How do bed bugs enter your home. What are the signs of a bed bug infestation. Where do bed bugs typically hide. How can you prevent bringing bed bugs home from travel. What steps should you take to eliminate bed bugs.

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, making our beds their ideal habitat. Kenneth Haynes, PhD, a professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky, explains that bed bugs prefer to live as close as possible to where we sleep, allowing them easy access to their food source.

During the day, bed bugs remain hidden in cracks, crevices, and other dark spaces, using chemical signals to aggregate together. They typically emerge between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., attracted by our body odor, heat, and exhaled carbon dioxide. Using their soda straw-like mouth parts, they pierce our skin and tap directly into blood capillaries to feed.

Identifying and Preventing Bed Bug Infestations

Recognizing the signs of a bed bug infestation early is crucial for effective control. Adult bed bugs are approximately the size of an apple seed and extremely flat, allowing them to hide in tiny crevices. Edwin Rajotte, PhD, a professor of entomology at Penn State University, advises that bed bugs can be found in various locations, regardless of cleanliness or socioeconomic status.

Common Hiding Spots for Bed Bugs

• Mattress corners and seams
• Around the mattress cord
• Behind headboards
• Behind wall decorations
• In electrical sockets

To prevent bringing bed bugs home, especially after traveling, it’s essential to inspect your accommodations thoroughly. Place your luggage in the bathtub upon arrival and carefully examine the mattress, focusing on the corners and seams. Check behind the headboard, wall decorations, and electrical sockets for any signs of infestation.

The Challenge of Bed Bug Eradication

Eliminating bed bugs can be particularly challenging due to their resistance to many insecticides, including those commonly found in over-the-counter treatments. Timothy Gibb, PhD, a clinical professor of entomology at Purdue University, emphasizes that complete eradication is necessary, as even a single pregnant female can quickly repopulate an area.

Why is it so difficult to get rid of bed bugs completely? Their ability to hide in tiny crevices, coupled with their resistance to many pesticides, makes them a formidable foe. Additionally, their rapid reproduction rate means that overlooking even a small number of bugs can lead to a resurgence of the infestation.

Effective Steps to Eliminate Bed Bugs

If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home, follow these expert-recommended steps to address the problem:

1. Conduct a thorough inspection of your bedroom and surrounding areas
2. Vacuum all surfaces, including mattresses, box springs, and furniture
3. Wash and dry all bedding, curtains, and clothing on high heat
4. Encase mattresses and box springs in bed bug-proof covers
5. Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and furniture
6. Consider professional pest control services for severe infestations

Heat Treatment: A Powerful Weapon Against Bed Bugs

One of the most effective methods for eliminating bed bugs is heat treatment. Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures above 122-123°F (50-51°C). This vulnerability to heat can be exploited in various ways to combat infestations.

Heat Treatment Methods

• Use of professional heat treatment services
• Portable heat chambers for treating furniture and belongings
• High-temperature washing and drying of fabrics
• Steam cleaning of mattresses and upholstered furniture

When dealing with potentially infested clothing or items after travel, seal them in a plastic bag and run them through a high-heat dryer cycle for at least 30 minutes. This simple precaution can effectively kill any bed bugs that may have hitched a ride in your luggage.

The Importance of Professional Intervention

While DIY methods can be effective for minor infestations, severe bed bug problems often require professional intervention. Pest control experts have access to more potent insecticides and specialized equipment that can more effectively target bed bugs in hard-to-reach areas.

Professional pest control services can also provide ongoing monitoring and follow-up treatments to ensure complete eradication. This comprehensive approach is often necessary due to the resilient nature of bed bug populations.

Preventing Future Bed Bug Infestations

After successfully eliminating a bed bug infestation, taking preventive measures is crucial to avoid future problems. Implementing these strategies can help keep your home bed bug-free:

• Regularly inspect your home, especially after traveling
• Use bed bug-proof encasements on mattresses and box springs
• Reduce clutter to minimize potential hiding spots
• Be cautious when purchasing second-hand furniture or clothing
• Educate yourself and family members about bed bug identification and prevention

By remaining vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of future bed bug infestations in your home.

