What are the common symptoms of mosquito bites. How can mosquito-borne diseases affect human health. Which preventive measures effectively reduce mosquito bite risks. Why do mosquitoes prefer certain individuals over others. How do insect repellents work against mosquitoes.

Understanding Mosquito Bites: Causes and Mechanisms

Mosquitoes are small flying insects that have become a significant concern for human health worldwide. Female mosquitoes possess a long, piercing mouthpiece used to penetrate human skin and consume blood, which serves as a crucial protein source for their eggs. Interestingly, male mosquitoes do not feed on blood, making them harmless in terms of bites.

The process of a mosquito bite involves the female mosquito piercing the skin with her proboscis, injecting saliva to prevent blood clotting, and then drawing blood. This saliva contains proteins that trigger an immune response in humans, resulting in the characteristic symptoms associated with mosquito bites.

Why do mosquitoes bite humans?

Mosquitoes bite humans primarily for two reasons:

• To obtain blood as a protein source for egg production
• To acquire essential nutrients necessary for their survival

The female mosquito’s ability to detect potential hosts is remarkably sophisticated. They use a combination of visual, thermal, and olfactory cues to locate their targets.

Recognizing Mosquito Bite Symptoms

Mosquito bites typically manifest shortly after the insect has fed. The most common symptoms include:

• A round, red bump with a dot in the center
• Intense itching sensation
• Dark spots resembling bruises
• Swelling or redness around the bite area
• Small blisters in place of hard bumps (in some cases)

It’s not uncommon to find multiple bumps clustered together, indicating either repeated bites from a single mosquito or bites from multiple insects.

How do mosquito bite symptoms differ in children and immunocompromised individuals?

Children and people with weakened immune systems may experience additional symptoms, including:

• Hives
• Swollen glands
• Low-grade fever

Interestingly, the body tends to develop a tolerance to mosquito bites over time. This means that symptoms often become less severe with repeated exposure as the immune system adapts to the mosquito’s saliva.

Potential Complications of Mosquito Bites

While most mosquito bites are merely annoying, they can occasionally lead to more serious complications. The most significant risk associated with mosquito bites is the transmission of dangerous diseases.

Can mosquito bites cause anaphylaxis?

In rare cases, mosquito bites can trigger anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI), symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• Throat swelling
• Widespread hives
• Faintness
• Wheezing

Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases: A Global Health Threat

Mosquitoes are vectors for numerous diseases that pose significant health risks worldwide. Some of the most notable mosquito-borne diseases include:

1. Malaria
2. West Nile virus
3. Zika virus
4. Yellow fever
5. Dengue fever
6. Chikungunya

How does malaria affect the human body?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through infected mosquitoes. These parasites infect and destroy red blood cells, leading to severe complications if left untreated. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for managing malaria effectively.

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?

West Nile virus affects individuals differently:

• Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms
• Some develop fever and flu-like symptoms
• A small percentage may develop severe illness affecting the nervous system

How does the Zika virus impact pregnant women?

Zika virus is particularly concerning for pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant. While initial symptoms are generally mild (fever, joint pain, and rash), the virus can lead to serious congenital anomalies in developing fetuses if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy.

Given the potential severity of these diseases, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any flu-like symptoms or fever following a mosquito bite.

Factors Influencing Mosquito Attraction

Mosquitoes exhibit a preference for certain individuals over others when seeking a blood meal. While researchers haven’t fully unraveled the reasons behind this selectivity, several factors have been identified as potentially influential.

How do mosquitoes locate their targets?

A 2013 study revealed that mosquitoes possess sophisticated sensory capabilities that allow them to detect:

• Carbon dioxide emissions
• Body odor
• Body heat
• Movement
• Specific chemical compounds (e.g., lactic acid)

These sensory inputs enable mosquitoes to identify suitable hosts in their vicinity and guide them towards their next meal.

Effective Mosquito Bite Prevention Strategies

Preventing mosquito bites is far more effective than treating them, especially considering the potential for disease transmission. Here are some proven strategies to reduce your risk of mosquito bites:

How can environmental modifications reduce mosquito populations?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasizes the importance of eliminating standing water sources, as mosquitoes require water to breed. Some effective environmental modifications include:

• Regularly emptying and cleaning birdbaths, pet water bowls, and other outdoor containers
• Keeping gutters clean and free-flowing
• Filling in low-lying areas that collect water
• Maintaining swimming pools and ensuring proper chlorination

What personal protection measures can individuals take?

