The immediate panic after feeling a bug bite us (and the inevitable ninja-style dance afterward) is familiar to us all.
The problem is that most insect bites look very much the same at first. How do we know if we should panic or just pop a little ice on it?
Here’s a quick overview of how to go about identifying bug bites and when to seek bug bite treament.
Understanding Bug Bites
If you see something scurrying off your body after nipping you, then you know what you’re dealing with. But what if you wake up with an uncomfortable itch without knowing what it’s from?
We’ve covered the most common bug bites below.
1. Spider Bites
Do you have a small red swelling that feels itchy or painful? Are there small puncture wounds in your skin? A spider bite may result in a small blister encircled by a red ring, and in some cases, the center of the bite turns blue or purple.
Most spider bites are fairly mild and will simply cause a little discomfort. However, even mildly venomous spiders can leave a painful bite that grows larger and results in an open wound.
If you suspect a spider bite and you start to feel nauseous, have difficulty breathing, or start to sweat, then you want to head to the doctor as soon as possible.
2. Bed Bugs
If you’ve woken up in the morning with a line of small, red, and very itchy spots on any part of your body then there’s a good chance you have bed bugs.
Bed bugs are stealthy little critters that hide in your bed until they sense the warmth of your body, and then come out to feed.
These bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of. You may find that you need to call in a professional pest control company nearby such as Reynoldspest.com.
3. Tick Bites
Outdoorsy people are more likely to suffer from tick bites. Most of the time these bites are easy to identify because the tick is still attached to your body. If not, then you’ll notice a small red spot that will itch and may burn a little.
While most tick bites are nothing to worry about, some ticks carry Lyme disease and can make you very ill. If you start to feel unwell, the tick bite looks like a bullseye, or starts to swell then it’s a good idea to seek medical care.
4. Mosquito Bites
We are all familiar with the high-pitched drone of a mosquito when we’re trying to sleep. Of course, we then wake up with raised, pink, and very itchy spots on our bodies.
Again, mosquito bites are usually more than a nuisance than anything else. However, if you have been in a malaria belt and you start to suffer from chills, sore muscles, and fatigue, then it’s definitely time to see your doctor.
5. Flea Bites
Those with pets know the ongoing battle against fleas. Flea bites usually show up on our feet or legs as small, raised, red welts. If you press a glass against a flea bite it will turn white which makes it easy to identify.
Flea bites usually go away on their own after a day or two, but some people suffer from skin infections after excessive scratching.
Identifying Bug Bites and Treating the Cause
Identifying bug bites is one thing. Treating the cause is quite another.
If you’re concerned about an infestation of bugs in your home, then call in a professional pest control company. An expert can help to identify the problem and treat it efficiently to keep your family home safe and pest-free.
For more information on maintaining a healthy home, please take a look through our popular Indoor and Outdoor article categories.
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