What are the common symptoms of bug bites on fingers. How can you identify mite and flea bites. What are effective treatments for finger bug bites. How to prevent insect bites on hands and fingers.

Understanding Bedbug Infestations: A Modern Resurgence

Bedbugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, are blood-feeding parasites that have made a significant comeback in recent years. These nocturnal pests were nearly eradicated after World War II due to the widespread use of DDT. However, the ban on this pesticide in 1972, coupled with the rise of international travel and less effective pest control methods, has led to a resurgence of bedbug populations worldwide.

Urban areas and places with high occupant turnover, such as hotels, apartment buildings, and college dormitories, are particularly susceptible to bedbug infestations. Contrary to popular belief, the presence of bedbugs is not indicative of poor hygiene, as they can thrive in even the cleanest environments.

Identifying Bedbugs: Size, Appearance, and Behavior

Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed primarily on human blood. Adult bedbugs range from 1 to 7 millimeters in size, making them visible to the naked eye. These insects have six legs and flat, oval-shaped bodies that allow them to hide easily in cracks and crevices.

Unlike many other insects, bedbugs cannot fly or jump. They rely on crawling to move from one location to another. Bedbugs are most active at night, typically feeding on their hosts about an hour before dawn.

Bedbug Life Cycle and Reproduction

Female bedbugs can produce approximately one egg per day. These white eggs are difficult to spot without magnification and take about a week to hatch in room temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The newly hatched nymphs resemble adult bedbugs but are smaller and translucent until they have their first blood meal.

Bedbug nymphs take about five weeks to mature, shedding their skin five times during this period. Each molting occurs after a blood meal, gradually transforming the nymph into an adult bedbug.

Recognizing Bedbug Bites: Symptoms and Patterns

Bedbug bites are often the first sign of an infestation. These bites typically appear on exposed areas of the body during sleep, such as arms, legs, back, and neck. A distinctive pattern of three bites in a row, colloquially referred to as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” is a telltale sign of bedbug activity.

The reaction to bedbug bites can vary significantly from person to person. While some individuals may develop itchy, red bumps similar to mosquito bites, others may not react at all. In most cases, bedbug bites appear within 24 hours of being bitten and resemble small, red, itchy bumps on the skin.

Health Implications of Bedbug Bites

Despite the discomfort they cause, bedbug bites do not pose a significant health threat. These bites cannot transmit diseases to humans, but they can be itchy and uncomfortable. In rare cases, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or secondary infections due to excessive scratching.

Most bedbug bites heal on their own within two weeks. However, applying anti-itch creams or over-the-counter corticosteroid creams can help alleviate discomfort. If you experience severe allergic reactions or signs of infection, such as oozing pus, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist for appropriate treatment.

Effective Strategies for Bedbug Control and Elimination

Bedbugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate, which is why many people fear infestations more than other pests. Their ability to hide in small cracks and crevices, coupled with their rapid reproduction rate, makes them a formidable opponent in pest control efforts.

Professional Pest Control Services

Due to the challenging nature of bedbug infestations, many individuals opt for professional pest control services. Experienced exterminators have access to specialized equipment and treatments that can effectively target bedbugs in all stages of their life cycle.

DIY Bedbug Control Methods

While professional help is often the most effective solution, there are several DIY methods that can help control bedbug populations:

• Thoroughly vacuum all potentially infested areas, including mattresses, box springs, and furniture.
• Wash and dry all bedding, curtains, and clothing on high heat settings to kill bedbugs and their eggs.
• Use mattress and box spring encasements to trap existing bedbugs and prevent new infestations.
• Apply diatomaceous earth or other bedbug-specific insecticides in cracks and crevices where bedbugs may hide.

Preventing Bedbug Infestations: Proactive Measures

Prevention is key when it comes to bedbug control. By implementing certain practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of bringing bedbugs into your home:

1. Inspect second-hand furniture thoroughly before bringing it into your home.
2. Use protective covers on mattresses and box springs to eliminate hiding spots for bedbugs.
3. When traveling, inspect hotel rooms for signs of bedbugs and keep luggage elevated and away from beds and walls.
4. Regularly inspect your home, especially after traveling or hosting guests, for any signs of bedbug activity.

Mite Bites: Tiny Pests with a Big Impact

While bedbugs often steal the spotlight in discussions about biting insects, mites are another group of tiny pests that can cause significant discomfort. Mites are microscopic arachnids that come in various species, some of which feed on human blood and skin cells.