To minimize your risk of mosquito bites, consider the following personal protection strategies:

• Use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of living spaces
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours
• Avoid wooded and grassy areas where mosquitoes are likely to congregate
• Minimize the use of bright clothing, perfumes, and scented beauty products, which can attract mosquitoes
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in areas without adequate screening

The Role of Insect Repellents in Mosquito Control

Insect repellents play a crucial role in protecting against mosquito bites, especially during outdoor activities that naturally increase carbon dioxide emissions and bodily odors, such as exercising.

Which insect repellents are most effective against mosquitoes?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several effective options for repelling mosquitoes:

• DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-Toluamide)
• Picaridin
• IR3535
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
• Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone

Among these, DEET is one of the most widely used and studied chemical-based mosquito repellents. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes and other biting insects.

How does DEET work to repel mosquitoes?

DEET functions by interfering with the mosquito’s ability to detect human scent. It creates a vapor barrier at the skin’s surface that makes it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their target. This mechanism doesn’t kill mosquitoes but effectively deters them from landing and biting.

When using DEET or any other insect repellent, it’s essential to follow the product instructions carefully. Apply the repellent to exposed skin and clothing, but avoid applying it to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin. Reapply as directed, especially after swimming or sweating.

Natural Alternatives to Chemical Repellents

For those who prefer natural alternatives to chemical-based repellents, several plant-based options have shown promise in repelling mosquitoes:

• Citronella oil
• Neem oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Lavender oil
• Peppermint oil

While these natural repellents can be effective, they typically require more frequent application than chemical alternatives. It’s also important to note that “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe,” and some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to plant-based repellents.

Are there any clothing-based mosquito repellent options?

Yes, some clothing manufacturers produce garments treated with permethrin, an insecticide that repels and kills mosquitoes and other insects. These treated clothes can provide long-lasting protection against mosquito bites, especially when combined with other preventive measures.

Global Efforts in Mosquito Control and Disease Prevention

Given the significant health risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases, numerous global initiatives are underway to control mosquito populations and prevent disease transmission. These efforts include:

• Vector control programs targeting mosquito breeding sites
• Development and distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets
• Research into new mosquito control technologies, such as genetically modified mosquitoes
• Vaccine development for mosquito-borne diseases
• Public health education campaigns to raise awareness about mosquito bite prevention

How effective are mosquito control programs in reducing disease transmission?

Mosquito control programs have shown significant success in reducing the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases in many parts of the world. For example, the World Health Organization reports that global efforts have led to a 40% reduction in malaria cases between 2000 and 2015. However, challenges remain, particularly in regions with limited resources and in the face of climate change, which may expand the range of disease-carrying mosquitoes.

As research continues and new technologies emerge, the fight against mosquito-borne diseases remains a critical global health priority. By combining individual preventive measures with broader public health initiatives, we can work towards minimizing the impact of these tiny but potentially dangerous insects on human health worldwide.

Mosquito bites: Symptoms, complications, and prevention

Mosquitoes are small flying insects. Female mosquitoes have a long, piercing mouthpiece, with which they pierce the skin to consume their blood. Some mosquito bites are harmless, but others carry dangerous diseases.

It is only female mosquitos that bite people. Blood serves as a source of protein for their eggs. Male mosquitoes do not consume blood.

Mosquito bites pose a considerable health risk, with mosquito-borne diseases causing millions of deaths a year worldwide. Malaria, one of the most commonly known diseases unique to mosquitos, killed around 438,000 people globally in 2015.

However, a person can take preventive measures to keep them at bay. This article explores the symptoms and risks, as well as how to avoid bites.

Symptoms of a mosquito bite occur shortly after being bitten. A round, red bump with a dot in the middle usually accompanies an itching sensation.

Other signs of a mosquito bite include:

• dark spots that resemble bruising
• swelling or redness
• small blisters in place of hard bumps

Multiple bumps are also common. These indicate that a mosquito pierced the skin in more than one location, or that more than one insect bit the person.

