What are the most common bugs that bite people in bed. How can you identify these nighttime pests. What steps can you take to prevent bug bites while sleeping. How do you treat bug bites from bed-dwelling insects.

Common Culprits: Identifying Bugs That Bite at Night

When you wake up with mysterious bites, it’s natural to wonder what critter may have feasted on you during the night. Let’s explore the most likely suspects and how to identify them:

1. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are perhaps the most notorious nighttime biters. These small, reddish-brown insects are about the size of an apple seed and feed exclusively on blood. They’re experts at hiding in mattress seams, headboards, and nearby furniture.

How do bed bug bites look? Bed bug bites typically appear as small, red, itchy welts in a line or cluster on exposed skin. They often occur on the upper body, arms, and legs.

2. Fleas

While we often associate fleas with pets, these tiny jumping insects can also bite humans. They’re dark in color and extremely small – often no larger than a pinhead.

Can you identify flea bites? Flea bites usually appear as small, red, itchy spots, often grouped in threes or fours. They commonly occur around the ankles and lower legs.

3. Mosquitoes

These flying pests can easily enter homes through open windows or doors, especially in warmer months. While they’re not exclusively nocturnal, they’re often active at night.

What do mosquito bites look like? Mosquito bites appear as puffy, pink or red bumps that are typically very itchy. They can occur anywhere on the body but are often found on exposed areas like arms and legs.

4. Spiders

While most spiders aren’t interested in biting humans, some may do so if they feel threatened – for example, if you roll onto them in your sleep.

How can you recognize spider bites? Spider bites often appear as two small puncture marks side by side. They may be red, swollen, and sometimes painful. Unlike insect bites, they rarely itch.

5. Mites

These microscopic arachnids include several species that can bite humans, such as scabies mites and bird mites. They’re too small to see with the naked eye but can cause significant discomfort.

What are the signs of mite bites? Mite bites often cause small, red, intensely itchy bumps on the skin. In the case of scabies, you might see track-like burrows in the skin.

Nighttime Nuisances: Understanding Bug Behavior

To effectively combat these nighttime pests, it’s crucial to understand their behavior patterns. Why do these bugs tend to bite at night?

• Bed bugs are nocturnal and attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale while sleeping.
• Fleas are opportunistic feeders and may bite when their usual hosts (pets) are inactive.
• Mosquitoes are often more active during dawn and dusk, which can include early evening hours.
• Spiders are generally not aggressive but may bite defensively if disturbed.
• Mites, particularly scabies mites, are more active at night when skin temperature rises.

Understanding these patterns can help you take targeted prevention measures and identify the likely culprit if you do experience bites.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Bugs at Bay

Now that we’ve identified the potential culprits, how can you protect yourself from these nighttime nuisances? Here are some effective strategies:

1. Bed Bug Prevention

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate once they’ve established themselves. Prevention is key:

• Regularly inspect your mattress, bed frame, and nearby furniture for signs of bed bugs.
• Use bed bug-proof mattress and pillow encasements.
• When traveling, check hotel rooms thoroughly and keep luggage off the floor.
• Wash and dry bedding and clothing on high heat regularly.

2. Flea Control

If you have pets, flea prevention is crucial:

• Use veterinarian-recommended flea prevention products on your pets.
• Vacuum regularly, especially in areas where pets spend time.
• Wash pet bedding frequently in hot water.
• Consider professional pest control if you have a severe infestation.

3. Mosquito Deterrence

Keep these flying pests at bay with these methods:

• Install or repair screens on windows and doors.
• Use mosquito nets over beds, especially in areas with high mosquito populations.
• Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed.
• Consider using mosquito repellents in your bedroom.

4. Spider Management

While spiders are generally beneficial, you can minimize their presence in your bedroom:

• Seal cracks and crevices where spiders might enter.
• Keep your bedroom clutter-free to reduce hiding spots.
• Regularly clean and vacuum, including under furniture.
• Consider using peppermint oil or vinegar solutions as natural spider repellents.

5. Mite Prevention

Preventing mite infestations requires good hygiene and regular cleaning:

• Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
• Vacuum mattresses and upholstered furniture regularly.
• Keep humidity levels in your home low, as mites thrive in humid environments.
• If you have pets, treat them regularly for mites under veterinary guidance.

Treating Bug Bites: Soothing the Itch and Discomfort

Despite your best prevention efforts, you might still occasionally wake up with bug bites. Here’s how to treat them effectively:

General Bug Bite Treatment

For most bug bites, these steps can provide relief:

1. Clean the affected area with soap and water.
2. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and numb the area.
3. Use over-the-counter antihistamine creams or oral antihistamines to reduce itching.
4. Apply calamine lotion or a baking soda paste for additional itch relief.