Common Types of Biting Mites

Several types of mites are known to bite humans, including:

• Scabies mites: These parasitic mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching and a rash.
• Chiggers: The larvae of these mites attach to skin folds and hair follicles, causing red, itchy bumps.
• Bird mites: These mites typically infest birds but can bite humans when their primary hosts are unavailable.
• Dust mites: While they don’t bite, their presence can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Identifying and Treating Mite Bites

Mite bites often appear as small, red, itchy bumps on the skin. The location and pattern of bites can vary depending on the type of mite involved. For example, scabies mites tend to create burrow-like tracks on the skin, while chigger bites are often found in clusters around areas where clothing fits tightly.

Treatment for mite bites typically involves relieving symptoms and eliminating the infestation. Over-the-counter antihistamines and anti-itch creams can help alleviate discomfort. In cases of scabies, prescription medications may be necessary to eliminate the mites.

Flea Bites: Not Just a Problem for Pets

Fleas are small, wingless insects that are primarily known for infesting pets. However, these agile jumpers can also bite humans, causing discomfort and potential health issues.

Characteristics of Flea Bites

Flea bites on humans typically appear as small, red, itchy bumps, often in groups of three or four. These bites are commonly found on the lower legs and ankles, as fleas tend to jump from the ground onto their hosts.

Unlike bedbug bites, which are usually painless at first, flea bites can be immediately painful and intensely itchy. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to flea saliva, resulting in larger, more swollen bites.

Treating and Preventing Flea Bites

To treat flea bites, wash the affected area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can help alleviate itching. In cases of severe reactions, oral antihistamines may be necessary.

Preventing flea bites primarily involves controlling flea populations in your environment:

• Regularly treat pets with veterinarian-approved flea prevention products.
• Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and pet bedding frequently.
• Wash pet bedding in hot water regularly.
• Consider professional pest control services for severe infestations.

Differentiating Between Bug Bites: A Comparative Analysis

Distinguishing between different types of bug bites can be challenging, as many produce similar symptoms. However, understanding the subtle differences can help in identifying the culprit and determining the appropriate treatment.

Bedbug vs. Flea Bites

Bedbug bites often appear in a linear or clustered pattern, while flea bites are typically scattered and concentrated on the lower legs and ankles. Bedbug bites may not be immediately noticeable or itchy, whereas flea bites tend to be immediately painful and intensely itchy.

Mite vs. Bedbug Bites

Mite bites, particularly scabies, often create visible burrow tracks on the skin, which are not present in bedbug bites. Additionally, mite infestations may cause more widespread, generalized itching compared to the localized nature of bedbug bites.

Flea vs. Mite Bites

Flea bites are usually larger and more raised than mite bites. They also tend to be more painful initially. Mite bites, especially from scabies, may be accompanied by intense itching that worsens at night, which is less common with flea bites.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bug Bites

While most bug bites can be treated at home, certain situations warrant medical attention:

• Signs of allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or widespread hives
• Symptoms of infection, including increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the bite area
• Persistent or worsening symptoms despite home treatment
• Suspicion of scabies or other parasitic infestations that require prescription treatment
• Fever or flu-like symptoms following a bite, which could indicate a more serious condition

In these cases, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can provide appropriate medications and advice to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Integrated Pest Management: A Holistic Approach to Bug Control

Effective control of biting insects and mites often requires a comprehensive strategy known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This approach combines various methods to prevent and manage pest infestations while minimizing environmental impact and health risks.

Key Components of IPM

1. Identification: Accurately identifying the pest species is crucial for developing an effective control strategy.
2. Monitoring: Regular inspections and monitoring help detect infestations early and assess the effectiveness of control measures.
3. Prevention: Implementing preventive measures, such as sealing entry points and reducing clutter, can deter pest infestations.
4. Cultural controls: Modifying the environment to make it less favorable for pests, such as controlling humidity levels.
5. Physical controls: Using traps, barriers, or heat treatments to eliminate pests without chemicals.
6. Biological controls: Utilizing natural predators or pathogens to control pest populations.
7. Chemical controls: Using pesticides judiciously and as a last resort when other methods are insufficient.

By adopting an IPM approach, homeowners and pest control professionals can effectively manage biting insect and mite populations while minimizing the use of potentially harmful chemicals.