Children and people with weakened immune systems can experience extra symptoms, such as hives, swollen glands, and low-grade fever.

In general, symptoms become less severe with additional bites. This is because the body slowly acclimatizes to the bites.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI), a mosquito bite might cause anaphylaxis in rare cases. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes throat swelling, hives, faintness, or wheezing.

Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention.

The risk of developing a serious disease is the most dangerous outcome of a mosquito bite.

There are several harmful infections that mosquitoes can carry and transmit, including:

• Malaria: Parasites cause this life-threatening disease by infecting and destroying red blood cells. To control and treat malaria, early diagnosis is crucial.
• West Nile virus: Most people with West Nile Virus show no symptoms, although some develop a fever or other flu-like symptoms. For a small number of people with the virus, a serious illness develops in the nervous system.
• Zika virus: This is a generally mild condition that initially causes fever, joint pain, and rash. The initial symptoms of Zika usually pass after 1 week, but the disease can lead to congenital anomalies if a woman becomes pregnant after receiving a mosquito bite.
• Yellow fever: This virus causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. Its symptoms include fever and sore throat.
• Dengue fever: This disease can trigger high fever, rash, muscle soreness, and joint pain. In the most extreme cases, severe bleeding, shock, and death can occur. Dengue fever is mostly active in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
• Chikungunya: Joint pain, headache, rash, and fever are common in chikungunya. People with the disease require bed rest and fluids for recovery.

If a person notices a mosquito bite and feels any flu-like symptoms or a fever, they should seek medical treatment immediately.

Female mosquitoes tend to target some people over others when it comes to feeding. Researchers do not yet fully understand the reasons for this selective process.

One 2013 study noted that mosquitos have sensors that pick up on carbon dioxide emissions and body odor. They can then identify which nearby people would make a suitable feeding ground.

Body heat, movement, and body odors, such as sweat and lactic acid, might also play a role in attracting mosquitoes.

Share on PinterestRepellent is an effective method for keeping mosquitos at bay.

Preventing mosquito bites is always more effective than trying to treat them, given the potential seriousness of the diseases that can transmit during the bite.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advise that mosquitoes need water to breed. Removing sources of standing water around the home and garden can reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area.

The following steps can help prevent bites:

• Use screens and netting.
• Cover up the skin when outdoors.
• Avoiding wooded and grassy areas.
• When planning to be in mosquito-dense areas, avoid bright clothing, perfumes, and scented beauty products.

Repellents

Using insect repellent may be necessary when doing activities that naturally increase carbon dioxide emissions and bodily odors, such as exercising outdoors.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a number of effective options for repelling mosquitos.

DEET

N,N-Diethyl-meta-Toluamide (DEET) is one of the most commonly used chemical-based mosquito repellents. Studies show that it is one of the most effective on the market.

DEET works by interfering with the receptors in the mosquito that detect carbon dioxide and body odor, causing them to not detect the person wearing DEET as a potential source of nutrition.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DEET provides protection against mosquito bites for between 2 and 12 hours, depending on the percentage of DEET in the product.

DEET is available in various forms, including liquids, sprays, lotions, and wristbands.

Always follow the directions on the label when using DEET products.

Picaridin

Picaridin is a newer type of insect repellent. Working in the same way as DEET, it prevents the mosquito from recognizing its prey.

A 2018 meta-analysis shows that the preventive effects of picaridin last for more or less the same amount of time as DEET.

Picaridin is a safe option for children under 6 months of age, as it contains fewer potentially toxic qualities than DEET.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

Oil of lemon eucalyptus may be a good option for those who prefer a natural, chemical-free repellent.

Repel and Off! Botanicals are examples of products that contain this natural oil.

Travel advice

People who are planning a vacation should learn about the risk of mosquito-borne illness at their intended destination.

They should also speak with a healthcare provider before traveling. There may be optional or mandatory vaccinations or medications available to protect against certain mosquito-borne diseases, such as yellow fever or malaria.

Remember also to pack an effective insect repellent.

Where possible, choose accommodation with air conditioning or window and door screens, or sleep under a mosquito bed net.

