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Got Bitten? Here’s How to Identify and Treat 8 Common Bug Bites!

It occurs to the best of us; you find a welt or some red dots and the itching starts. Was it perhaps even a , a , or a ? Although it can be difficult to pinpoint the offender, knowing what bit you need treated and whether you want medical attention depends on this information. Though some bug bites might be more than simply annoying—they can contain hazards—bug bites are rather prevalent, especially as the warmer months roll in June. This is a simple guide to enable you to identify and treat the most often occurring bug bites.


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Bug Bite Identification: Methodology

Many of the insects in our planet depend on biting us and other animals for survival. Bug bites can occur anywhere—at the beach, in the woods, in hotel rooms, even in your own house and yard—while none of anybody like serving the feast for these minibeasts.


They are all over. Therefore, it can be difficult to identify where, when, or what type of eerie crawly is responsible when that itching starts. Here's a list to some of the most often occurring bug bite offenders to aid.


1 Mosquito bites


PHOTO: Houston Methodist

Among the most often occurring bug bites in the globe are mosquito ones. Except for Antarctica, every area of the world boasts mosquito activity.


Usually, mosquito bites produce swollen, itching lumps on your skin. Depending on how many mosquitoes chose to feast on you, you may get one or several. Closely inspection reveals a small dark area in the middle—that is the real bite. Your body is responding immunologically with the surrounding swelling and itching.


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Identifying Mosquito Bites:

Though most mosquito bites are simply a nuisance, mosquitoes can also carry diseases. From the bite itself, you cannot determine your level of danger. Usually showing up one week or two, symptoms include fever, chills, aches, pains, or a spreading rash. If you start feeling sick—fever, chills, aches, pains—and you have been bitten by a mosquito, you should see a healthcare provider.

Certain mosquitoes have diseases including:

  • Found largely throughout Africa, North and South America, Asia, Europe, and the Indian subcontinent, chikungunya.
  • Common throughout Africa, North and South America, Asia, and the Pacific area is zika.
  • Common in Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Europe, dengue is also present in
  • Most often found in Africa, North America, West Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, West Nile virus.
  • Mostly present in sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is a parasite.
  • Usually encountered in Africa and South America, yellow fever.

Although these diseases are rare, it's still wise to be careful, particularly if you are having symptoms following a bite.


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Fun fact

Mosquitoes of the female gender bite. Thus, it is only the ladies trying to grab you while the men are bustling about doing their thing. (A modest victory, right?)

2 Bed bug bites


PHOTO: Sterifab

Remember when your parents used to say, "Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite"? It seemed to be a benign nighttime rhyme when I was little. However, you might reconsider the expression once you understand bed bugs are actual and biteable.


Identifying Bed Bug Bites:

Usually leaving red welts on the skin, bed bug bites frequently follow a line or cluster of three or more. This is so because bed bugs follow a unique pattern—they stop feeding, move a few small steps, then resume feeding.

What should you do if you discover bed bugs?

Try not to panic. To help clear bugs from your skin, a healthcare professional might advise an insecticide wash. To get rid of any last bits, wash your sheets, pillowcases, and upholstery in hot water; if at all feasible, bleach them.


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Pro-tip for spotting bed bugs

Start your hunt right in your bed. And using white sheets helps you find these little bugs more easily. Usually leaving dark traces on your linens, bed bugs resemble skid marks. These marks are even more easily seen on a white or light-colored backdrop.

3 Horsefly bites


PHOTO: Daily Express

Among those insects that ensure you know they have bit you are horseflies. Horseflies usually leave a lasting impression unlike lesser insects that go unseen; it's not a nice one either.


Identifying Horsefly Bites:

Usually somewhat painful, horsefly bites rip into your skin to feed these bugs. You may find a little blood around the bite place; the bite itself usually is red, itching, and swollen. Often more painful than mosquito bites, these bites can cause great discomfort.

What to Do If Bitten by a Horsefly:

Should you be bitten by a horsefly, it is advisable to thoroughly clean the area to prevent an infection. Using an ice pack might help lower swelling and dull discomfort. Relief could come from over-the-counter anti-itch lotions or antihistamines. See a healthcare provider if the bite doesn't go better or exhibits symptoms of infection.