Benefits of IPM for Bug Bite Prevention

Implementing an IPM strategy offers several advantages in the fight against biting pests:

• Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, leading to fewer environmental and health concerns
• Long-term effectiveness by addressing the root causes of infestations
• Cost-effectiveness through prevention and early intervention
• Improved indoor air quality by minimizing the use of chemical treatments
• Better overall pest control by targeting multiple species simultaneously

By embracing IPM principles, individuals can create a safer, more comfortable living environment while effectively managing the risks associated with biting insects and mites.

All About Bedbugs

Good night, sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.

The popular children’s rhyme gets it right: Bedbugs do most commonly feed on humans at night while they’re sleeping (though they can sometimes bite during the day), and they’re the type of pest you really don’t want to have to deal with. (1)

Bedbugs (or Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, their scientific names) are blood-feeding parasites that can be found all around the world. You mostly hear about them in urban areas or places with a great deal of occupant turnover, such as hotels, apartment buildings, and college dormitories, because that’s where they spread most easily. (1)

Bedbugs were nearly extinct after World War II thanks to the use of dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). The United States banned DDT in 1972 because of its negative environmental effects, and the less-effective pesticides that came after it, along with a rise in international travel and immigration, has contributed to the bedbug resurgence we’re experiencing today. (3)

What Do Bedbugs Look Like, and How Do I Know I Have Them?

Bedbugs are reddish-brown insects that feed on blood, primarily blood from humans. (4) Bedbugs crawl, but cannot fly or jump like many other insects do. (1) Also unlike cockroaches and flies, bedbugs have no relationship with cleanliness and can be found in the cleanest homes and hotel rooms, says Scott Svenheim, an associate certified entomologist with Truly Nolen Pest Control in Tucson, Arizona.

“Many people believe that bedbugs are too small to see with the naked eye,” adds Jerry Lazarus, president of Braman Termite & Pest Elimination. Not so: Adult bedbugs range in size from 1 to 7 millimeters. But they’re very good at hiding. To spot them, you’ll have to catch them moving to or from their hiding spots, which can be hard to do, since they’re most active while people are sleeping. They have six legs and their bodies are small and flat, which makes it easy for them to hide within the cracks and crevices of your home.

Female bedbugs produce about one egg per day. The eggs are white and are very hard to see without magnification, Lazarus says. The eggs take about one week to hatch in rooms that are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (F). The nymphs that hatch from those eggs look like adult bedbugs, but they’re smaller and are translucent until they have their first blood meal, Svenheim says. (1) The nymphs take about five weeks to mature, and during those five weeks they shed their skin five times, each time after feeding. (5)

Learn More About How to Know You Have Bedbugs

Bedbug Bites Can Be Intensely Itchy — or You May Not Even Notice Them

Bedbugs are sneaky insects. They bite in the middle of the night (usually about one hour before dawn), injecting an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that makes it painless and unlikely that you’ll feel a thing. After feeding for about five minutes, the bugs will retreat back to their hiding places.

For most people, the first sign of bedbugs is bites on the body. The bites will show up in any place that’s exposed while you sleep, such as the arms, legs, back, and neck.

More on Bug Bites

What Bit Me? Spot These 11 Bug Bites

You could have a single bite, but more often it’s three bites in a row, forming somewhat of a line—what’s colloquially called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” and is a telltale sign of bedbugs.

Bites can look different from person to person. “In some people, they can cause allergic reactions, although some people don’t react at all,” Lazarus says. In most cases, a bedbug bite looks a lot like a mosquito bite — a red, itchy bump on your skin that appears within 24 hours of your being bitten.

Though the idea of having bedbugs in your home can be troubling, the bugs themselves don’t pose a threat to your health (nor do their bites). (1) “These bites can’t spread disease to humans, but they can be itchy and uncomfortable,” says Steve Durham, president of EnviroCon Termite & Pest in Tomball, Texas.

You likely won’t need to visit a doctor as a result of getting bitten by a bedbug. (6) Usually, the bites will heal within two weeks on their own, though you may want to apply an anti-itch cream or corticosteroid cream to the area to relieve itchiness. (7)

If you experience an allergic reaction or the area shows signs of infection, such as if the area oozes pus, it may be time to visit a dermatologist. He or she will likely prescribe an antihistamine and corticosteroid to treat an allergic reaction, or an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment for an infection.