Although mosquito bites heal with time, it can be difficult to resolve the itching and swelling.

Share on PinterestAn ice pack might help reduce swelling and irritation.

There are steps that can reduce irritation:

• resisting the urge to scratch, which can lead to infection
• gently washing blisters with soap and water, being careful not to burst them
• using an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain
• taking a cool bath without soap
• applying an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion for swelling and itchiness
• applying a paste of baking soda and water for a more natural option
• if itching does not resolve, using oral antihistamines

When to see a doctor

People should contact a doctor urgently on noticing the following symptoms after a mosquito bite:

• headache
• fever
• aches and pains
• rashes

In cases of anaphylactic shock following a mosquito bite, they should seek emergency medical assistance.

If you want to buy any of the repellents mentioned in this article, then there is an excellent selection online with thousands of customer reviews.

Female mosquitos bite humans to consume blood. In doing so, they cause irritation and swelling but can also transmit some extremely harmful and sometimes fatal diseases.

They can also cause harmful allergic reactions in some people.

Malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever are only a few mosquito-borne conditions. Preventing mosquito bites can be a matter of life-and-death in areas where these conditions are prevalent.

There are a few effective options for repellent sprays, including DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Antihistamine and hydrocortisone creams can help soothe swelling.

It is vital to prepare for travel to mosquito-heavy areas with the appropriate vaccinations. Seek urgent medical attention if a bite occurs and a widespread rash, fever, and headache develop.

Q:

A mosquito has just bitten me. What immediate steps should I take?

A:

An initial first step is to apply or reapply a mosquito repellent, covering any potentially exposed skin. This measure ensures that no further bites occur. Another way to achieve this is by setting up a physical barrier, such as mosquito netting or simply returning indoors.

Once you have applied protection, you may then begin to treat the bite area with ice or a hydrocortisone cream. Itching will probably continue, but do your best to not scratch the bite, as this will cause further irritation.

Finally, take note of your location as well as any symptoms of illness, such as fever, joint pain, or headache. This is to make sure you have not contracted an infection.

Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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Pictures, types, symptoms, and treatment

Although most people can recognize a bee, hornet, or wasp as being a risk for stinging, many perceive flies as harmless. However, there are several types of biting fly.

Although not all flies bite, those that do can be an irritation and danger to some people.

This article will describe different flies that bite and how to recognize their bites, as well as some potential treatment options.

There are six major types of biting fly in the United States.

Some of these flies may have variations that are similar in appearance yet do not bite.

Most of the flies in this article do not cause harm other than the bite itself, though some can transmit disease or cause severe allergic reactions.

These six biting flies are:

Biting midges

Biting midges are very small flies, usually no larger than 1/32 of an inch. People may also call them no-see-ums, punkies, or gnats.

They do not transmit disease but can cause small, itchy bites.

Black flies

Black flies are very small flies that have a humpbacked appearance. Some people may also call them buffalo gnats.

They do not transmit diseases to humans, but they can cause severe allergic reactions in humans and livestock.

Examples of reactions include swelling, bleeding, and itching. They will usually bite the skin on a person’s head.

Deer flies

These medium sized flies normally appear in the spring and are usually the size of a housefly.

They have dark bands on their wings and are predominantly either yellow-black or brown.

Deer flies can transmit a disease called tularemia, or rabbit fever, to humans.

Horseflies

Horseflies are large. They may have green heads or be completely black. They usually live near water or other warm, wet locations.

Their bites do not transmit diseases but can be painful due to how they bite the skin.

Sand flies

These tiny, worm-like flies are small and usually brown to gray. Although most do not transmit disease, there is a subset of sand flies in Texas that can transmit a severe condition called cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Stable flies

Stable flies are small and gray. They have several stripes on their bodies. They usually appear in the late summer to fall, and they typically bite in the morning or late afternoon.

Stable flies tend to bite people’s ankles. Doctors do not think they can transmit diseases.

Share on PinterestA fly bite can cause swelling, itching, and redness.

The size of the bite does not always matter when it comes to telling what fly bit a person. A very small fly can cause a very large, irritated bite.