Specific Treatments

Some bites may require specific treatments:

• Bed bug bites: These usually heal on their own, but you may need professional pest control to eliminate the infestation.
• Flea bites: Wash the area with antiseptic soap to prevent infection. You may need to treat your home and pets for fleas.
• Mosquito bites: Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. In areas with mosquito-borne diseases, monitor for symptoms like fever.
• Spider bites: Clean the area thoroughly. If you suspect a bite from a venomous spider, seek medical attention immediately.
• Mite bites: For scabies, you’ll need prescription medication. For other mite bites, anti-itch creams can help.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bug Bites

While most bug bites are harmless, some situations warrant professional medical care. Be alert for these signs:

• Severe swelling or pain
• Signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus
• Fever or flu-like symptoms following a bite
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• A spreading rash or hives
• Dizziness or confusion

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potentially serious reactions to bug bites.

Creating a Bug-Free Sleep Environment

To minimize the risk of nighttime bug bites, focus on creating an environment that’s inhospitable to pests:

Bedroom Modifications

• Use light-colored bedding to make it easier to spot bugs.
• Keep your bedroom cool and well-ventilated, as many bugs prefer warm, humid environments.
• Consider using essential oil diffusers with scents that repel insects, such as lavender or eucalyptus.
• Use bed risers or place the legs of your bed in containers of water to create a barrier against crawling insects.

Cleaning Routines

Regular, thorough cleaning is key to preventing bug infestations:

• Vacuum your bedroom, including under the bed and in closets, at least weekly.
• Dust and wipe down surfaces regularly, paying special attention to cracks and crevices.
• Wash all bedding, including comforters and decorative pillows, in hot water every 1-2 weeks.
• Consider steam cleaning your mattress and upholstered furniture periodically.

Natural Repellents

If you prefer natural solutions, consider these options:

• Place sachets of dried lavender or cedar wood in your drawers and closets.
• Use diatomaceous earth (food grade) around baseboards and other potential entry points.
• Grow pest-repelling plants like lavender, marigolds, or citronella near your windows.
• Make a natural spray with water and essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or citronella.

The Impact of Climate on Nighttime Bug Activity

Understanding how climate affects bug behavior can help you anticipate and prevent nighttime bites. Different weather conditions can influence insect activity:

Temperature

Most insects become more active in warmer temperatures. This is why bug bites often increase during summer months. However, some bugs, like bed bugs, remain active year-round in temperature-controlled indoor environments.

Humidity

Many insects thrive in humid conditions. High humidity can lead to increased activity of mosquitoes, fleas, and mites. Using a dehumidifier in your bedroom can help create a less hospitable environment for these pests.

Rainfall

Rainy periods can lead to an increase in mosquito populations due to the creation of standing water breeding sites. After rainy periods, be extra vigilant about eliminating standing water around your home.

Seasonal Changes

As seasons change, so does bug activity. For example:

• Spring often sees an increase in flea activity as temperatures warm.
• Summer is peak season for most biting insects.
• Fall may bring spiders indoors seeking warmth.
• Winter generally sees a decrease in insect activity, but indoor pests like bed bugs remain a year-round concern.

By understanding these patterns, you can adjust your prevention strategies seasonally to maintain a bug-free sleep environment throughout the year.

Technological Solutions for Nighttime Pest Control

As our understanding of pest behavior advances, so do the technologies available to combat them. Here are some innovative solutions for keeping bugs at bay while you sleep:

1. UV Light Traps

These devices use ultraviolet light to attract flying insects, then trap them on adhesive surfaces or electrocute them. While effective for flying pests like mosquitoes, they’re less useful for crawling insects.

2. Ultrasonic Repellers

These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are supposed to repel insects and other pests. However, their effectiveness is debated, and scientific evidence supporting their use is limited.

3. Smart Mosquito Repellent Systems

Some companies have developed smart devices that release mosquito repellent at programmed intervals or in response to detected mosquito activity. These can be particularly useful in areas with high mosquito populations.

4. Bed Bug Detection Devices

Various types of bed bug detectors are available, from simple passive traps to more advanced devices that use heat and carbon dioxide to lure bed bugs. These can help you catch infestations early.

5. Air Purifiers with Insect Traps

Some air purifiers now come with built-in insect traps, combining air cleaning with pest control. These can be especially useful for people with allergies to insect proteins.

6. Smart Home Integration

As smart home technology advances, pest control is being integrated into broader home management systems. This might include automated monitoring of conditions that attract pests, or integration of pest control devices with other smart home features.

While these technological solutions can be helpful, they should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, basic hygiene and prevention measures. The most effective approach to nighttime pest control typically involves a combination of traditional methods and innovative technologies.

Is It a Good Idea?

Sharing a bed with a pet at night is a common feature of nighttime routines in the United States. According to the 2021–2022 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, 43 percent of pet dogs in the United States and 49 percent of pet cats sleep on their owner’s bed.