Learn More About Identifying and Treating Bedbug Bites

Bedbugs Are Notoriously Tough to Get Rid Of (But You CAN Do It)

“One of the main reasons people fear bedbug infestations more than most other pests is because they are notoriously tough to get rid of,” Durham says. That’s why many people turn to professionals for help. “Most do-it-yourself attempts end in failure and frustration, since over-the-counter products can be misapplied and infested areas can be easily missed,” Lazarus says. “Often, this means spending a lot of your own money and time and still having a problem.” (Plus, failure to correctly use DIY extermination products can be dangerous to your health and those you live with.)

If you decide to go the professional route, there are three common treatment options the pest control expert may take:

1. Insecticide Application Use of insecticides is the most common route to get rid of bedbugs. Treating bedbugs this way requires preparation, such as washing bedding and clothing and placing items that can’t be washed in garbage bags out in the hot sun. Sometimes, a few rounds of insecticides are needed to get rid of the bedbug population entirely.
2. Heat Remediation A pest control professional will heat the infected space to temperatures that kill bedbugs, usually between 120 and 130 degrees F. This method requires much less prep work than insecticide application and usually will successfully eliminate the bedbugs and the eggs on the first treatment, so there’s likely no need for a follow-up visit.
3. Fumigation This option is less commonly available. It works by injecting a vacated building with a gas that kills the bedbugs inside.

You can also try to apply insecticides yourself, though the products available to professionals are usually more effective than those available to consumers. When choosing a product, look for one that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and specifically lists bedbugs on the label. (8) You’ll likely need to do a few rounds of treatment, because it can be very difficult to find and kill bedbug eggs.

To successfully get rid of bedbugs, you need to be extremely thorough. “Bedbugs are excellent at hiding and will be in places where most people wouldn’t check — behind peeling wallpaper, in the rails of drawers, in hollow curtain rods, and in electronics,” Lazarus says. If even just one bedbug is left behind, you’ll still be in trouble, Durham says.

Learn More About How to Get Rid of Bedbugs

The Insecticides Used to Kill Bedbugs Can Be Harmful to People (and Pets), Too, if Used Incorrectly

It’s important to approach bedbug treatment carefully, because insecticides that are used to kill bedbugs can also be harmful to you if you’re exposed to unsafe levels. Symptoms of unsafe pesticide exposure include vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and trouble breathing. (9)

More on Safety

Insecticides and Autoimmune Disease: What Women Should Know

When they’re used safely and according to the label, insecticides shouldn’t pose a threat to you or any other family members or pets you live with, Lazarus says. Insecticides are sold as dusts, liquids, aerosols, and foggers. There are also organic and natural products on the market, though some research has found they’re not as effective at killing bedbugs as traditional insecticides. (10)

If you hire a professional to treat the bedbugs in your home, you’ll want to ask them a few safety-related questions, including:

• What insecticides do you plan to use? You can look up the products yourself (or consult your doctor or vet about them) to see if there are any precautions you need to take. (11)
• Do you have a list of references? Call the references to ask about their experience working with this company.
• Are you a certified, licensed pesticide applicator or a licensed technician?
• Do you use integrated pest management techniques? This effective approach attacks bedbugs from all angles and treats them with a combination of heat, steam, and insecticides. (12)

Watch out for insecticide products sold over the internet that come from outside the U.S. — they may contain ingredients that have been banned by the EPA, which could mean health (and potentially legal) issues for you. (13)

Learn More About How to Deal With Bedbugs Safely

To Prevent Getting Bedbugs, Be Smart About How They Spread

Bedbugs are excellent hitchhikers. They grab onto luggage and purses or find hiding spots within folded clothes to make it back to your home. Getting them is just bad luck. “There is no real reason one person would get bedbugs over someone else,” Svenheim says. “It’s just being in the wrong place at the wrong time where bedbugs exist. ”

And they can exist everywhere, from restaurant booths to seats at the movie theater to changing rooms at the mall. “It’s really about being educated about what they are, how you can get them, and doing things the right way to prevent you from bringing them back to your house,” says Eric Braun, a board-certified entomologist and technical services manager for the national pest control company Rentokil.

There are some precautions you can take to minimize the chances that you’ll end up taking home a bedbug on your next trip.

