Bug Bites San Francisco? The 100 New Answer

What are chiggers?

Chiggers (also called harvest mites or red beetles) are tiny red, biting mites. Their bites are not painful but cause severe itching.

Chiggers are members of the arachnid family (the same family that includes spiders and ticks). They are smaller than a period at the end of a sentence. Most can only be seen with a magnifying glass.

Chiggers can be found anywhere outdoors, including in grassy fields, along lakes and streams, and in forests. It is the baby chiggers that bite people and animals.

How do chigger bites happen?

After hatching, baby chiggers wait on plants for people or animals to come by. When they do, the chigger attaches itself to them with tiny claws. Once attached, it pierces her skin and injects its saliva (spit). The skewer contains digestive juices that dissolve skin cells. The chigger then eats the lysed cells, which provide the protein it needs to grow into an adult. After a few days, the chigger falls off, leaving a red bump on the skin.

What Are the Signs of Chigger Bites?

Chigger bites are itchy red bumps that can look like pimples, blisters, or small hives. They are usually found around the waist, ankles, or in warm skin folds. They get bigger and more itchy over several days and often appear in clusters.

How do chiggers burrow under the skin?

Chigger mites infest human skin through surfaces in contact with vegetation, such as trouser cuffs or shirt sleeves and collars. They migrate on the skin in search of an optimal feeding area. A common myth about chiggers is that they burrow into and remain in the skin. That is not true. Chiggers insert their food structures into the skin and inject enzymes that cause host tissue destruction. Hardening of the surrounding skin leads to the formation of a feeding tube called a stylostome. Chigger larvae then feed on the destroyed tissue. If they are not disturbed (which they rarely do because they cause severe itching), they can feed through the stylostome for a few days.

The chigger’s mouth and feeding structures are delicate and do best in penetrating the skin in areas with wrinkles, folds, or other thin areas of skin. Most bites occur around the ankles, crotch and groin, behind the knees, and in the armpits. Migration barriers on the skin, such as belts, may be one reason why chigger bites are also common on the waist or other areas where their migration is prevented by compression from clothing. The location of chigger bites contrasts with that of mosquito bites, which are usually in exposed areas of skin where mosquitoes can land.

Credit: Kiyoshi Hijiki/Moment/GettyImages See more photos

If bites or welts are found on the body in the morning, bed bugs are sometimes assumed. However, several other insects also bite during the night, including mosquitoes, bat bugs, mites, and fleas. Many of these bites look the same, so it’s still a good idea to look for bed bugs or other clues to find out what caused the bites.

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4 Pests That Cause Bites Overnight Along With Bedbugs And Mosquitoes

bat bugs

mites

fleas

1. Mosquitoes

Most species of mosquitoes prefer to feed at dawn and dusk, but some species bite at night. Mosquitoes are more likely to feed at night when it’s warm and mosquitoes have a way into the house, such as in a house. B. an open window or a torn window pane. Bed bug bites look similar to mosquito bites; both have a characteristic wheal and flare response.

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2. Bat bugs

Bat bugs are similar to bedbugs, however they only live where there are colonies of bats. Bat bugs disappear as soon as a colony of bats disperses. These bugs sometimes bite people, but their real food source is bats. Removing a bat infestation or cordoning off the area between the bat infestation and the sleeping area eliminates bat bugs.

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3. Mites

Mites living on birds and rodents nesting in the building sometimes bite people at night. Mite bites usually cause red papules that are very itchy. Trapping rodents and deterring birds from nesting in the air conditioners usually eliminates a mite problem.

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4. Fleas

Fleas live on pets and bite people while they sleep. Fleas usually leave multiple bites on the arms and legs. Flea bites, unlike bedbug bites, have red centers, according to Penn State. Flea bites are also usually smaller and tougher than mosquito or bedbug bites.