A person can usually tell if a fly has bitten them if the following symptoms occur:

• swelling
• itching
• redness
• a small but visible hole in the middle of a bite-like bump

Sometimes, the symptoms may depend on the type of fly. For example, doctors know that black fly bites can cause lymph node swelling.

Some people may have an allergic response to a fly’s bite. Examples of allergic reaction symptoms include feeling dizzy and weak. A person may start to develop trouble breathing or swelling in different body areas.

Flies commonly make multiple bites in the same areas of the body.

A doctor can examine a bite or areas of biting.

They may ask where the person has recently been, such as around rivers, lakes, or wetlands. They will consider the bite’s appearance and its location on the body.

A doctor may be able to determine the type of fly from where the person was at the time they received the bite, and where the bites are on their body.

Unless a person is having very severe symptoms, a doctor will not usually need to perform further testing to determine the bite type.

If a person receives a fly bite, they can try the following steps to relieve any symptoms:

• Clean the area with water or soap and water.
• Place a cool compress or cloth covered ice pack over the bite to reduce swelling and minimize irritation and pain.
• Take an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, to reduce discomfort.
• Apply a topical corticosteroid, such as OTC hydrocortisone 1%.

If a person experiences an allergic reaction to a bite, such as wheezing or hives, they should seek emergency medical attention.

If a person experiences symptoms of an infection after a fly bite — such as fever, nausea, headaches, or swollen lymph nodes — they should see their doctor. This is because they may have tularemia as a result of the bite.

Share on PinterestA hat with protective netting can help keep flies away from a person’s head.

When possible, a person should avoid spending time in areas where biting flies are common. Examples include marshlands, forests, shady areas, or locations that have very dense plant life.

Keeping the yard neat and well trimmed can also help minimize the amount of flies in the area.

In addition to these preventive steps, a person can also:

• Cover their skin by wearing a long sleeved shirt, pants, and a hat. Ideally, these would be light colored, as dark colored clothing may attract flies.
• Wear insect repellants, such as those that contain DEET or picaridin. However, these are not always effective against all biting fly varieties.
• Wear a hat with protective netting, such as a beekeeper’s bonnet, when they know they will be in an area that has a lot of flies. This can help keep flies away from the person’s head, where they often like to bite.

Avoiding the outdoors at times of day when flies tend to bite, such as the late afternoon, can also help.

Fly bites can range from a nuisance to a severe occurrence.

If a person has an infected-looking bite or numerous bites on their body, they should seek medical attention.

Otherwise, at-home treatments to reduce inflammation and irritation can usually help relieve most symptoms.

photos and videos of the biting parasite

• By Wil Malinoshevsky
• About bedbugs

Bed bugs bite everyone, but people may experience their bites differently. We at Dezincity decided to check for ourselves what sensations a person experiences when bed bugs bite him, how these bites itch later, and if they don’t itch in this particular person, then does he experience any sensations when biting. That is, can he, for example, wake up from this.

Bedbugs were kept hungry for several days, and then several of them were placed on the arm and their behavior was observed. The entire experiment was filmed with a video camera.

The video clearly shows how the bug pierces the skin with its proboscis and begins to suck blood. The subject himself reports that at this time he feels absolutely nothing: no injection, no pain or itching, although he feels the bites of mosquitoes and fleas very well. It is noteworthy that the sensitivity to bedbug bites in humans can vary, even if their reaction to the bites of other insects is almost the same.

Why is it not immediately felt like bedbugs bite?

Piercing human skin with its proboscis, the bug injects saliva into the subcutaneous tissue, which contains certain biological substances. Among them is an anesthetic component, because of which a person does not feel an insect bite. Also, in the saliva of bedbugs, blood anticoagulants are released – substances similar to those used for the preparation of medicines.

The bug needs to make the blood of its prey minimally viscous so that it can be easily sucked out. Since the proboscis of these insects is short, they can only suck blood from small capillaries located not deep under the skin – in these capillaries the blood pressure is low and for successful suction it must be as liquid as possible. That is why they secrete a number of biological substances with saliva. Other blood-sucking parasites, including mosquitoes and ticks, also do this.

The video clearly shows that by sucking blood, the bug greatly increases in size. The parasite tries to drink as much blood as possible, so that later it can go without food for a long time.

