It can be worrying when you suddenly develop an itchy red rash on your skin, and it can be equally frustrating when you suspect you’ve been stung but can’t find any insects in your home. Plus, the last thing you want is to be plagued by an infestation.
Pest experts say that a number of common biting insects found indoors could be causing your troubles, and there are visible signs to help you determine what kind of pest it is, so you can take preventative measures, especially if you do become infested. Bites while sleeping!
Before having your home inspected, it is important to consult a medical professional if symptoms worsen, to rule out any medical conditions or allergic reactions to something specific.
In the meantime, we asked the experts how to identify the bug that might be causing your sting, and what to look out for if you’re stung.
1. Ticks
One of the most common household pests are mites. They are essentially invisible, eight-legged arachnids that feed on human skin. Mites are primarily transmitted through physical contact with other infected humans or pets.
“Mites are so tiny they look like little white grains of sand moving around,” says pest control training manager John Stewart. Persis Group“So your best bet is to use dark coloured paper or card to spot them. If they are there, it may be wise to contact a professional pest control company to get rid of them as there are likely to be thousands of them.”
So how do you know if you’ve been bitten by a tick? “Symptoms of a tick bite vary from person to person, but generally appear as a rash, a hard or inflamed swelling that appears red on lighter skin and dark purple or brown on darker skin,” says pest control technician Mikhail Belev. Great pest control“They may also cause itching and swelling. Tick bites are usually very small and do not leave noticeable punctures like most other insect bites. They are usually considered harmless and may at most cause acne.”
Additionally, wash fabrics and bedding in hot water (at least 130 degrees) to kill dust mites. Clothes dryer Cook over high heat for at least 15 minutes. Clean with a vacuum cleaner Clean your home weekly to get rid of dust mites.
2. Bedbugs
Similarly, bedbugs can cause bites, They were found hiding in several locations around the house. Bed bugs, which live on the outside of your mattress, are flat, oval-shaped insects that are usually 5mm long when fully grown. They hide during the day, so you can’t see them. Bedbugs only come out at night They feed on humans.
“We’ve seen a lot of bed bug problems over the last few years, and we know that they’re a common indoor insect,” Berev says. “You’ll usually see bed bug bites and rust-colored spots on your bedsheets in the morning. This is because bed bugs only bite people in their nesting areas, which are near bed mattresses and other furniture.
“Bed bug bites are not painful but can cause itching and irritation, and may cause red spots on the skin. To tell if your bites are from bed bugs, look for a group of bite marks. Bite marks are most often found on the face, neck, arms, hands and other exposed parts of the body, especially after sleeping. Some people have no reaction to bed bugs and do not notice bite marks, but they may not appear immediately and can take up to two weeks.”
These tiny pests don’t carry any disease, but you should still be aware of them. How to get rid of bed bugsreducing the risk of irritation and keeping your home hygienic. There are both chemical and non-chemical methods to get rid of bedbugs, but if in doubt, always contact a pest control professional for an inspection and any necessary treatment.
3. Fleas
Fleas are small wingless insects, about 2-6mm long, that are commonly found in homes with pets. These parasitic insects usually live by feeding on blood, but they need an animal host to bring them indoors.
“Fleas are more common in households with pets because dogs and cats can inadvertently bring them into the house,” Stewart agrees. ““But wearing light-colored pants will make it easier to spot them and they’ll be able to spot you if they jump on you. But if you want to avoid contact, you can put a little dish soap in a bowl of warm water with a candle in it and place it on the floor to attract the bugs.”
So what are the common signs of flea bites? “Flea bites most often appear as small, discolored swellings on the lower legs,” says Velev. “You may also see a discolored ring around the bite site. Flea bites can appear in a straight line or as a cluster of many bites, most commonly on the legs, especially the feet, calves, and ankles.”
For prevention tips, check out our guide below: How to get rid of fleas on your pets and in your home.
4. Mosquitoes
Perhaps one of the most common biting insects, mosquitoes tend to be more prevalent in bedrooms during summer and humid weather. “Mosquitoes are generally very small, about 2-4mm in size, and look like flies,” says Velev. “Mosquitoes usually live outdoors, but they can easily find their way inside your home. Most mosquito species are active in the evening and early morning hours when temperatures are cooler.”
If you notice a raised swelling on an area of skin, a mosquito may be to blame: “The bite site may be slightly swollen and red, and may feel itchy or irritated, similar to a bed bug bite. Symptoms usually appear soon after the bite and gradually worsen over the next 8 to 12 hours. Unlike bed bug bites, mosquito bites usually do not appear in clusters and may take up to 10 days to fully heal. Keep in mind that mosquitoes can carry diseases such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, malaria, chikungunya virus, and dengue fever.”
Fortunately, there are some How to prevent mosquito bites at nightor Make a non-toxic mosquito trap in 7 easy steps.
Furthermore, learning How to get rid of mosquitoes It will also help keep them out of your garden. The best grill This summer.
What if I still can’t find the bug?
If you’re still bothered by the red, itchy rash and you’re not sure whether you have bugs in your house, it’s worth having your symptoms checked by a doctor.
“Remember that identifying insect bites is not always easy, and symptoms vary depending on the type of bite and the person,” Berev says.
“All of the above insect bites have similar symptoms, including pain, itchiness, swelling and redness. If you can’t pinpoint which insect is causing the bite, it’s best and safest to consult a professional as you may have an allergy or skin sensitivity that could lead to complications.”