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How to find and identify bed bugs

Bed bugs leave bites that look like mosquito bites. If you suspect the bites are caused by bugs, disassemble the bed and look for bugs in the mattress seams, bed frame joints, and under the box springs. The beetles or the dark spots on their droppings are visible during an infestation. Adult bed bugs are flat, oval bugs that are about 1/4 inch long. If the bed has bed bugs, the bugs are also likely to be found in furniture and other places throughout the home.

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What to do against biting bugs?

When you wake up in the morning, you should relieve the itchiness of the insect bites by using an antihistamine cream, which is readily available at a pharmacy. The next step is to see how you can prevent the bugs from entering your sleeping area. Treat pets for fleas, install mesh screens over windows if you sleep with the window open, and use a plug-in insect repellent.

It’s also important to get to the root of the problem. If you’ve done everything you can to disinfect the area and prevent bugs from entering, you may need to call in the professionals. Pest controllers know how to eradicate different types of night biting bugs, so it pays to use their expertise.

An insect bite or sting often causes a small, red lump on the skin that can be painful and itchy. Many bites go away within a few hours or days and can be safely treated at home. It can be difficult to tell what has bitten or stung you if you haven’t seen it. But don’t worry if you’re not sure – treatment for most bites and stings is similar.

Wasp and Hornet Sting Credit: A wasp or hornet sting initially causes a sudden, stabbing pain. A swollen red spot can form on your skin that can last for a few hours and be painful and itchy. Sometimes a larger area around the bite can be painful, red, and swollen for up to a week. This is a minor allergic reaction that you usually don’t have to worry about. Some people can have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that causes difficulty breathing, dizziness, and a swollen face or mouth. Call 999 for an ambulance right away if you have these symptoms.

Bee Stings Credit: A bee sting feels similar to a wasp sting, but the sting often stays in the wound. See Treating Bug Bites for advice on how to safely remove them. The sting can cause pain, redness, and swelling for a few hours. As with wasp stings, some people may have a mild allergic reaction that lasts up to a week. Occasionally, severe allergic reactions can occur, causing difficulty breathing, dizziness, and a swollen face or mouth. Call 999 for an ambulance right away if you have these symptoms.

Mosquito Bites Credit: Mosquito bites often cause small red lumps on your skin. These are usually very itchy. Some people may also develop fluid-filled blisters. Mosquitoes don’t cause much harm in the UK, but in some parts of the world they can spread serious diseases like malaria. Get medical help right away if you develop worrisome symptoms like fever, chills, headache, and nausea after being bitten by a mosquito while abroad.

Tick ​​bites Tick on paler skin Source: Tick on darker skin Source: Tick bites are not usually painful, so you may not immediately realize you’ve been bitten. Symptoms of a tick bite can include: A small red lump on the skin

swelling

itching

blistering

Bruising Ticks in the UK can sometimes carry a potentially serious infection called Lyme disease, so if you find one attached to your skin they should be removed as soon as possible. See your GP if you develop any symptoms of Lyme disease, such as: B. a rash that looks like a “bull’s eye on a dartboard” or fever.

Horsefly Bites Credit: A horsefly bite can be very painful and the bitten area is usually red and raised. They may also appear: a larger red raised skin rash (called hives or urticaria)

dizziness

weakness

gasping

part of your body becomes swollen and swollen Horsefly bites can take a while to heal and can become infected. See your GP if you have symptoms of infection, such as: B. pus or increasing pain, redness and swelling.

Mosquito or Mosquito Bites Credit: Mosquito and mosquito bites often look similar to mosquito bites. They usually cause small, red lumps that can be painful, very itchy, and sometimes swollen alarmingly. Some people may also develop fluid-filled blisters.

Bedbug Bites Credit: Bedbug bites typically appear on the face, neck, hands, or arms. They are typically found in straight lines on the skin. The bites aren’t usually painful, and if you’ve never been bitten by bed bugs, you may not have any symptoms. If you’ve been bitten before, you may develop itchy red bumps that can last for several days.