• When you check into a hotel room or settle into a home rental, inspect the space for pepper-like stains on the bedsheets and mattress seams, Lazarus says. That’s a sign of bedbug activity. If you think your room may have bedbugs, ask for a new room that’s not next to or directly above or below your original room, Lazarus suggests.
• Keep your luggage away from the bed and off the floor. Braun says not to use luggage racks or unpack your clothing into the hotel room drawers. He says it’s safest to keep your luggage stored in the bathtub.
• If you notice bedbug bites while on your trip, be sure to wash the clothing from your suitcase (whether you wore it or not) and dry on hot for at least 30 minutes for the best chances to kill the bugs before they infest your home — and use a portable steamer to apply heat to suitcases and any items that cannot go in the dryer, Lazarus says.

Frequent travelers aren’t the only ones at risk of picking up a hitchhiking bedbug. People who live in apartment buildings and dormitories also have an increased risk (because higher rates of turnover and closer living quarters increase the chances bedbugs will have the opportunity to spread). Because of this, many universities recommend students wrap their mattress and box spring with a protective cover or mattress encasement to keep bedbugs out. (14) Look for ones made of high-quality cloth, which won’t tear as easily as plastic.

People living in apartments should also consider adding a door sweep to their front door to minimize the chances that bedbugs will sneak in from the communal hallway. (15) Keeping cracks around electrical work or plumbing filled also gives the bedbugs fewer places to break in. (16)

Finally, be careful not to bring bedbugs into your home through secondhand furniture by inspecting the items before you purchase them.

Learn More About How to Prevent Bedbugs

Having Bedbugs Can Come With an Emotional Toll. Here’s What to Do About It

Bedbug infestations are treatable, and the bugs themselves don’t pose a threat to your health, but having to deal with bedbugs can be very stressful.

“Having an actual bedbug infestation is pretty psychologically traumatizing in general,” says Katherine Maloy, MD, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health in New York City. “It’s extremely overwhelming — even just the logistics of getting your home cleaned — and it takes a very long time because the bugs have a long dormancy period in which they can go without food.” In the right conditions, bedbugs can live for more than a year without feeding.

Wondering if they’re truly gone or not can cause a lot of anxiety. People dealing with bedbugs may also experience: (17,18)

• Difficulty sleeping
• Nightmares
• Depression
• Social isolation
• Flashbacks

RELATED: When Doctors Diagnose ‘Bedbug Psychosis’

Additionally, dealing with bedbugs can make existing mental health issues worse. Researchers say the toll the experience takes on one’s mental health is similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. (19)

Dr. Maloy says if you’re dealing with bedbugs, talk to someone you trust, and visit a professional if it’s really taking a toll on your life. “It’s the same as with anything else that’s causing distress,” Maloy says. “If it’s interfering with your functioning, if it’s interfering with your life, it’s interfering with your relationships and your work, if you’re not able to function because you’re not sleeping,” she says — it’s time to seek help.

Learn More About Getting Over the Mental Distress Bedbugs Can Bring

The Best Skin-Care Ingredients and Products to Shield Against Environmental Damage

UV rays, blue light, and air pollution can cause fine lines and wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots. Fortunately, certain skin-care ingredients can help…

By Jessica MigalaJuly 13, 2023

20 Ways to Preserve — and Boost — Collagen in Your Face

Try these skin-care products, procedures, and habits for smoother, plumper, and healthier-looking skin today. Each of these recommendations is supported…

By Jessica MigalaJuly 11, 2023

What Is Face Yoga? Plus, 5 Exercises to Try at Home

Face yoga may help reduce premature signs of skin aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Here’s a look at the limited research behind this approach and…

By Moira LawlerJuly 7, 2023

How to Know if You Have Bedbugs

Bedbugs are small, oval, and reddish-brown. The telltale sign you have them is the itchy bite marks they leave on your skin (they feed on human blood,…

By Moira LawlerNovember 15, 2022

The Emotional Toll of Having Bedbugs

Bedbugs don’t pose serious threats to your physical health. But having an infestation (no matter how mild) can come with real psychological consequences…

By Moira LawlerOctober 18, 2022

What Do Bedbugs Bites Look Like?

Bedbug bites look like small, swollen red spots and are very itchy. Here’s what you need to know about these bites, how to distinguish them from other…

By Moira LawlerAugust 22, 2022

How to Safely Get Rid of Bedbugs

Pesticides used to kill bedbugs may also be harmful to humans if used improperly or if they haven’t been evaluated and registered with the Environmental…

By Moira LawlerJuly 21, 2022

How to Get Rid of Bedbugs

To get rid of bedbugs successfully and for good requires a bit of work on your end. And usually bedbug infestations are best left to the professionals…

By Moira LawlerJuly 19, 2022

How to Prevent Bedbugs (and Keep Them From Coming Back)

The easiest way to deal with a bedbug infestation is to avoid it in the first place, which is much easier said than done. Here are some tips for when …

By Moira LawlerJuly 19, 2022

See All

Everything You Need to Know About Mite and Flea Bites

What Bit Me? Spot These 12 Bug Bites

What Are Mites, and Do They Bother Humans?