The Psychological Impact of Bed Bug Infestations

Dealing with a bed bug infestation can have significant psychological effects on individuals and families. The constant worry about being bitten, the stigma associated with infestations, and the stress of the eradication process can take a toll on mental health.

How does a bed bug infestation affect mental well-being? Many people experience anxiety, insomnia, and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after dealing with bed bugs. The persistent fear of reinfestation can lead to hypervigilance and social isolation.

Coping Strategies for Bed Bug-Related Stress

• Seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors
• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or deep breathing
• Focus on the steps you’re taking to address the problem
• Educate yourself about bed bugs to dispel myths and reduce anxiety
• Join support groups or online communities for individuals dealing with similar issues

Remember that seeking help for the emotional impact of a bed bug infestation is just as important as addressing the physical problem. Mental health professionals can provide valuable support and coping strategies during this challenging time.

The Economic Impact of Bed Bug Infestations

Bed bug infestations can have significant economic consequences for both individuals and businesses. The costs associated with eradication, replacement of infested items, and potential loss of income can be substantial.

How much does bed bug treatment typically cost? Professional bed bug eradication services can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of the affected area. Additional expenses may include:

• Replacement of mattresses, furniture, and other infested items
• Laundering and dry cleaning of clothing and bedding
• Purchase of bed bug-proof encasements and interceptors
• Lost wages due to time off work for treatment and preparation

For businesses in the hospitality industry, the impact can be even more severe. Hotels and rental properties may face reputational damage, loss of bookings, and potential lawsuits from affected guests. The costs of ongoing prevention and monitoring can also be significant.

Mitigating the Economic Impact

• Implement proactive prevention measures to reduce the risk of infestation
• Respond quickly to any signs of bed bugs to minimize spread and treatment costs
• Consider bed bug insurance coverage for both homeowners and businesses
• Educate staff and implement robust inspection and treatment protocols in commercial settings

By taking a proactive approach to bed bug prevention and early detection, individuals and businesses can significantly reduce the potential economic impact of infestations.

The Role of Research in Combating Bed Bugs

Ongoing research in the field of entomology plays a crucial role in developing more effective strategies for bed bug control. Scientists are continually working to better understand bed bug biology, behavior, and resistance mechanisms to improve eradication methods.

What are some promising areas of bed bug research? Current studies focus on various aspects of bed bug control, including:

• Development of new, more effective insecticides
• Exploration of biological control methods using natural predators
• Improvement of detection technologies for early infestation identification
• Investigation of bed bug genetics to target vulnerabilities
• Research into pheromones and other attractants for improved trapping

These research efforts aim to provide more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions for bed bug control. As our understanding of these resilient pests grows, so does our ability to combat them effectively.

Citizen Science and Bed Bug Research

The fight against bed bugs isn’t limited to professional researchers. Citizen science initiatives are increasingly contributing valuable data to the field. By reporting bed bug sightings, participating in surveys, and even collecting specimens for analysis, the public can play a significant role in advancing our understanding of bed bug populations and behaviors.

How can you contribute to bed bug research? Consider these options:

• Report bed bug sightings to local health departments or research institutions
• Participate in online surveys about bed bug experiences and control methods
• Support or volunteer for local bed bug awareness and education programs
• Stay informed about the latest research findings and share knowledge with others

By engaging in these activities, you not only contribute to scientific progress but also help raise awareness about bed bug prevention and control in your community.

The Global Perspective on Bed Bug Infestations

Bed bug infestations are not limited to any particular region or country; they represent a global challenge. The increase in international travel and trade has contributed to the spread of bed bugs across borders, making them a worldwide concern.

How do bed bug prevalence and control methods vary around the world? While the basic biology of bed bugs remains constant, factors such as climate, building construction, and available treatment options can influence infestation patterns and control strategies in different regions.

Regional Variations in Bed Bug Control

• North America: Emphasis on integrated pest management and heat treatments
• Europe: Growing use of canine detection and strict regulations on pesticide use
• Asia: Increasing awareness and adoption of Western control methods
• Africa: Challenges with access to effective treatments in some areas
• Australia: Focus on early detection and prevention in the hospitality industry

Understanding these global variations can provide valuable insights into effective bed bug control strategies and highlight the importance of international cooperation in addressing this common challenge.