Mite Bites Credit: Mite bites cause very itchy red lumps on the skin and can sometimes cause blisters as well. Mites usually bite exposed skin, but you can get bitten on your stomach and thighs if your pet has mites and has been sitting on your lap. Some mites burrow into the skin and cause a condition called scabies.

Flea Bites Credit: Flea bites can cause small, itchy red lumps, sometimes grouped in lines or clusters. Blisters may also occasionally form. Fleas from cats and dogs often bite below the knee, often around the ankles. You can also get flea bites on your forearms after petting or holding your pet.

Spider Bites Credit: Bites from spiders in the UK are uncommon, but some native spiders – like the false widow spider – can deliver an unpleasant bite. Spider bites leave small puncture marks on the skin that can be painful and cause redness and swelling. Some spider bites can cause nausea or nausea, sweating, and dizziness. Bites can also, in rare cases, become infected or cause a severe allergic reaction. Get medical help right away if you have serious or worrisome symptoms after a spider bite.

Ant stings and bites The most common ant in the UK, the black garden species, does not sting or bite, but red ants, wood ants and flying ants sometimes do. Ant bites and stings are generally harmless, although you will likely feel a nit and a pale pink spot may develop on your skin. Sometimes the bitten area can be painful, itchy, and swollen.

Ladybug Bites Credit: All ladybugs can bite, but a species called the harlequin ladybug found across much of the UK is more aggressive and tends to bite more frequently. The harlequin ladybug can be red or orange with multiple spots. Look for a white spot on its head – other ladybugs don’t have these spots. Ladybug bites can be painful but are usually not a cause for concern.

Flower Bug Bites Credit: Flower bugs are common insects that feed on aphids and mites. You can recognize the common flower bug by its tiny oval body, reflective wings, and orange-brown legs. Flower bug bites can be painful and very itchy, and often take a long time to heal.

Caterpillar hair The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth are a real nuisance. They were first found in the UK in 2006 and are now in London and parts of south-east England. In late spring and summer, the caterpillars have thousands of tiny hairs that can cause itchy rashes, eye problems, and a sore throat — and very rarely, breathing difficulties. The caterpillars run up and down trees in head-to-tail processions. If you find them or spot one of their white silk nests, report it to the Forest Service or your local council.

Hives, also called urticaria (yer ti CARE ee uh), are red, itchy, raised bumps or welts on the skin. They can be small, like mosquito bites, or many inches across. Beehives may appear singly, in a group, or join together to cover larger areas. When pressed, the center of the hive becomes pale. They can be made worse by scratching.

Hives often appear suddenly on some part of the body. They can appear in one place, disappear in a few hours, and then come back in another place. In severe cases, hives can come and go for several weeks. For most people they are not serious.

About 1 in 5 people will have hives at some point in their life.

Being bitten or stung by an insect can be stressful and lead to uncomfortable symptoms. In addition to treating the sting, it’s important to recognize if you’re having a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

This article examines the signs of a bug bite as well as when you should seek emergency medical attention. It also explains which insects would leave a sting in your body and how to treat different types of stings.

Very good / Cindy Chung

What are the signs of anaphylaxis?

If you are allergic to an insect, you may not know it until you are bitten for the first time. Get emergency care right away if you begin to experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, which may include:

shortness of breath

gasping

Skin symptoms beyond the injection site, such as redness and hives, which are itchy welts

swelling of the mouth, throat or tongue

dizziness or lightheadedness

If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to severe symptoms and even death. If you have an epinephrine auto-injector, inject yourself or have someone else do it immediately, and then call 911.

How to recognize different types of insect bites?

Common stinging insects include honey bees, wasps, hornets, wasps, and fire ants. If you haven’t looked closely at the insect that stung you, you may be able to identify it by the appearance of the hive and whether the insect was low to the ground or higher in the air.

honey bees

Honey bees, often simply called bees, are not typically aggressive. However, this can vary depending on the species. They tend to only sting when their hive is threatened or when they are stepped on.