When it comes to the health perks (or drawbacks) of sharing your bed with your favorite furry friend, however, experts are divided.

RELATED: How to Find (and Follow) the Sleep Routine That’s Right for You

The Benefits of Sharing a Bed With Your Pet

First, it’s worth noting that the majority of research on the topic of co-sleeping with pets has focused on dogs rather than cats. Mark Fierstein, MD, an internal medicine specialist at NYU Langone Health in New York City, suggests this is because cats are nocturnal and may want to play or even purposely wake up their owner.

Dr. Fierstein points out that historically, in some populations, people slept alongside their dogs at night to derive a very significant health benefit: heat. Past research has noted that Indigenous Australians did so, for example.

A contemporary benefit of sleeping with pets is that the practice may buffer loneliness, Fierstein says. “Often, [people who co-sleep with pets] report an increased sense of security, companionship, and relaxation,” he notes. “For some people, the dog’s warmth, steady heartbeat, and protective nature can make sleeping with them feel safe and cozy.”

This may be especially true of people who are managing trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (Sleep issues, such as insomnia and nightmares, are common among people living with PTSD, per the Sleep Foundation.) “They help put the person at ease and help them feel secure,” says Fierstein. Some service dogs are specifically trained to help people with PTSD cope with nightmares by waking them up when they sense nightmare-related distress in the human; research that surveyed veterans living with PTSD found that 57 percent of respondents said service dogs trained in this way helped them manage this hallmark PTSD symptom, according to one cross-sectional study published in Frontiers in Psychology in July 2020.

Leslie Sinn, DVM, a veterinary behavioral specialist at Behavior Solutions in Ashburn, Virginia, says an animal can calm you down if you wake up feeling disoriented. “The presence of the dog might be really reassuring and grounding,” she says.

Fierstein adds that some research has found that having a dog in the bed during sleep doesn’t disrupt slumber in a meaningful way. He highlights an observational study published in September 2017 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings that showed dog owners studied in their home had slightly lower sleep efficiency (a measure of time spent sleeping versus time spent in bed) when their dog slept in their bed than owners whose dog slept elsewhere in the room, but neither scenario lowered people’s sleep efficiency to a disruptive level.

RELATED: How Much Sleep Do You Really Need Each Night?

The Case Against Sharing a Bed With Your Pet

Of course, there are a few potential downsides to inviting Fido into bed with you. Some include: increased opportunity for allergen or disease exposure with your pets, aggressive behavior, and disrupted sleep quality, says Fierstein.

Some research suggests co-sleeping with pets may increase mid-night awakenings for people. A study published in November 2018 in Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of the Interactions of People & Animals found that dog owners were more than four times as likely to be woken up by a pet they co-slept with when their pet was active (which was around 20 percent of the night) than if their pet was still. (It’s worth noting the significant limitation that the study looked at only five dogs and their owners, and the potential benefits of co-sleeping were not considered.)

“If the owner is a light sleeper, he or she may not do well with a dog or cat in the bedroom,” notes Fierstein. For example, he points out that a dog who snores loudly is not an ideal sleeping mate.

Dogs may also show aggressive behavior — such as snarling, growling, or even biting — as a reflexive startle response if they are woken up unexpectedly, and this can be potentially disruptive or dangerous to the person sleeping next to them, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Allowing pets in the bedroom can also expose owners to potential allergens, like pet hair and dander, as well as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause disease, per the Sleep Foundation.

RELATED: Sleep Remedies That May Not Work (and Could Do Harm)

How to Safely Share a Bed With Your Pet

If you’re a new pet owner, or just considering getting a pet, Dr. Sinn advises creating a place for the animal to sleep outside of a human bed. Your pet will benefit from having their own place to rest, she points out, and their bed will become a “safety item,” making it easier to transport your dog or cat when you travel to a new or unfamiliar place.

If you do choose to allow your dog or cat in your bed, experts have some tips.

1. Create boundaries. “Make sure the dog knows where it is allowed and where it is not,” Fierstein advises. Sinn concurs: “Only give access when you invite [your pet] up. Block access at other times.”
2. Keep the pet clean. An owner may not be allergic to their dog or cat, but they may be allergic to other materials in the animal’s fur, says Fierstein — if the animal is not kept clean. Practice good hygiene with your pet and you’ll decrease the likelihood of exposure to ticks, fleas, ringworm, and mites.
3. Forbid aggressive behavior. Some dogs become territorial and start to exhibit problematic aggressive behavior when on the bed, says Fierstein. “Don’t allow any aggression in the sleeping area,” he says.
4. Establish order. When your pet is on your bed, Fierstein says they should stay on top of the covers to keep dirt and potential allergens, such as pet hair or dander, from getting into the bed. This rule also prevents the animal from feeling trapped, he explains. “In the middle of the night, a pet could suddenly awaken and be startled or feel trapped. At that moment, a normally docile pet could bite or scratch an owner. ”

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5 Bugs That Are Most Likely To Bite You While You Sleep

Summertime is the perfect season for spending time outdoors and enjoying the warm weather. However, some risks are associated with being outdoors during the summer months, such as bug bites.