Mites are arthropods, not insects, and are close cousins with spiders and ticks. (1) Most types of mites feed on other insects or on dead plant and animal material. (Dust mites, for example, feed mostly on dead skin cells.)

But there are a few types that bite or affect people: (2,3)

• Chiggers
• Scabies
• Rat mites
• Bird mites
• Northern fowl mites

Despite what you may have heard or read online, home mite infestations are fairly rare and tend to be much less of an issue than people assume, says Mike Merchant, PhD, a former professor of entomology at Texas A&M University in Dallas. “A lot of the mite stuff on the internet makes it sound like [a mite infestation is] the end of the world, but it’s not,” he says.

Can Mites Be Harmful to Your Health?

Mite bites can cause skin lumps and rashes and, occasionally, more serious reactions, Dr. Merchant says.

Among outdoor mites, the only type that frequently bites people is the chigger. The word “chigger” applies to a particular species of mite that bites during its larval stage of development, and their bite produces an intensely itchy red welt, Merchant explains. “There are not too many other mite problems outdoors,” he adds.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Chigger Bites

When it comes to indoor mites that bite or cause health issues, Merchant says most spring from animal nests. “Some mites will infest the nests of birds and rats and mice, and when they become abundant, they’ll leave that site and sometimes wander into the house and bite people,” he explains. In most cases, the bites of these mites cause an itchy skin rash, which may feature small lumps or pimples.

“The skin might be very itchy or red for a few days, but then that will taper off,” Merchant says of mite bites. Ice and anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone can help control the swelling and itching. But those symptoms should resolve within a week, he says. (Nearly all species of biting house mites cannot live on human beings, and so they don’t “infest people,” he adds.)

There is one outlier: scabies. These mites infest a person’s skin in order to lay eggs and feed, and are usually only passed by direct person-to-person contact. (4) Like other mites, scabies tend to cause an itchy, pimply red rash. But unlike other mites, those rashes will continue to appear unless the person gets medical treatment, usually a prescription-only skin cream or lotion designed to kill scabies.

Dust mites can cause allergies in some people, but these tend to be of the mild, seasonal allergy variety — stuff like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. (5) Over-the-counter and prescription allergy meds can help quell dust mite allergies.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Allergies

How to Get Rid of Mites in Your Household

You don’t need a crazy whole-house treatment or fumigation. You just need to remove the animals and animal nests that are bringing mites into your home, Merchant says. “Everybody always wants a spray to solve these types of mite problems, but the real solution is getting rid of any animals nesting in your home, and animal-proofing your home,” he says. Basically, call in a home pest pro.

The exception here, again, is the scabies mite; in addition to getting medical treatment, you can take steps to eliminate the mites from your household. Scabies mites don’t survive very long when they’re not on human skin. Vacuum your home the day you start treatment and decontaminate your bedding, clothing, and towels by washing these items in hot water and drying on high heat. You can also dry-clean or seal these articles in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours.

When it comes to dust mites, on the other hand, it’s almost impossible to get rid of them all. But frequent home cleaning and dusting, installing HEPA air filters, and buying bedding that can be washed in hot water and that resists dust accumulation can limit allergic reactions.

What Are Fleas, and What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

Fleas are blood-sucking insects that live on mammals — often dogs, cats, or other furry pets. (6) Fleas are brown and wingless. And while they’re small, usually around an eighth of an inch, they’re big enough to see or even feel with your hand, Merchant says.

While they prefer animals to humans, fleas can migrate off pets and onto their owner’s skin. “Usually flea bites are on the lower legs because the fleas get into the carpet and then jump up as we’re walking past,” Merchant explains.

What does a flea bite look like? Like many other types of insect bites, flea bites produce small red bumps that may be itchy and that tend to appear in groups of three or more. Again, ice and hydrocortisone can help relieve symptoms, which tend to be short-lived — a week or less.

More Serious Health Complications Can Arise if You Have Mites or Fleas

Like all biting or stinging insects, mites and fleas can occasionally cause serious allergic reactions, including problems breathing or a swollen limb or throat. Those symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency room.

