Are you suffering from unknown bug bites? Are they itchy and red?
If so, a bug specialist can help you. In many cases, bug bites are harmless. In some cases, minor bites can cause allergic reactions. Certain insect bites can even spread bacteria and viruses.
This article will show you when you should hire an exterminator. Let’s explore.
Bugs That Can Bite You
The following household insects and pests can bite people:
- Mosquitoes
- Ants
- Fleas
- Flies
- Bed bugs
- Chiggers
- Lice
- Ticks
- Spiders
- Bees
- Wasps
Bugs that seem harmless on the surface can cause problems if they bite you. Some of these pests are more dangerous than others. For instance, chigger bites are harmless. Chiggers are mites that normally live in gardens, forests, and fields.
However, you can get an infection if you scratch chigger bites incessantly. In other cases, bites can be dangerous. Horsefly bites are also harmless to humans, and they inflict momentary pain.
- Note: Even though horse flies aren’t harmful to humans, they can transmit swamp fever to horses with a single bite. Swamp fever can be fatal to animals. Therefore, hire a pest specialist if you own a horse farm and have a fly problem.
Other pests are outright dangerous because they spread disease.
The Dangers of Mosquitoes
Mosquito bites can seem harmless. However, they can spread the West Nile virus as they bite their hosts. The West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne ailment that causes headaches, fever, and fatigue.
Not all mosquitoes carry West Nile, but they can transmit the virus if they have it. Mosquitoes will most likely have the virus if they dwell in West Nile hotspots.
Mosquitos can also spread diseases (i.e. heartworms) to dogs.
If you live near woods or pools of water, consider a pest control service. Mosquitos can breed in wet areas, especially during the warmer months.
Mosquitoes can hamper family activities and casual get-togethers in your yard. Professional pest mitigation will keep mosquitoes at bay and prevent bothersome bites.
Underlying Disease Spreaders
Ticks can also cause meddlesome bites. They also spread Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a bacteria infection causing disorientation, pain, and fatigue.
These symptoms can last for over six months, but you can cure the disease with antibiotics. Ticks can also remain undetected in pets as they nest in fur.
Ticks are more dangerous than mosquitoes because of their small size. They’re mostly found in woods and grasslands. If you live in an area prone to ticks, contact an insect specialist.
You can have a tick sucking on your blood for hours and not know it. They can even partially burrow into the skin and remain hidden. Tick bites can manifest in the following forms:
- Rashes
- Pain
- Swelling
- Blisters
In severe cases, you may have a hard time breathing. Your nick may also stiffen. The tick from saliva can also cause allergic reactions.
Insect Stings
Pests are also dangerous if you’re allergic to them. You shouldn’t take any chances if you’re allergic to insect stings.
If you have allergic reactions to hornet or wasp stings, prioritize professional pest control immediately. If you’re severely allergic, a single sting could cause anaphylactic shock. This occurs when your airways close and your blood pressure drops.
Some stinging insects are more aggressive than others.
- Example: Hornets and yellow jackets are very aggressive and are more likely to sting you.
Even ant bites can cause people to have severe allergic responses. With that, you can suffer a subtle allergic reaction if you’re dealing with bed bugs.
Microscopic Bloodsuckers
Bed bugs are often left to fester due to their miniature size. However, you can detect them with the following steps:
- Detecting a musty odor in the room (Bed bugs have scent glands that give away their presence)
- Checking your bedsheets to find dried blood stains
- Dark spots (Bed bug feces on your bed or near the bed)
You can see bed bugs with the naked eye. However, you must look for them carefully, as they’re around the same size as apple seeds.
They’re usually brownish and have an ovular body shape. Bed bugs can cling to clothing and nest around your living area. You’re more likely to have a bed bug infestation if you travel frequently.
Overall, bed bugs aren’t dangerous to humans or pets. In less severe cases, they will cause skin irritations. In extreme cases, the bites may cause an allergic reaction and may require medical attention. What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
Bed bug bites are typically red bumps and have a dark center. They’re also itchy, and the surrounding skin could be swollen.
You may also suffer from a burning sensation. Plus, the skin may have hives or blisters. The blisters may also cause you to bleed.
The bites may also come in the form of welts that manifest in a zig-zag pattern. The welts may also forge a line. If you’re unsure, check bed bug bites images online.
What Should I Do If I’m Suffering From Frequent Bug Bites?
If you’re dealing with ongoing bug bites, contact a pest control company. In many cases, residents may not know what’s biting them. A professional can assess your property and pinpoint the culprit. They may even identify the pest based on your bites.
Regardless, you should have a professional investigate the source of the bites because the pest could pose a danger to your health. A professional pest company can mitigate pest issues, protecting loved ones in the process.
Are you dealing with insect bites? Click here to learn how to find the best pest control company.