Most of the stings children get come from honey bees, so teaching them about bee safety is important.

These stings can cause pain, swelling, and hives. Honey bee stingers are barbed at the end so the stinger is left behind after penetrating the skin and injecting their venom.

To get a spike out:

Act quickly so less poison penetrates the skin.

Use your fingernail or the edge of a credit card to scrape out the stinger.

Wash the area with mild soap and water.

Apply ice to the skin.

Whether you scrape the spike off with a blunt edge or grab it and pull it out, the key is to act quickly. The longer a spike remains in the skin, the more venom is released into the body.

wasps

Wasps come in different colors and can be black, white and/or yellow. Their bodies are smooth, not fuzzy, and their legs dangle as they fly. They tend to nest in trees or in the ground. They are rarely aggressive but will sting if disturbed.

Because it doesn’t leave its sting behind, a wasp can sting multiple times. Stings may feel warm or hot, be itchy, and look slightly swollen. To treat the sting, wash it thoroughly, apply ice, and take a pain reliever if needed.

fire ants

Fire ants are found in the southern parts of the United States. They are red and nest in the ground. These nests tend to have a mound of dirt at the top that can be up to 18 inches high.

Fire ants are most likely to bite and sting when a person steps on their nest. They can sting multiple times and will attack if their colony is disturbed.

Stings inject venom into the body that can cause pain, a burning sensation, and itching. Welts may form shortly after being stung. These can turn into pustules, which can become inflamed if scratched.

To treat fire ant stings:

Wash the area with soap and cold water.

Apply a topical steroid cream to help with itching and inflammation.

Take an antihistamine, an anti-allergy medication, if needed.

Seek emergency care if you experience a severe reaction.

Yellow jackets

Yellowjackets, which are black and yellow, cause the most sting-related allergic reactions in the United States. Along with honey bees, they are also responsible for most of the stings that children get.

Yellowjackets nest in the ground. They are scavengers that can sometimes be seen near garbage cans and they can be unwelcome guests at picnics. You can sting several times in a row. Stings can cause redness, swelling, hives, pain, and a burning sensation.

To treat a wasp sting, wash the area with soap and water, and then apply ice. If your symptoms worsen, call your doctor right away.

hornets

Hornets, a species of wasp, can vary in color and have a white or yellow face. They tend to nest in trees and on the ground. Hornets can be aggressive and will sting multiple times if they feel threatened.

Stings can cause swelling, pain, and itching. The stung area may also feel warm and look red. To treat a hornet sting, wash the area with soap and water. Then apply ice and lift the area if the stitch was on the arm or leg.

summary

Common stinging insects include honey bees, wasps, wasps, fire ants, and hornets. Insect bites can cause mild to severe reactions.

A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can cause the following symptoms:

difficulty breathing

gasping

Red and itchy welts that appear behind the injection site

mouth swelling

feel dizzy

If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek medical attention immediately and use an epinephrine auto-injector if you have one. Then off to the emergency room.

To determine which insect stung you, check to see if you have a stinger in your skin, look for a nearby beehive, and note if the insect flew low or higher than the ground. When you see the insect that bit you, try to recognize identifying features such as body shape and color.

In general, mild reactions to these stings can be treated by removing any thorns that are left in your skin, washing the area with soap and water, and applying ice.

Many people suffer from the sensation that insects, mites, or other tiny creatures known as arthropods are biting, crawling on, or burrowing into their skin. Often the causes of these feelings are unknown and no tiny living being can be captured for analysis.

What Types of Tiny Arthropods Might Affect Me?

Very few creatures are parasites in human skin. In northern areas like Pennsylvania, most of these are mites such as itch mites (human itch mites), chigger mites, or follicular mites.1

Scabies mites are very tiny and can only be diagnosed by a doctor taking skin scrapings and looking at them under high magnification. Most scabies infections are found in the skin folds of the hands, wrists, and elbows. Scabies mites usually begin to itch several weeks to a month after infestation. They do not create a feeling of biting or crawling.