Also, anything that causes itchy skin or open sores can allow in bacteria, which could lead to a secondary infection. (7) If you notice swelling, pain, or a mite or flea bite that seems to be getting worse after a day or two, or if you have a fever or other flu-like symptoms, talk to a doctor. Those could all be signs of a bacterial infection.

Finally, both fleas and mites can transmit some potentially serious diseases to humans — namely types of typhus and spotted fever — though these transmissions are very rare. Symptoms include headaches, fever, rashes, and delirium. (8)

Is It Skeeter Syndrome?

Skeeter syndrome is relatively rare, but having it means you’re having an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite. You’ll notice a bigger, longer-lasting…

By Lisa RapaportJune 28, 2023

Are You a Mosquito Magnet? A Coconut-Scented Soap Might Help

Coconut might help keep mosquitoes away, according to a new study, joining other natural insect repellents like peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and…

By Lisa RapaportMay 15, 2023

Bug Bites and Stings: Everything You Need to Know

Reactions to bug bites and stings range from being very mild to wildly irritating to life-threatening. Here’s how to identify the signs and symptoms of…

By Markham HeidMay 6, 2023

Did a Bee Sting Me? Treatment Options, Allergic Reactions, Home Remedies, and More

Do bumblebees sting? Certain types of bees can, and it’s possible to have a negative reaction. Get details on the signs you’ve been stung by a bee, bee…

By Valencia HigueraOctober 30, 2022

Everything You Need to Know About Ant Bites

Fire ants and red harvester ants don’t actually bite, they sting. And their stings can be unpleasant. Here’s what you need to know about how to spot ant…

By Markham HeidOctober 25, 2022

Identifying and Treating Spider Bites

Here’s everything you need to know about what a spider bite looks like and what to do about them. Experts say spider bites are actually quite rare, but…

By Markham HeidOctober 5, 2022

Why Mosquito Bites Itch and How to Get Relief

Mosquito bites itch because your immune system sends histamine to the area to repair damage. The good news is that simple home remedies, and in some cases…

By Markham HeidOctober 5, 2022

Bitten by a Tick? How to Know

Here’s how you know you’ve been bitten by a tick, how to safely remove the tick, and when to see a doctor. Precautions must be taken if you suspect a …

By Markham HeidSeptember 26, 2022

Stationary

• Main
• Administration
• About us
  • Structure of medical care
  • Thanks
  • media about us
  • Patients about us
  • Thank you doctor
  • Information about medical workers
  • Photo Gallery →
    • Saturday May 2023
    • 07/08/2016 Intellectual game What? Where? When?
    • Medical Worker’s Day June 17, 2016
    • April 22, 2016 fire drill
    • November 4, 2015
    • Fire drill – September 9, 2015
    • November 4, 2014 – National Unity Day
    • Saturday April 2014
    • New Year 2013
  • Our sponsors
• Patients
  • Services →
    • Free of charge
    • On a fee basis
  • Recommendations →
    • Rules for preparing for diagnostic tests
    • Test preparation rules
    • First aid algorithms
    • Pharmacotherapy of chronic pain syndrome in adult patients in the provision of palliative care in inpatient and outpatient settings
  • Healthy lifestyle
• Divisions
  • Hospital →
    • Rules and terms of hospitalization
    • Department of medical rehabilitation of patients with somatic diseases
    • Nursing department
    • Therapeutic Day Hospital
    • Neurological Day Hospital
  • Polyclinic →
    • Polyclinic
    • Registry
    • Therapeutic Department No. 1
    • Therapeutic Department No. 2
    • Department of Medical Prevention
    • Specialist offices
    • Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Women’s consultation
  • Emergency Department
  • Department of medical (family) practice
• Prophylaxis
• Chief Physician’s Blog
• Coronavirus prevention
  • Vaccination against COVID-19
  • COVID-19 leaflets

Version for
visually impaired

The requested page was not found. Go to the main page, or use the site search.

Insect bite prevention

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

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

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

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

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

5 common insect bites in summer

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

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

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

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

There are about 4,000 species of biting midges . The smallest of the flies that attack humans can range in size from 1 to 3 mm. Despite their tiny size, midge bites can be irritating and even cause local pain.

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

First Aid

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

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

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

Basic precautions for preventing insect bites

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

Wear closed clothing, do not walk barefoot on the grass.

Apply insect repellant to exposed skin or clothing as directed – repellants containing 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective.