscis to bite. Midges of this species simply tear out a piece of skin. Such a wound can bleed for a long time due to the saliva of the midge.

What happens from a midge bite?

Each organism has its own reaction to a midge bite. In most cases, a red spot ranging in size from 5 mm to 1 cm appears at the site of the bite. There is also a noticeable induration and swelling. In the event of an allergic reaction to the saliva of a bloodsucker, the bite site may swell and a red spot in diameter can reach 10 cm.

What to do if you have an allergic reaction to a midge sting?

If after a midge bite, the bite site is very swollen or the spot around exceeds 2 cm, then this is an allergic reaction to the midge’s saliva. It is important to immediately treat the wound with an antiseptic preparation. If necessary, take antihistamines and in no case touch or comb the bite.

Is a midge bite dangerous?

A midge bite is dangerous only with an allergic reaction. If after the bite you feel good, and the bite site is not swollen beyond the norm, then everything is in order. On average, the bite will completely disappear in a week.

Which doctor should I contact after an insect bite?

In case of a painful insect bite, after which swelling, hyperemia, pain or itching appeared, you can consult a surgical doctor (surgeon, traumatologist, including a trauma center. In their absence, these specialists – a therapist (pediatrician), an allergist-immunologist, a dermatologist .
If there is increasing swelling, hyperemia (redness), severe itching and pain, fever, increased heart rate and other alarming symptoms, then you should consult an allergist or call an ambulance.

Price for pest control from flies?

The price of flies disinfestation depends on the availability of breeding places and nets on the windows.

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Zarechnaya Svetlana Nikitichna

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Freelance Entomologist, Associate Professor, Ph.D.

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