Chigger mites are more common in the southern states, especially during the warmer months of the year. They are acquired when people walk through tall grass and weeds. “Chiggers” do not live in structures or buildings. They produce an intense itch, usually where clothing is tight against the skin, such as the waist, wrists, and lower legs. Technically, chiggers don’t burrow into the skin. Instead, they attach themselves to the base of a hair and secrete a chemical that causes the skin to swell, trapping the mite in the expanded flesh. They feed on liquids generated on site. Chigger mites do not produce a biting sensation.

Follicle mites are found in about 75 percent of the human population. The vast majority of people don’t know they exist, although there can be hundreds or thousands of them in the oil glands of the face. Occasionally, some people (usually teenagers) will develop an acne-like condition as a result of a reaction to the mites. Most adults do not respond to the mites.

Tiny arthropods that live on the skin

The two types of human lice that are commonly encountered are head lice and pubic lice. Both species are white, small (but can be seen without magnification), and are usually found in the area of ​​the body described by their name. Their bite causes severe itching in these regions. The eggs of both head and pubic lice are located on hair shafts at skin level and are called nits. Nits are whitish, somewhat translucent eggs that get stuck to the hairline. Over time, as the hair grows, the nits are found farther from the skin’s surface.

pubic louse

head louse

Tiny arthropods that bite the skin

Some of the very small arthropods that bite but do not burrow into or live in the skin are fleas, bed bugs, mosquitoes, black flies, punkies (a small mosquito fly), bird or rodent mites, and straw mites. Although these arthropods are small, they can be seen without magnification.

Fleas usually bite the lower legs and are brown in color and flattened from side to side. The bites of fleas are felt immediately. Fleas can be difficult to catch because of their ability to jump, but they are easy to see without magnification. Most fleas that homeowners might find are about 1/8 inch long. Fleas can be found in homes where pets are (or have been) infested or by wild animals entering attics and chimneys.

cat flea

Bed bugs are oval, maroon-colored insects that are flattened from top to bottom. The adults are about 1/4 inch long. Bed bugs feed at night or early in the morning. They often go unnoticed because many people have no reaction to the bites and there is no feeling when a bite occurs. However, some people have a reaction to the bites. The bite site becomes red, raised and itches – sometimes severely.

bed bug

Flies such as midges, black flies and punkies occasionally (in the summer) invade homes but do not breed in the structure. They are visible without magnification and the feeling of biting can be felt immediately. Although punkies (also known as no-see-ums) are very small (1.6 millimeters or about the width of an “a” on this side), they have a very distinct, stabbing bite.

Bird and rodent mites can become a short term problem in buildings, particularly in early summer when birds are nesting in building holes or when infested rats have been removed from a building. Although these mites are small, they can be seen without magnification, especially when walking across a light-colored surface. These mites are typically brown in color. The bites of these mites feel like a slight sting – noticeable but not very painful.

Straw mites are predators of other small creatures that infest grain and stored produce. They feed on eggs and larvae of moths and beetles, which are storage pests. On rare occasions, people working in feed stores, seed packing companies, and similar places are bitten by these mites (the mites only taste the skin). Their bites cause pain and eventually a red, small, raised bump. The mites rarely infest homes unless there are large numbers of storage pests. The adult mites can be seen without magnification, but the immature mites cannot. It is very unlikely that a home will be infested with straw mites.