International Efforts in Bed Bug Management

Recognizing the global nature of the bed bug problem, various international organizations and initiatives have emerged to coordinate efforts and share knowledge. These include:

• The International Bed Bug Resource Authority (IBBRA)
• The Global Bed Bug Summit
• World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on vector control
• International research collaborations and information-sharing platforms

These collaborative efforts aim to improve global understanding of bed bug biology, behavior, and control methods, ultimately leading to more effective management strategies worldwide.

The Future of Bed Bug Control

As bed bugs continue to pose challenges worldwide, researchers and pest control professionals are exploring innovative approaches to management and eradication. The future of bed bug control looks promising, with several emerging technologies and strategies on the horizon.

What new methods are being developed to combat bed bugs? Some of the most promising areas of research and development include:

• Gene editing techniques to create sterile bed bugs or increase pesticide susceptibility
• Advanced detection systems using artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Development of new, more targeted and environmentally friendly insecticides
• Improved understanding of bed bug behavior for more effective trapping and monitoring
• Integration of smart home technology for early detection and automated response

These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize bed bug control, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and less disruptive to human lives and the environment.

The Role of Public Education in Future Control Efforts

While technological advancements are crucial, public education remains a cornerstone of effective bed bug management. Increasing awareness about prevention, early detection, and proper response can significantly reduce the impact of bed bug infestations.

How can public education efforts be improved? Consider these strategies:

• Integration of bed bug education into school curricula
• Development of user-friendly mobile apps for bed bug identification and reporting
• Collaboration with travel industry partners to educate tourists
• Creation of community-based education programs in high-risk areas
• Utilization of social media and other digital platforms for widespread information dissemination

By combining cutting-edge technology with comprehensive public education, the future of bed bug control looks brighter. As our understanding of these resilient pests grows and new tools become available, we can hope for more effective and sustainable solutions to the global bed bug challenge.

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).

Chigger Bites (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth

en español: Coloradillas

Medically reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD

Primary Care Pediatrics at Nemours Children’s Health

What Are Chiggers?

Chiggers (also called harvest mites or red bugs) are tiny red, biting mites. Their bites aren’t painful, but do cause intense itching.

Chiggers are members of the arachnid family (the same family that includes spiders and ticks). They are smaller than a period at the end of a sentence. Most can only be seen with a magnifying glass.

Chiggers are found all over the outdoors, including in grassy fields, along lakes and streams, and in forests. It’s the baby chiggers that bite people and animals.

How Do Chigger Bites Happen?

After hatching, baby chiggers wait on plants for people or animals to pass by. When they do, the chigger attaches to them using tiny claws. Once attached, it pierces their skin and injects its saliva (spit). The spit contains digestive juices that dissolve skin cells. The chigger then eats the dissolved cells, which provide the protein it needs to grow into an adult. After a couple of days the chigger falls off, leaving a red bump on the skin.

What Are the Signs of Chigger Bites?

Chigger bites are itchy red bumps that can look like pimples, blisters, or small hives. They are usually found around the waist, ankles, or in warm skin folds. They get bigger and itchier over several days, and often appear in groups.

Chigger bites start to itch within hours of the chigger attaching to the skin. The itch stops after a few days, and the red bumps heal over 1–2 weeks.

If chigger bites happen on the penis, they can cause swelling, itching, and painful peeing. This is known as “summer penile syndrome.”

How Are Chigger Bites Diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose chigger bites by looking at them and asking about a person’s recent outdoor activities.

How Are Chigger Bites Treated?

Unlike mosquitoes and ticks, chiggers don’t carry disease. So they are not harmful, only annoying. You can usually treat chigger bites at home:

• Scrub chigger bites well with soap and water to help remove any chiggers that are still attached to the skin.
• Holding a cool washcloth over the bites can be soothing.
• Calamine lotion or anti-itch creams can help with the itching.
• Antihistamines (allergy medicine) taken by mouth can sometimes help with itching, especially if your child has trouble sleeping at night.