Unfortunately, those risks don’t necessarily always end when you head inside. Even if you’re not spending time outside camping and hiking this summer, there are still bugs that can make their way indoors and bite you while you’re fast asleep.

In this blog post, we discuss five bugs that are most likely to bite you while you are asleep. Keep reading to learn more!

Key Takeaways

• There are a few reasons why bugs tend to be more active – and more likely to bite us – at night, including the fact that they are attracted to the CO2 we breathe.
• Some common pests that bite at night include mosquitoes, bed bugs, scabies mites, and chiggers.
• Consider installing screens on your bedroom windows and regularly cleaning your home to reduce the likelihood of these nocturnal, itch-inducing visits. 

Why Do Bugs Bite You When You Are Asleep?

When you’re sound asleep in your bed, the last thing you want is to be woken up by a sharp pain in your skin. But for many of us, that’s exactly what happens when we get bitten by bugs. Why do they seem to prefer biting us when we’re asleep?

One theory is that bugs, including ants and mosquitoes, are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale when we breathe. Since we exhale more CO2 when we’re asleep, they may be more likely to find us then. Another possibility is that our body temperature drops when we sleep, making us a more attractive target for cold-blooded bugs like mosquitoes.

Whatever the reason, bug bites can certainly ruin a good night’s sleep. And in some cases, they can also transmit diseases like malaria or Zika virus. 

So it’s important to take precautions to avoid being bitten in the first place. If you’re traveling to an area where there are potential disease-carrying bugs, be sure to wear long sleeves and pants at night and to use a mosquito net over your bed. 

And if you do get bitten, try to resist the urge to scratch — it can make the bite worse and cause an infection.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are typically reddish-brown in color, and they range in size from 1 to 7 millimeters. Bed bugs are wingless, but they can climb walls and other surfaces with ease. 

They typically live in cracks and crevices near beds or other locations where people sleep. When bed bugs bite, they inject a numbing agent into their victim’s skin. This allows them to feed for several minutes without being detected. 

If you’ve ever been woken up by an itchy, red bite, you may have had the unfortunate experience of being bitten by a bed bug.  

Bed bugs are mostly active at night, and they tend to bite people who are asleep. While bed bug bites are not generally considered harmful, they can be very uncomfortable. If you suspect that you have been bitten by a bed bug, it is important to inspect your bedding and furniture for signs of infestation. 

You should also wash your bedding in hot water and vacuum your floors and furniture to remove any bugs or eggs that may be present. If you believe that you have a bed bug infestation, it is best to contact a professional pest control company for assistance.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are small, fly-like insects that are found all over the world. Though they are often seen as pests, mosquitoes play an important role in the ecosystem by serving as a food source for many animals. 

Mosquitoes generally bite humans and other mammals, though some species will also feast on reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Female mosquitoes use the blood they collect to nourish their eggs.  

In order to bite its victims, a mosquito will first insert its long, slender proboscis into the skin. This action punctures the skin and allows the mosquito to withdraw blood through its tube-like mouthparts. 

As they feed, mosquitoes will also inject saliva into their victim. This saliva contains proteins that can cause irritation and swelling at the bite site. In some cases, it can also transmit diseases like malaria and Zika virus. Though they are often seen as nuisances, mosquitoes are an important part of the natural world.

If you’ve ever been woken up in the middle of the night by a mosquito bite, you’re not alone. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, but they can also bite at night. In fact, mosquitoes are more likely to bite you when you are asleep. 

The reason for this is that mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale. When we sleep, we breathe more slowly and deeply, which means that we exhale more carbon dioxide. This makes us an attractive target for mosquitoes. 

To avoid being bitten at night, try to sleep with a fan on or keep the windows closed. Install a screen on your windows, too. You can also use mosquito netting over your bed. By taking these precautions, you can help to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Fleas

Fleas are small, wingless insects that are related to ants and beetles. They have a hard, flattened body and are known for their ability to jump long distances. 

Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They can be a nuisance to pet owners because they can cause itching and irritation. Fleas can also transmit diseases to humans and animals. 

Most flea infestations come from contact with other animals, but they can also occur when people come into contact with areas where fleas live, such as in soil or in homes that have been infested with fleas. Flea control is important to prevent these pests from becoming a nuisance.

Most people are familiar with the itching and discomfort that flea bites can cause. What many people don’t realize, however, is that fleas are most likely to bite you when you are asleep. This is because fleas are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale. 

When we are awake and moving around, we exhale more carbon dioxide, making us less attractive to fleas. However, when we are asleep and breathing slowly, we exhale less carbon dioxide, making us more appealing to these pests. As a result, if you want to avoid being bitten by fleas, it’s best to stay awake and keep moving.