The bug nymph, after full saturation, stretched almost twice in length

It is noteworthy that the bugs can fall into a state similar to anabiosis if no food can be found for a very long time. Thus, they can remain viable throughout the year. Adults can go without food much longer than nymphs, due to the ability to store more nutrients in their bodies.

What a parasite looks like sucking blood

Having sucked blood, the bugs swell greatly. The size of the body increases by one and a half times or more, which makes insects more visible. In this state, they are very easy to crush. In infected apartments, residents often find traces of blood on their bed, often attributing them to the effects of mosquito bites. However, such spots are a sign of the spread of bedbugs. At night, they bite a sleeping person, and he, turning over in bed, can periodically crush them.

Seeing bedbugs, many think whether it is worth crushing them. If the parasite has drunk blood, it may leave a trace, due to which the bed or clothes will have to be washed. At the same time, you should not worry that something can be infected from this blood. It is completely harmless, even if the bug has previously bitten an infected person.

After studying the behavior of the adult bug, the experiment was continued with the nymph. It is approximately three times smaller in size. The body of the nymph is translucent, pale yellow, and a small dark dot is visible on the abdomen. If you look closely, it becomes clear that this is the remnant of blood sucked by her.

Because of the translucent body, one can observe how the blood flows into the abdomen of the nymph and literally stretches it. From the state of the larva to full maturation, molting occurs 4-5 times. When a nymph lacks food, her development is delayed. If there is enough food, the nymph will feed approximately every 4 days and molt once every 6-8 days.

The video shows that the nymph runs along the arm for a long time and does not bite. This is due to the fact that when the light is on, these insects bite extremely rarely, as they instinctively feel a high risk of being noticed. Usually, they go in search of food in the dark, somewhere from 2-3 am to 6 am.

The presenter says that he does not feel the movement of the nymph along the arm at all, while, for example, it is almost impossible not to notice an ant on the skin. Thus, traveling often, staying in different hotels and hostels, you cannot be sure that bed bugs have never bitten you. It is quite possible that this happened, simply because of the low sensitivity to the bites of these insects, no traces were ever left on the hands or on the face, or they passed even before waking up.

The nymph used in the experiment got over the feeling of hunger, and she decided to bite the leader, despite the bright light. As a result, her body has tripled in size. Such a nymph looks very unpleasant, so many, having learned that bugs are found in their house, try to poison them as soon as possible. Those who also feel their bites are smeared with various ointments that repel insects.

In the video, you can see that the dark spot on the body of the nymph has slightly decreased after defecation.

If this excrement contains a pathogen of a dangerous disease and you accidentally smear it with your finger over a scratched bite, there is a risk of infection.

By the way, it is important to note that the size of the nymph and adult bugs is much larger than the holes in the fabric of a blanket or sheet. Since their body and head are larger than such pores in the fabric, parasites cannot bite a person through clothing, and they cannot penetrate inside a blanket or mattress if the fabric is intact and there are no holes in it.

After the nymph, another adult bug was placed on the host’s hand. If you look closely, then, like the nymphs, you can see a translucent intestine. This parasite, too, although hungry, does not dare to bite immediately.

How often do people not know at all that they are bitten by bedbugs?

According to statistics, about 70% of people do not feel bed bug bites. Redness on the skin and itching they either do not appear at all, or very quickly, while the person is still sleeping. It turns out that these parasites can live in an apartment and bite its tenants, remaining unnoticed if no one in the family has hypersensitivity.

On the other hand, if in one family one of its members is sensitive to bedbug bites, and someone does not feel them, then it may seem that bedbugs bite some people, but do not touch others. This is not so: bugs bite everyone equally hard, only in insensitive people this is completely imperceptible.

Very often in apartment buildings it happens that some residents are actively fighting bedbugs, while the other does not even suspect their presence in their housing. Because of this, pest control is ineffective, since insects quickly begin to spread again from infected apartments to others. Perhaps it is precisely because some people do not feel the bites of bedbugs and do not fight them that they continue to live in houses, despite any modern drugs that are used to destroy them.

Many people wonder if there is a certain threshold of sensitivity in humans, allowing them to feel bites. For example, if there are few bites, a person does not feel them, then with a large number of them, sensitivity should appear. In fact, some people may not feel anything at all even if they are bitten by a large number of bedbugs every night.