Discourage kids from scratching at the bites because this can lead to:

• impetigo, a bacterial infection of the skin, with pus and crusts around the bites
• a larger area of increasing redness, swelling, pain, and warmth, called cellulitis

Keeping fingernails short can help prevent skin damage from scratching. Antibiotics may be needed if a skin infection does happen.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Call your doctor’s office if:

• Over-the-counter creams or lotions don’t help the itching.
• A bite looks infected (watch for warmth, redness, swelling, tenderness, or pus).
• Your child has symptoms of “summer penile syndrome.”

Can Chigger Bites Be Prevented?

To help prevent chigger bites when enjoying the great outdoors:

• Apply an insect repellent with 10%–30% DEET.
• Clothes also can be treated with a specific insecticide (like permethrin) to help prevent bites.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into shoes, especially during hiking. This also can help protect kids from other biting critters like ticks and mosquitoes.
• Wash kids’ skin with soap and water when they come back inside. Wash all clothes in hot water and tumble dry on high heat before they’re worn again.

Chigger bites aren’t contagious, so kids can’t catch them from someone or give them to somebody else. They can still play sports and do all normal activities unless the itching makes them too uncomfortable.

Medically reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD

Date reviewed: June 2023

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What to do if bitten by a mosquito or other insect: bee, bumblebee, wasp, hornet

What to do?

196132+03:00″ itemprop=”datePublished”> 08/03/21

Anonymous

asked in the Community T⁠—⁠F

I have a paradise for biting insects in my dacha. Clouds of mosquitoes and midges live in the nearest swamp, beekeepers settled not far from the dacha, and under the roof there is a hornet’s nest. So I live in constant fear that someone will bite me, my husband or my child.

Please explain what insect bites threaten and what to do if bitten? What should be in the first aid kit in this case? How to understand that first aid is not enough and you need to call a doctor?

Daniil Davydov

medical journalist

Author profile

As a rule, the bites of flying insects that live in central Russia are unpleasant, but not too dangerous for health. At the same time, situations occasionally arise when you need to act immediately, otherwise a person may develop a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis.

All biting insects can be divided into two large groups. These are Diptera, that is, mosquitoes, midges and horseflies, and Hymenoptera: wasps, hornets, bumblebees and bees. The methods of protection against attack and the nuances of first aid depend on which group the insect belongs to.

Why are mosquitoes, midges and horseflies dangerous? Without it, they won’t be able to lay eggs. Males usually do not bite.

Some types of mosquitoes and midges can infect humans with parasitic, bacterial or viral infections.

Fortunately, in the central part of Russia, such insects are rare, and most of the species in the middle zone do not tolerate the disease. At the same time, in the southern regions and Siberia, where insect vectors live, cases of disease infection are also relatively rare.

What do mosquitoes, midges and horseflies need from people – an international reference book for dermatologists Dermnet

Ecology of blood-sucking mosquitoes and midges in the central part of Russia – the journal “Ecology and Biology of Parasites”PDF, 265 KB

In 2020 in our country for reported 58 cases of malaria, 40 cases of tularemia, 122 cases of dengue fever and 11 cases of West Nile fever. This is very little. For comparison: more than 490,000 people were infected with chickenpox in the same year.

Infectious morbidity in the Russian Federation – analytical portal iMonitoring

What will happen to a person after a mosquito bite – international medical reference book MSD

At the same time, when mosquitoes, midges or horseflies bite us, saliva enters the wound. It contains proteins that prevent blood from clotting. These proteins are foreign to our body, so the immune system seeks to destroy them. As a result, an immune response develops. Usually it is weak, but sometimes it is quite strong and dangerous. In order to consult a doctor in time, it is important to learn how to recognize it.

How to treat bites from mosquitoes, midges and horseflies

To help a person, you need to evaluate the reaction to the bite. There are three types of immune response.

Normal local reaction. Approximately 20 minutes after the bite, there is a slight swelling and slight itching. If you do not comb the bite site, the itching disappears after a day, and the swelling turns into a small red spot, which disappears after a few more days.