Chiggers

Chiggers are tiny red mites that can be found in tall grass and bushes. They are attracted to the warmth of animals, and will often attach themselves to humans. 

Chiggers feed on skin cells, causing intense itching and red welts. Although they are not dangerous, chiggers can be extremely irritating. The best way to prevent an infestation is to avoid areas where they are commonly found like in tall grass or wooded areas.

If you do come into contact with chiggers, you can remove them by taking a hot bath or shower. 

Scratching will only make it worse, so it is best to resist the urge and treat the bite with a cold compress or topical anti-itch cream. With a little knowledge and caution, you can avoid these pesky critters altogether.

Scabies

Scabies is a skin condition caused by the human itch mite. The mite burrows into the top layer of skin to lay its eggs, causing intense itching and irritation. Scabies is highly contagious and is typically spread through close contact with an infected person. 

The condition can also be spread through sharing clothing or bedding with someone who has scabies. Symptoms of scabies include intense itching, small bumps on the skin, and thin lines on the surface of the skin.

Like many of the other pests on this list, scabies mites are most active at night, which means that they are more likely to bite you when you are asleep. If you have been noticing unexplained bites on your body, it is possible that you have a scabies infestation. 

The best way to avoid getting scabies is to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with people who have the condition. It’s also important to avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, bedding, and clothing. 

If you think you’ve been exposed to scabies, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that you can be treated. Treatment for scabies typically involves using a topical medication that kills the mites. In some cases, oral medications may also be used. 

After treatment, it’s important to wash all of your bedding and clothing in hot water to kill any remaining mites. You should also vacuum your furniture and flooring to remove any eggs or mites that might be lurking there. 

Conclusion

Considering the bugs most likely to bite you while you sleep can help you take steps to prevent an infestation in your home. Taking a few minutes now to research these pests and their habits can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle down the road. 

Do insects in bed bite in bed at night?

The ideal environment for bed bugs is the normal bed at home. In conditions of room temperature, high humidity, which manifests itself at night from linen and the human body, insects feel in a comfortable breeding environment.

Home parasites can appear from various factors. Bloodsuckers can settle due to the uncleanliness of the owners of the apartment. They feed exclusively on the blood of humans and animals. The main types of insects in bed include:

1. Bloch.
2. Klopov.
3. Linen lice.
4. Ticks.

Fleas

There are more than 2000 thousand varieties of fleas in the environment. Individuals can be chicken, dog, cat, rat. However, fleas also feed on human blood at night in bed. Parasitic individuals can appear in the house in various ways, for example, if there are animals with fleas in the house, parasites can be brought from the street on clothes or from an uncleaned dirty entrance. Fleas have an elongated body with a hard cover. Powerful hind legs reach a length of up to 5 mm. With their help, pushing off, the parasites jump on the linen.

Fleas jump quite quickly, they are small in size, so it is difficult for a person to catch them. Flea owls are easy to spot. After an insect attack on the affected area of ​​​​the body, a person begins cutting and stabbing pain. In the saliva of the parasite there is no analgesic enzyme. Swelling begins at the site of the bite, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin becomes red. Bruising may occur.

Important to know!

If a person is prone to allergic reactions, then a flea bite can lead to chills, urticaria, Quincke’s edema, hyperthermia, pulmonary edema, anaphylactic shock.

Why are fleas dangerous? For humans, parasites are a serious danger. They can infect a person: helminths, plague, infections, salmonellosis, encephalitis and other diseases.

Fleas like to hide in inconspicuous cozy places in the apartment. Wallpaper, baseboards, backs of sofas, armchairs, mattresses become the environment for their survival. To replenish human nutrients, they bite in bed at night.

Bed bugs

Bed bugs reach a length of up to 5 mm. The body color is dark yellow or brown. Capable of getting into the tightest gaps. Move quickly on walls and ceilings. A person’s skin is pierced with a mustache. For 1 year, the female is able to lay up to 500 eggs.

Bed bugs have a very diverse habitat. They like to hide behind things and objects that are on the wall: wallpaper, paintings, clocks, carpets. They can be found under the mattress, baseboards, in the backs of the sofa and armchairs, in books, household appliances, under the carpet.

Bedbugs attack a person only during sleep. Bedbugs prefer to get nutrients from a person who has thin skin and blood vessels located closer to the surface. How to recognize tick bites? After the attack of parasites, red spots appear on the human body at the bite sites. The puncture site appears in the form of a hole.

Bed bugs bite in tracks. Bites are multiple with a distance of 2-4 mm. During bites, sleep becomes intermittent, scabies, itching, urticaria at night appear. Infectious diseases after bedbug bites have not been identified for several dozens of WHO studies.