How often do bed bugs bite?

Adult bugs tend to bite a person several times during the night in order to be completely satiated. The nymph may be enough and once.

It is noteworthy that in nature, bugs often live in places where there is practically no light. They can be found in swallow nests and caves where bats live. They can feed not only on the blood of humans, but also of animals and birds.

Adult bug after full saturation.

Also known are hundreds of species of herbivorous bugs that feed on plant sap, live on trees and can only occasionally end up in apartments. Such bugs are often called street or forest bugs. They do not bite humans and cannot survive long in apartments.

At home, insects also prefer not to leave their shelters when it is light. They decide to leave a safe place if they are very hungry, as well as when opening their nests and treating them with chemicals. When they try to get rid of bedbugs, they begin to actively move in search of new housing.

The second adult bug, crawling along the arm, stopped in the place where the excrement of the nymph remained. Perhaps he smelled them, because they navigate in space mainly by smell.

Why are biting bugs dangerous?

By the way, it is the excrement of bedbugs that is most dangerous for humans. They can contain bacteria that cause complex infectious diseases. During research, the causative agents of plague, anthrax, leprosy and other diseases were found in the feces of these insects and their digestive tract. At the same time, the bug cannot infect a person during a bite, even if it bites through the skin and injects saliva into it. All these infections are contained only in the intestines of the parasite, but are not excreted with saliva.

The likelihood of infection exists if a person is bitten by a lot of bugs that leave their excrement on his skin, and the bites begin to itch. With severe sensitivity or an allergic reaction, a person may involuntarily comb the skin to blood and accidentally rub parasite feces into the wound. If they contain pathogens of any disease, then theoretically infection can occur.

This is the way Chagas disease spreads in South and Central America. Every year it causes the death of several thousand people. The main carriers of the infection are triatomine bugs. They also parasitize in residential buildings, but only in that region. The causative agent of the disease colonizes the digestive system of insects and is excreted by them only together with feces. Human infection occurs when they are accidentally rubbed into wounds and scratches on the skin.

Theoretically, the same can happen with the bites of ordinary house bugs. However, to date, not a single case has been registered when it would be reliably established that a person became infected precisely as a result of a bite of a bed bug or from its waste products.

Although fewer people are sensitive to bed bug bites, there are still many who experience severe redness, blistering and itching. In some cases, allergies can also go. Medical reference books say that a strong allergic reaction should not develop from a bug bite. At the same time, we often write to the editorial office and send photos of bite marks from these parasites, which swell greatly due to allergies. In rare cases, people even develop symptoms that are characteristic of Quincke’s edema. There is an opinion that a similar reaction can develop in a small child, but in fact the same risk exists in adults.

After completing the experiment with bedbug bites, the presenter did not have any traces on the skin. They didn’t show up the next morning either. In places of bites, the skin did not turn red and did not start to itch. In this way, bedbug bites differ from mosquito bites, after which discomfort always remains.

At the same time, for many people, the consequences of bedbug bites remain and are very painful. Therefore, we plan to continue a series of experiments and publications on how to protect ourselves from these parasites and fight them. Subscribe to our channel and stay updated!

Bed bug bites

Sometimes, waking up from sleep in the morning, you can notice swollen redness on the body, similar to a bite, but it is not clear which insect left it. People often think that these are the tricks of a mosquito, but in fact, bed bugs can also leave such traces. Their bites have their own characteristics.
First of all, they are distinguished by their multiplicity, but they look like dotted paths or similarities of pimples scattered in a chaotic manner. Bedbugs prefer places with thin skin, where it is easier to get to the blood, so they bite many times in a row until they get to the food. Many people who are victims of bed bugs are treated for allergies. They assume that these are allergic skin rashes caused by various irritants, but they are mistaken.
The following fact also contributes to the appearance of these misconceptions – these blood-sucking insects sometimes do not bite all family members who are in the apartment. This is due to the fact that it is easier for them to drink blood when the blood vessels on the human body are located close to the surface of the skin. In addition, each bitten tenant may have an ambiguous reaction: someone is tormented by endless itching, and someone does not even notice the resulting redness.