Fresh mosquito bite. Source: dimid_86 / Shutterstock Mosquito bite 24 hours later. Source: Stephane Bidouze / Shutterstock

If the reaction is normal, the person does not need medical assistance. But you don’t have to endure itching. If it doesn’t itch too much, just apply a cold compress to the skin, such as a damp cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel.

If this fails, the bite site can be washed with soap and running water and lubricated with calamine lotion or zinc oxide.

What to do about an insect bite – a guide for doctors Uptodate

The main thing to remember is that zinc oxide is a crystalline powder that settles to the bottom of the vial during storage. Therefore, before lubricating the bite site, you need to shake the bottle.

Lotion with calamine costs 360 R. Source: “Eapteka” Lotion with zinc oxide “Tsindol” is cheaper – 75 R, but it relieves itching almost as well. Source: “Eapteka”

Major local reaction, or Skeeter’s syndrome. A few hours after the bite, a red, itchy edema appears up to 10 cm in diameter. The edema completely disappears in 3-10 days.

What is Skeeter Syndrome – Mayo Clinic Bulletin

Skeeter Syndrome Resolves in About a Week – Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Skeeter syndrome can occur in people of all ages, but is more common in children 2-3 years of age. Over time, the immune system adapts to mosquito bites, and children begin to react to them in the same way as adults.

Skeeter syndrome in a teenager. Source: skeetersyndrome.net Skeeter syndrome in a child. Source: Journal of Allergology and Clinical Immunology

A large local reaction is not dangerous to health and life, but the skin at the bite site is usually very itchy. This condition goes away on its own without treatment, and discomfort can be alleviated with the help of lotion with calamine or zinc oxide.

If this does not help, an over-the-counter glucocorticoid ointment or cream can be used. They need to be applied 1-2 times a day in a thin layer. As a rule, discomfort disappears in 1-3 days.

Both glucocorticoid ointment and cream work in the same way, but the ointment may leave marks on clothing. Source: “Eapteka” The price depends on the volume of the bottle and the policy of the manufacturer – on average, about 450 R. Source: “Eapteka”

If, despite the ointment, the bite still itch, adults and children over two years old can take an over-the-counter antihistamine drug.

Loratadine syrup is suitable for children from two years of age and adults. If the child weighs less than 30 kg, one teaspoon of syrup per day is needed – this is approximately 5 ml. If a child weighs more, he needs the same amount of syrup as adults – two teaspoons, or 10 ml.

What to do if bitten by a tick

Children 6 years of age and older and adults can take one OTC levocetirizine tablet daily.

If swelling and pain get worse, or if swelling, swelling, or pain doesn’t go away for more than 3 days, call your doctor.

If mosquitoes have bitten a baby under two years old, you should continue to smear the bite with lotion with calamine or zinc oxide: it’s safer.

A systemic allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, after being bitten by mosquitoes, midges and horseflies is very rare. But if this still happens, a few minutes or hours after the bite, a red, itchy rash appears all over the body or swelling occurs, and not at the site of the bite, but, for example, on the lip. Eyes redden, tears flow, stuffy nose. The voice becomes hoarse, there is shortness of breath. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

What is Insect Bite Allergy – Uptodate

How to Recognize Anaphylaxis – Uptodate

How to Deal with a Systemic Reaction – Uptodate

Anaphylaxis is life threatening, so if any of these symptoms appear, call an ambulance immediately. Moreover, a person must be hospitalized, even if the symptoms have already passed: after a few hours, anaphylaxis returns in about 20% of people.

It is impossible to help a person on your own, because only injections of adrenaline help to stop anaphylaxis. It is useless to give over-the-counter allergy pills for a systemic reaction.

In both children and adults, eyes turn red during anaphylaxis, a rash appears Edema does not occur at the site of the bite, but, for example, on the lip. Source: Fevziie / Shutterstock

How to protect yourself from mosquitoes, midges and horseflies

There are few reliable ways to protect yourself, but they are:

1. Wear long-sleeved clothes, but made from light natural fabrics.
2. Use insect repellent. There are a lot of them, but the most studied and reliable ones are products with permethrin or DEET. When sprayed on clothes instead of skin, these repellents do not harm children over two months old, adults, or pregnant women. But you need to make sure that repellents do not get on the skin, otherwise they can cause irritation.