Linen lice

Adult linen lice are up to 3 mm long. The color is grey. Insects in bed bite in bed at night. Linen lice love linen and cotton underwear. The average life span of parasites is about 1 month. During this period of time, the female is able to lay up to 400 nits, up to 1 mm in size. Home bed lice can be brought in clothing. They can be picked up when spending the night in hostels, budget hotels, tents, sleeping bags, and public transport.

Bed lice bites are easy to recognize. A swollen halo with a red dot appears on the affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe body. The bite is like a mosquito. Basically, parasites bite the arms, shoulders, stomach, lower back. If the bites are massive, this indicates pediculosis. Dark spots appear on the human body. There may be scars from scratching, ulcers, boils, dry spots with itching.

Important to know!

Bed lice can cause fever, anaphylactic shock, allergies, and various infectious diseases.
Parasites live and breed in the folds of linen and in clothes. At night, they come out of hiding to receive nutrients from humans.

Pincers

Small bed and linen pincers. They can only be seen under a microscope. The body of an individual is flat, with a chitinous shell. Ticks feed on dead cells of the epidermis. They do not drink human blood like the other parasites listed. They can feed on particles of the epidermis that remain on bedding. For reproduction and habitation, a room temperature above 20 degrees is considered a favorable environment. Ticks love feather pillows, woolen blankets, blankets, carpets.

Important to know!

A person with reduced immunity from linen mites may experience: rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchial asthma, hearing loss, cough, conjunctivitis and other infectious diseases.

Lice can get into the apartment in various ways, for example, through clothes, animal hair, feather pillows. Unsanitary conditions in the house create comfortable conditions for the reproduction of individuals.

How to get rid of insects in the bed?

The fight against bed bugs and other insects can be done in many ways. You can use the mechanical method, which includes traps. The method is ineffective. You can use extreme temperatures, for example, treat the bed, upholstered furniture curtains, carpets, clothes, steamer. Wash clothes in hot water. The process is labor intensive. A favorable time for using the method is winter. All parasites die at a temperature of -30 degrees.

May be tempted to use insecticides. These products include: Dichlorvos, Raptor, special crayons and other chemicals. If ticks have appeared in the house, you cannot get rid of them on your own. It is necessary to call a special service that treats the territory in several stages, for example, to the City Sanitary Service of Moscow and the region – GorSES.

I recommend contacting a specialized service for the elimination of various types of insects. The service “cold fog from bedbugs” is inexpensive. You do not have to deal with parasites on your own. It’s hard to get rid of them on your own. It is better to entrust disinfection to specialists.

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After returning home from the shift, she brought bed lice. I noticed them after active reproduction and numerous bites on the body. Addressed GorSES. Specialists quickly filled out an application and disinfected the apartment. The treatment was repeated 2 weeks later. Now there are no insects in the house. Many thanks for the work done!

at home, in bed, or anywhere else?

Who can bite a person regularly: at home, in bed, or in any other places?

And it’s enough just to find out who specifically bites you in bed, or even not in bed, but through clothes.

A person in his own home can be regularly bitten by just a few types of parasitic invertebrates. They are:

1. Bed bugs
2. Mosquitoes
3. Fleas
4. Body lice
5. Head lice
6. Pubic lice
7. Scabies mites

Relatively rarely, other parasites may be added to this list in certain regions. In the Caucasus, for example, and in Kazakhstan, argas ticks sometimes settle in houses – settlement and Caucasian, and in the north, midges and midges can fly into apartments. But in 99.9% of cases of regular bites, the 7 groups of invertebrates listed above are responsible for them. The only problem in identifying them is that…

It is almost impossible to determine the type of parasite by the appearance of the bites.

The reaction to bites is too different in different people.

By itself, one bite has no diagnostic value for two reasons:

1. The body of one person reacts to the bites of different parasitic insects in approximately the same way. This reaction – redness and swelling around the puncture site of the skin does not depend on the type of insect, but depends only on the size of the organ piercing the skin and the substances introduced into the wound. In blood-sucking insects, both the mouth organs and the composition of saliva are quite similar, and therefore the human body responds to such bites in a similar way. And after flea bites, and after bug bites, the bumps remain the same.
2. Different people react to bites in different ways. Someone does not leave marks at all after being bitten by bedbugs, someone has a blister in this place, and someone develops hives. Because of this, it is pointless to try to look for some microscopic differences between the bites of different insects, because these differences will be completely erased against the background of the difference in the individual reaction of different bitten people.

This means that it is impossible to determine the type of insect that left it specifically by the bite. But it will be possible to determine it by the circumstances under which this bite was made.

Where are you when you are being bitten?

Do you only get bitten in bed, only in the house, or everywhere you go?

Remember, and if you can’t remember, watch where you are when you get new bites.