Lively food bed bugs observed from 3 am. There is evidence of cases when they bit a person during the night about 500 times. In the onslaught of these insects, a seasonal character is observed. So, for example, in the warm season they are more energetic.
Bites of adults and young representatives of the species are distinguished by the presence or absence of pain. Representatives of young animals are not inferior in activity to their mature relatives, but they cannot secrete analgesic enzymes. If an adult bug bites, the result can be detected far from immediately. And the bite of a young bloodsucker is felt instantly.
When it becomes clear that the bites are left by bed bugs, the question arises: “What is the treatment?”. In fact, the redness goes away on its own after a couple of days. You can disinfect the bitten areas by washing them with warm water and soap or by treating them with alcohol. And pain and itching are temporarily eliminated by the application of something cold. Also, the use of hydrocortisone ointments and antihistamines will contribute to rapid healing.
In some cases, bed bug bites may not heal for weeks and may even produce cloudy mucus. This indicates that an infection has occurred. Such symptoms oblige to consult a doctor for urgent treatment. To prevent the bites from recurring, you need to call a special service to your home that destroys harmful parasites .

PHOTO: HUMAN SKIN LESIONS

Bed bugs – some notes
Yes, it is better not to meet these insects at all, but little depends on us in this situation. And if you can somehow get rid of fleas, then the situation with a home (bed) bug is much more complicated. Naturally, you can also get rid of a bed bug by using the entire arsenal of chemicals against these blood-sucking parasites, using external environmental factors (for example, it is known that bed bugs avoid cold places, which means that the methods of control should be comprehensive and airing here will just be useful, especially if the yard is autumn-winter). But the whole trick is that you can be attacked by this “predatory beast” not only at home, but also at a party, in a hotel, on trains. The main thing is to observe several favorable conditions for the bug: warmth and the presence of a regular source of food. So, some of my colleagues were bitten by bedbugs on the train, which was noticed only upon arrival home.
A few words about the bugs themselves . Outwardly, it is a fairly small insect that is active at night. The bug hides in bed linen, in the crevices of the floors, in the seams of furniture upholstery and other places. It is interesting to note that not only female bugs are active, but also males and larval stages. And this is the reason for the clinical picture of the victim – multiple bites are noticeable in open areas of the body, which are painless and do not cause itching in the first hours after the bite (this is due to the composition of the bug’s saliva, which has some anesthetic properties). As mentioned above, it is quite difficult to deal with bed bugs: firstly, it is not so easy to find the habitat of the bug, and secondly, you still need to get it somehow. At the same time, heat treatment of the room is considered the most effective, since at temperatures above 50-60 degrees, bugs, larvae and their eggs die. But low temperature does not kill bedbugs, but only inhibits their activity and reproduction. Knowing these features, it is necessary to carry out at least two or three times the treatment of the room from bedbugs, otherwise, the effect may not be achieved at once.
So, just a few words about bug bites and symptoms . We have already said that bug bites are practically not felt by a person, but after some time, clearly visible red dots form on the skin, which sometimes (if you are allergic to bug bites) can become inflamed, itch and cause a lot of trouble. The localization of bites is interesting: most often they are located, as it were, along a fictional line; on the basis of this sign, one can distinguish a bug bite from bites of other insects. From a medical point of view, everything is also not simple: someone says that bedbugs are not carriers of serious infectious diseases, while others question this fact. One way or another, but psychological discomfort in a person occurs for sure, for many victims this is a serious problem. It is known that some patients are even afraid to fall asleep, as they already subconsciously fear bites and the fact that someone will crawl on their body. Much more dangerous are scratching. When combing bites, you can bring an infection, which will provoke serious inflammation. There is no special treatment for bedbug bites, however, to alleviate the patient’s condition, antihistamines can be used, the bite site should be treated with furacillin solution or another disinfectant. Do not treat the bite site with iodine, as this can lead to skin burns. Bed bug bites may go unnoticed by humans, or they may last for more than one week. In the example in the photo, the bites disappeared only after 10 days. By the way, bedbugs attack a person every night, this is also one of the signs (if you remember, the first sign of a bite is bedbug tracks) that you need to start fighting this insect.