Recognizing Bug Bites and Treating Them

Bugs; not many of us are fans, and when they bite, it's more than a slight annoyance. They itch like mad and can get infected if you can't resist the urge to scratch. We want a quick solution to soothing them and for a bite to go away as soon as possible. It can be hard to identify what's been biting you, though. 

We've compiled a small guide to help you spot the kinds of bites you've been getting and a few ways to get rid of the pests easily so that they don't bother you anymore. Say goodbye to your annoying little friends for good!

Bed Bugs

Perhaps the most dreaded of all bugs, the bed bug bite is reasonably easy to recognize, and a few other telltale signs are lurking around your bed. Many of you may shudder at the thought of these small critters delighting on your blood while you're asleep, and they do take a bit of work to get rid of. 

These bites tend to be clustered together and look like a bit like mosquito bites. They are red and swollen small lumps that are incredibly itchy. You'll often find them on skin areas that are exposed while sleeping, such as hands and wrists, feet and ankles, and even your neck. Some people show no reaction, so it can be hard to spot them.

Other things to look out for are small blotches of blood on your bedding, and you might even spot the bigger ones crawling on the stitching parts of your bed. To get rid of them, you should call in a pest control company. You will need to wash all bedding, clothing, and everything you can with hot water and a good dose of detergent. They can be stubborn, so take all precautions necessary to get them to leave. 

Mosquito Bites

These are also red lumps that become very itchy. You will likely know that these guys have bitten you if you've been in a zone where they frequent. A lot of care needs to be taken to avoid the bites, as in some areas, they carry diseases like malaria and yellow fever.

You can take tablets and get vaccinations to prevent these diseases before they occur, but once you've been bitten, it'll be too late if you aren't protected. To keep them at bay, get a good repellent, and use long clothing to cover legs and arms. 

If you do become a victim to the dreaded itch, head to a pharmacy where they should be able to recommend a cream or balm to calm it down. You don't want them to become infected through insistent scratching, as that can cause even more issues. 

Tick Bites

Sometimes you'll know a tick has bitten you as they can stay attached for a while after. Once they fall off, there'll be a red spot that can turn into a rash that burns and itches. Not pleasant! Most people are ok, but they can carry Lyme disease, so if you have a fever or flu-like symptoms, head straight to the doctor. 

You can use repellent, clothing that covers you, and keep your lawn clean to try to avoid them. Also, keep a close eye on pets as they can jump from them to you. If bitten, keep a close eye on it to see how it develops and use a cream for the rash and itching. 

Flea Bites

If you have pets, particularly cats and dogs, these annoying bugs can get in your home. They can jump far, so close encounters with other animals in the street can easily cause an infestation. They are challenging to see as they are so small but cause a lot of itching. 

They look like small red lumps, and you'll often find them in a line or clumped together. They can get on clothing, furniture, and in a lot of other places. Use a cream to stop the itching and prevent them by frequently bathing animals in anti-flea shampoo and using drops to keep the nasty bugs at bay. 

Other Critters

As well as those that bite and frustrate us, other bugs also invade our homes. Ants are a common house pest that no one wants to see invade their kitchen. Pestguide mentions that they prefer sweet foods, leaves, and grains, so keep these off of countertops. 

We all hate to see flies when we leave doors and windows open. There's not a lot we can do to avoid them, but keep all food stored away or well covered as they are renowned for spending time in dirty places. 

Keep Them Out for Good

Hopefully, we've helped you recognize bites and showed you how to keep them at bay and treat them. By following our guidelines, you should be bite-free and will no longer need to suffer the agonizing urge to scratch!