If you are bitten only in bed, or in the house in general, but the bites stop appearing when you leave the house, then either bedbugs or fleas or mosquitoes bite you. These are the so-called periodic parasites , not rigidly tied to the owner, but living somewhere near the place of constant presence of a person, or pets. Bed bugs live in and near the bed, fleas live near the resting places for pets, behind baseboards, under linoleum. Mosquitoes – generally anywhere, including outside the premises. And they bite a person only when they are hungry, and the person himself is easily accessible.

If the same bites regularly appear both in the house and outside, then they bite you stationary parasites living either on or inside your body or on your clothes. From our list, this is either lice or scabies.

Similarly, you can divide all the parasites from both received groups and understand which particular invertebrates bite you. Let’s start with the first group, where insects bite only in the apartment.

Note

If it seems that some parasites bite through clothes, and do it all the time, then it’s body lice. They live on the inside of clothes, hide in the seams and bite when the clothes are on the body, giving the false impression of biting through the clothes.

It is through clothes that mosquitoes can bite, but only on the street, where there are a lot of them, and only through very thin T-shirts and T-shirts. More or less dense clothing is already impenetrable for them, but lice on such dense clothing prefer to settle, since the seams on it are larger and provide more shelter.

Time when bites appear

Daytime bites are a sign of fleas.

If bites appear during the day, including after a daytime sleep, then most likely they are left by fleas. Mosquitoes and bedbugs are not active in sunlight and do not attack humans.

Bed bugs are known to bite during the day if they are very hungry. But in a permanently inhabited room where people spend the night regularly, the bugs are not too hungry, because they can eat regularly. This means that in such a room they will not bite anyone regularly during the day. Therefore, regular daily bites indicate fleas.

Number and grouping of bites

Tracks and chains are signs of bed bug bites.

Bites lined up in a path are a clear sign of bed bugs. It is adult bugs that bite a person several times, moving 1-2 cm forward after each bite. As a result, among the many blisters on the body, chains stand out noticeably, which clearly indicate that bedbugs bite.

These paths look like this:

Another sign of bedbug bites is red spots that form when blood spreads under the skin, the so-called hemorrhages.

They appear when several bedbug larvae feed on a small area of ​​the skin at the same time – 5-15. Sometimes the same spots appear with flea bites, but at least mosquitoes from the list of suspicion in the presence of such hemorrhages can be excluded.

Note

Also consider the season: bedbugs and fleas that actively breed in the apartment bite all year round, and mosquitoes are active only in warm weather, mainly in summer. Therefore, above 40 parallel, bites in November or February are left by bedbugs or fleas, but definitely not by mosquitoes.

Bite spots on the body

Fleas prefer the legs, mosquitoes and bedbugs prefer the trunk and arms.

Of the nocturnal bites of bed bugs and mosquitoes, it is easiest to distinguish if you compare the areas on the body where the bites appear. The fact is that bedbugs can climb under the covers and bite here, but mosquitoes do not fly under the covers. And if your bites are, among other things, on those parts of the body that were covered all night, then they were almost certainly left by bedbugs.

To some extent, there is a certain preference for parasites to different parts of the body. Bedbugs often bite on the torso and arms, mosquitoes – on the upper body and face, fleas – on the legs. But this division is very arbitrary – a person sleeping without a blanket is bitten by all insects on any part of the body, and first of all, other signs must be taken into account.

Note

Just because you have bed bug bites but you can’t find them in your house doesn’t mean it’s not bed bug. This most likely means that you simply haven’t found them yet.

Interim summary

If you get bites only in a house, or in an apartment, or in some other, but one room, then either bedbugs, or fleas, or mosquitoes can leave them. If bites appear at night, among them “paths” of 3-4 bites are clearly visible, and they are found, including on parts of the body that were covered with a blanket, then these are almost certainly bedbugs.

If the bites appear during the day, and bite mainly on the legs, then these are fleas.

Single, night and morning bites only on those parts of the body that were not covered with a blanket indicate that mosquitoes have bitten.

Now let’s move on to insects that bite people everywhere, without reference to a separate room.

Distinguishing lice from scabies mites

Itches leave noticeable holes in the skin, and lice bite certain parts of the body.

Of the entire group of stationary parasites, itching is the easiest to isolate. First, they don’t leave bites because they don’t bite at all. The itch gnaws a passage in the skin, which causes itching, and it seems to the person that the skin itches, as if someone is biting, but when examining the itchy place, neither the parasite nor the bite can be seen.

Secondly, the move itself can be seen in good light. It looks like a long tubercle, as if a thin, repeatedly curved needle is stuck under the surface of the skin. Not a single insect, and in general other constantly biting parasites, make such moves. In a photo with a strong approximation, such moves look like this:

Thirdly, itching itch very often affects the hands, since it is through the hands that infection usually occurs. Lice almost never bite on the hands.

