There’s a reason why pest control services are an essential to keep your home or commercial space comfortable. Not only can bugs and critters be annoying, they can also leave behind a nasty bite or sting.
If you’re noticing marks on your skin that are irritated or itchy, you might have a pest problem. We’ve put together a quick guide to some of the most common reactions to bites. This may help you to determine what’s infiltrated your space. It’s not always easy to identify pests, so if you’re in any doubt don’t hesitate to call an expert.
Bug Bites
A bite is when a pest pierces the skin to feed on its victim’s blood. It’s possible for a bug to bite and feed on you without you noticing, so you may not see it happen. Other creatures can latch on for a long time. If these nasty bugs feed on an inconspicuous area, you may find them swollen and have trouble removing them safely until they’ve finished feeding.
A bite can become inflamed and itchy. They can also result in welts and rashes, depending on your reaction. Some creatures can transmit diseases when they bite, so it’s important to be vigilant. If you’re having a very strong reaction to a bug bite, you could have an allergy or be infected with a nasty disease. In these cases, you must seek medical help immediately.
Biting Insects
There are a few different types of bugs that are likely to leave behind bites. The characteristics of their bites are slightly different, which might make them easier to identify.
Fleas
Fleas are common in households where there are pets. Fleas can also be embedded in carpets and furnishings, remaining dormant throughout the winter and becoming active in warmer weather. They’re a nuisance because they’re very small and notoriously hard to get rid of.
Flea bites usually look like small, red dots on the skin. They can be very itchy but don’t usually swell much, unless you’re having a reaction. Fleas can bite multiple times. You’re most likely to see flea bites on your feet and ankles, but they can bite anywhere.
It’s unlikely that a flea will transmit any dangerous diseases to you.
Bed Bugs
It can be really difficult to spot bed bugs. They usually come out at night, feed and then hide.
The telltale sign of a bed bug is that their bites will appear in a fairly uniform line. The bites can be very itchy, though allergic reactions are rare.
Bed bugs don’t transmit dangerous diseases, but they are annoying. It’s most common to find bed bugs in hotels. Therefore, it’s usually best to inspect the bed thoroughly before settling in for the night.
Mosquitoes
If you’ve ever been to a hot country, you’re likely to have encountered a mosquito before. They’re small, winged creatures that are known to leave a nasty bite. Mosquito bites usually result in an itchy bump that swells. Some people are more prone to swelling, leading to an unpleasant reaction.
Using an insect repellent can help to deter them. If they’re causing a significant issue, you should sleep with a mosquito net.
Mosquitoes are known to transmit Malaria through their bite, though this is more common in some countries than others. If you’re travelling to countries where Malaria is a risk, make sure you get an appropriate vaccination first.
Ticks
Ticks are parasites that feed on blood. They tend to hide in long grass and latch onto hosts when they walk past. They’re commonly found on animals, but can also attack humans.
The issue with ticks is that they need to be dealt with properly. If you pull one off without care, you could end up leaving the mouth parts behind, stuck in your skin. This is an infection risk, and is easily avoided with proper technique. To remove a tick, you should use tweezers or a special tick removal tool (if you have one). By grabbing the tick as close to your skin as possible and gently pulling, you should be able to remove it safely. If anything gets left behind, seek medical attention.
Ticks can carry Lyme disease. If you develop flu-like symptoms or a rash around the area you were bitten, see a doctor as soon as possible. These rashes can take months to form, so keep an eye out.
If You’re Being Bitten, Call Terminate Pest Control Today
Bug bites can be really annoying, and sometimes even dangerous. If you’re getting multiple bites and need some help getting rid of the pests that cause them, call Terminate Pest Control.