4 Flea bites


PHOTO: Chandler Exterminator Pest Control Gilbert Arizona

Though many people associate fleas with animals, anyone—pet owner or not—can become prey for these microscopic invaders. Fleas love to hang around in dark places like under trees or long grass; they will not hesitate to ride on you or your pet and into your house.

Identifying Flea Bites:

Usually tiny and red, flea bites are rather itchy. Usually found near the ground, fleas show up in swarms, particularly around your feet and ankles. Your pet has fleas or you probably have been bitten by these parasites if you find these little bites after being outside. One great thing is that everyone is able to so there is nothing no worry at all!


What to Do If Bitten by Fleas:

If bitten by fleas, clean the affected area completely to stop infection and apply anti-itch lotions or antihistamines to ease the inflammation. If your pet has fleas, treat them right away with flea medication and clean your house, paying especially attention to bedding, furniture, and carpets. See a healthcare provider if the bites don't get better or exhibit indicators of illness.


5 Stink Bugs bites


PHOTO: Miche Pest Control

Though they sound like a comedy, stink bugs are not at all funny. Their name comes from their defense strategy, which is a terrible smell released when threatened. Here's what you need know if stink bugs are your problem.


Identifying Stink Bugs:

Different from other bugs, stink bugs do not bite. Rather, they are infamous for breaking into houses—especially in the fall—searching for winter cover. You can find them on your walls, windows, or sometimes within your house. When disturbed or squished, they can smell strongly and unpleasantly, which helps one identify them.

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6 June Bugs


PHOTO: MosquitoNix

Another typical summer pest that could cause annoyance in the warmer months are June bugs. Many times drawn to lights at night, these beetles can be a nuisance in your yard or house with their big, ungainly flying.


Finding June Bug Bites:

Though they can cause some annoyance, June bugs hardly bite people. They are well-known for swooping into windows and lights producing loud buzzing noises. They are merely drawn to strong lights, even if they would seem to be aiming for you.

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7 Brown recluse bites


PHOTO: WJAR

Their inclination to hide in quiet, undisturbed places like old boxes or wood heaps helps brown recluse spiders get their moniker. Usually when you're reaching for something in their territory, they bite just when threatened or startled—that is, generally non aggressively.


Identification of Brown Recluse Bites:

A brown recluse bite initially could seem like a standard red, swelling welt. Over the next few days, though, the area can get more uncomfortable and start to show bluish hue. An ulcer might also develop from the sinking in of the skin around the bite. Brown recluse venom is cytotoxic—that is, it affects tissue at the locati0n of the bite without spreading over the body.


What to Do If Bitten:

Should you get bitten, bathe the affected area with soap and water to lower infection risk. Use ice to help with discomfort; also, give over-the-counter painkillers some thought. See a healthcare practitioner for more advice if you worry about the bite or haven't had a tetanus vaccination in ten years.


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8 Black widow spider bites


PHOTO: YouTube

The deadly bite of black widow spiders is well-known and quite dangerous. The crimson hourglass form on their abdomen helps you to identify the females; their venom targets your nerves and has major effects.


Black widow bit identification:

Female black widow: Two punctures marks could result after a bite by a female black widow. You will probably observe:

  • Redness and soreness
  • Suffering at the bite locati0n
  • A rash that itches
  • A blue-gray discolouration
  • Numbness at the point of biting.


Should the venom find your system, signs of a dangerous bite could show up hours later and include:

  • Aching and stiffness
  • Muscle seizures
  • Issues breathing
  • Headache
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Either fever or chills


Should a bite occur, what should one do?

Particularly in young children, black widow bites can cause major sickness. If you have any of the above symptoms, wash the bite completely with soap and water and then get right medical assistance.


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Controlling Bug Bites: How to Manage and Stopper Them

Cleaning the area completely comes first after a bug bites you. Microorganisms can enter and cause an illness anytime the skin is broken or bitten. Steer clear of scratching as it can rip the skin more and raise your chance of infection.

Try instead calming the bite with these treatments:

  • Aloe vera; calamine lotions; ice packs
  • Over-the-counter anti-histamines


Look for indications of possible diseases or infections including:

  • Nausea; Headaches
  • A spreading rash

Managing insect bites can be both irritating and potentially harmful to your well-being. Although preventive steps such as using repellents can offer some protection, professional pest control services are crucial for addressing the underlying cause of infestations. To create a bite-free space, consider these reliable pest control companies that focus on providing safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions.


Top 10 U.S. Pest Control Companies

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