How to protect yourself from insect bites – Uptodate

In a country house or tent about half an hour before bedtime, it makes sense to use a fumigator or a combustible coil. During this time, all insects should die. If you sleep with mesh on the windows or with the window closed, the protection should last all night.

Why wasps, hornets, bumblebees and bees are dangerous

Stinging insects do not need our blood. They only attack people if they think they are a threat. For example, if they come too close to the nest or wave their arms.

For most people, stinging insect attacks are painful but not dangerous.

Why stinging insects attack people – Uptodate

What to do if a person is stung by an insect – Uptodate

However, the poison of stinging insects like wasps or bees often provokes strong immune reactions than the saliva of mosquitoes, midges and horseflies. A major local reaction develops in about 10%, and anaphylaxis occurs in about 3% of people bitten.

How to treat wasp, hornet, bumblebee and bee stings

Immune reactions to stinging insect bites develop more rapidly, but generally resemble conditions that occur with mosquito and midge bites. First aid is very similar, but there are nuances.

Normal local reaction occurs a few minutes after the bite: the skin turns red, and a painful swelling 1-5 cm in diameter appears on it. Pain and swelling persist from several hours to a week.

The normal reaction to a stinging insect sting is slight swelling. Source: Update

Examine the bite site before giving first aid. Hornets, wasps and bumblebees do not lose their sting when they bite. But if a person is bitten by a bee, it remains in the skin.

To pull out the sting, it is enough to pass over the sting several times with a napkin, the blunt part of a knife or a bank card until it comes out. It is not worth pulling out the sting with tweezers or fingers. So you can squeeze out the remains of the poison into the wound, and it will become more painful.

Large local reaction begins to develop immediately, reaches a peak after two days, and then gradually disappears over 5-10 days. In this case, severe redness occurs, and the skin swells – the edema reaches about 10 cm in diameter.

A large local reaction to a stinging insect sting resembles Skeeter’s syndrome, only bigger and brighter. Source: Sophisticated EDGE

For a large local reaction, proceed in the same way as for a normal one: remove the stinger, wash the wound with soap and apply a cold compress. It is better to lift the bitten part of the body: this will help reduce swelling.

If the bite is very painful, you can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug with ibuprofen. Ibuprofen syrup can be given to children from the age of three months, tablets and capsules – from the age of six. Children of different ages and adults need different dosages of the medicine. Therefore, before taking the drug or giving it to a child, carefully read the instructions.

An antihistamine can be taken to relieve itching, and a glucocorticoid ointment or cream can be applied to the bite site. You need to use them in the same way as when bitten by mosquitoes and midges.

The systemic allergic reaction of in hymenoptera bites is very similar to the systemic reaction in mosquito and midge bites. At the first sign of it, call an ambulance.

How to avoid wasp, hornet, bumblebee and bee stings

Do not remove wasp nests or disturb insects flying around. If a bee, wasp or hornet has landed on you, freeze and do not wave your arms – and they will soon fly away.

Be careful when dining outdoors. Stinging insects love sweets, so they often fly to places where people eat melons and watermelons, and can climb into a bottle or can with a sweet drink.

How to get rid of bees in a private house?

In order not to attract bees, wasps and hornets, it is better to eat sweets in the house behind closed doors. And so that they do not fly to the summer kitchen, it makes sense to cover jam and other sweet products with a lid.

What insect bites should be in every first aid kit

OTC glucocorticoid ointment or cream

From R400

Levocetirizine antihistamine

From R250

Lotion with calamine or zinc oxide

From R100

Ibuprofen syrup for baby

From R100

Ibuprofen tablets 9What to do? Readers ask – experts answer

safety measures and help 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 “freeze” saliva.

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 reservoirs 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 exposed 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, rinse 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 must be shown to the 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 who has been bitten by cross spiders. 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 suitable 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 is planning 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.