If there are at least two of these signs – itching is felt, but there are no bite marks, you can consider the course, and the hands are itching, which means you need to urgently see a dermatologist. This is scabies.

We distinguish between lice bites

Determine who bites where.

If obvious bite marks appear on other parts of the body, these are most likely lice. They are easiest to differentiate precisely by the affected areas of the body.

If the bites appear only on the head, then the head louse bites.

If it itches in the groin, it means that the pubic louse is biting.

If different parts of the body itch, most often under clothing, then the body louse bites.

All lice can be found and examined. They have a length of 2-3 mm, and the pubic louse, due to the specific shape of the body, is shorter and smaller than the head and body louse. But all of them can be normally examined, and both the lice themselves and their eggs are nits. This is what the nits on the hair look like:

And here are the lice eggs on the inside of the T-shirt:

Body lice, due to the fact that they can bite different parts of the body, can be confused with scabies. But here, obvious bites in the form of rounded redness and the absence of passages under the skin will not let you make a mistake.

How do cockroaches and skin beetles bite?

It’s a secret: no one has ever reliably documented the bites of these insects.

Despite the common belief that cockroaches and skin beetles bite people, it is still not known what their bites look like and so far no one has been able to capture the process of such a bite on video. This at least arouses suspicion in the very fact of such bites: after all, bedbug bites have been repeatedly documented, and bites of lice, fleas and mosquitoes have also been filmed. Even the itch that burrows into the skin has been filmed multiple times:

Agree, it is strange that with all the numerous reports of cockroach bites, no such video has yet been made. As well as none of the scientists described in detail the process of such bites. This can only mean one thing: in fact, cockroaches do not bite people. And messages about their bites are left by people who have both cockroaches and bedbugs in their apartment. The bugs bite them, hide well, and they are not visible. But cockroaches are visible, and people make a generally logical, but erroneous conclusion that they are bitten by the very insects that they see – cockroaches.

The same is true for skin eaters. And the name of these insects directly hints at their ability to bite, and their larvae look creepy. But no one has ever shown a video, or even a photo of how the skin beetle bites.

Therefore, at the moment it should not be considered that cockroaches and skin beetles bite people. Accordingly, their bites do not look like anything at all, since they are absent in nature.

Possible bites from other insects

Irregular, but sometimes occurring indoors.

Occasionally other insects may bite people indoors. In the conditions of the middle zone of Eurasia, such bites are not regular, since the arthropods that leave them do not live in human housing all the time.

For example, occasionally wasps and bees fly into apartments. Moreover, most often they bite not ordinary honey bees, or paper wasps, which people know well, but small osmia and solitary bees. They can have a length of 3-4 mm, and due to their small size, such a guest who accidentally flew into the house is not always noticed. At the same time, even a small wasp remains a wasp, and if you accidentally sit on it, or put on clothes on which it sat itself, it will sting.

The stings of these wasps are very similar to the stings of ordinary wasps, but slightly less painful, and the blisters in their place are slightly smaller. But in general, such a sting is much more painful than the bite of any parasite, since its purpose is precisely to scare off the enemy and save the life of the wasp. Therefore, they remain during the day, when such wasps are active, they hurt a lot at the time of the sting, and in their place a large and very itchy tumor remains for several days. But the main feature of such bites is that they are never numerous indoors.

In the tropics, the range of insects that can bite indoors is much wider. Here, blood-sucking flies, triatomine bugs, and some types of ticks can enter the houses. It is very difficult to classify them due to the large difference in the species composition of such insects in different countries. Therefore, when traveling and on tourist trips, safety from insects must be treated with particular care.

What can be confused with insect bites?

Allergies, plant burns and skin diseases that need to be distinguished from bites in time.

Finally, various skin lesions are sometimes mistaken for insect bites: allergic rashes, diathesis, slight burns from hogweed or other plants, symptoms of some skin diseases. Moreover, often such skin lesions are so similar to bites that they are not always immediately recognized even by specialists.

The main distinguishing feature of insect bites is the presence of a clear point from a skin puncture in the center of each bite. There are no such points only with scabies, and sometimes it is not visible with insect bites with appropriate sensitivity (or rather, insensitivity) in a particular person. But most people have such points remain.

Another sign of bites is the detection of insects themselves. It is often easier to find them than to determine who left them by the appearance of lesions. Here are a few suggestions:

1. If the bites appear in the morning, get up at 3-4 am for several nights in a row, quickly turn on the light and inspect the bed. Bedbugs at this moment are very clearly visible on a light bed.
2. Inspect pet beds and pets themselves. If they have fleas that can bite you, they are relatively easy to see in their belly fur.
3. If lice are suspected, ask a loved one to inspect areas where there is a sensation of itching. Both lice and nits are fairly easy to see.
4. If there are signs of scabies, see a dermatologist. In any case, this will have to be done, since scabies is too serious a disease to delay with it and try to diagnose lesions on your own.