If it’s not an arthropod, what else could it be?

illness or other medical conditions

Several disorders can cause a sensation that feels like insects are biting or crawling on the skin. Some of these conditions include cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, eczema, fungal infections, hepatitis, hypothyroidism, liver disease, nutritional deficiencies (and excess), photosensitivity, kidney disease, shingles, and other neurological disorders.

materials in the environment

Many objects in the physical environment can also evoke the same sensations. Some of these items include chemicals, cosmetics, detergents, disinfectants, dyes, fiberglass, carpet and clothing fibers, broken paper, perfumes, resins, static electricity, and many items too numerous to list. Often these sensations occur during the winter months and are exacerbated by low humidity and heavy clothing.

medication

Medications (prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal) that can cause the sensation of crawling or biting arthropods include amphetamines, antibiotics, arthritis drugs, aspirin, cocaine, cold medicines, estrogen, heroin, high blood pressure drugs, PCP, and various seizure-control drugs. Older people may be more sensitive to these drugs or combinations of drugs.

What should I do?

Consult your GP or dermatologist and describe your sensations. If possible, take a sample of what you think is biting you. Remember that most biting pests can be seen without magnification. If your doctor is unsure about identifying the sample, they should send it to your local hospital or pathology lab for analysis. If necessary, the sample may be sent to the Penn State Department of Entomology2 for species identification. A written report is sent back to the appropriate laboratory or treating physician. Contact the Department of Entomology to determine possible costs for these reports.

What not to do!

This is very important! Don’t apply insecticides or repellents to household items, pets, or yourself until you determine what’s causing the condition. Doing this when there is no physical evidence of a particular arthropod could make your condition worse rather than better.

Don’t apply excessive amounts of lotions, conditioners, ointments, or unconventional home remedies like mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, petroleum jelly, or other materials in the hope that they can provide relief.

Do not hire a professional pest control company to apply pesticides in your home unless (1) you have a sample of the pest to show the technician and (2) it is a pest that is effective with insecticides can be treated.

1. In tropical locations, certain fly larvae (maggots) can infest the skin and patients who have visited these locations should inform their doctor of their trip. Occasionally, immobile and obese patients in Pennsylvania have shown myiasis from bot fly larvae, which usually infest rabbits, mice, and other small mammals. The infestation is characterized by a hole in the skin surrounded by swelling and redness, and the white larvae can move within the opening. Note that this is an extremely painful, localized, and rare condition.

2. Special Insect ID, Penn State Department of Entomology, 501 Agricultural Sciences and Industries Building, University Park, PA 16802; Phone: 814-865-1895.

Prepared by Steven B. Jacobs, Senior Extension Associate, Department of Entomology. Reviewed/Edited by Priscilla S. Carman, Literacy Specialist, Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy; and David R. Adams, MD, Hershey Medical Center.

overview

Spider bites are usually harmless, and spiders don’t usually bite unless threatened.

Spider bites can cause redness, pain, and swelling, or you may not even notice them. Many other insect bites and skin sores cause redness, pain, and swelling. So unless you’ve actually seen a spider bit you, it’s difficult to be sure your wound was caused by a spider.

Few species of spiders in the world have fangs long enough to penetrate human skin and venom strong enough to injure humans. Among them are widow spiders with about 30 species and recluse spiders with more than 140 species worldwide.

symptoms

Typically, a spider bite looks like any other insect bite — a red, inflamed, sometimes itchy or painful bump on your skin — and may even go unnoticed. Harmless spider bites usually cause no other symptoms.

Many skin sores look the same but have different causes, such as a bacterial infection.

Bites from some spiders, such as B. widow spiders and recluse spiders can cause serious signs and symptoms.

widow spider bites

Signs and symptoms of a widow spider bite can include:

redness, pain and swelling. You may have pain and swelling around the bite, which can spread to your abdomen, back, or chest.

You may have pain and swelling around the bite, which can spread to your abdomen, back, or chest. Cramps. You may have severe abdominal stiffness or cramps, which are sometimes mistaken for appendicitis or a ruptured appendix.

You may have severe abdominal stiffness or cramps, which are sometimes mistaken for appendicitis or a ruptured appendix. nausea, vomiting, tremors or sweating. Nausea, vomiting, tremors or sweating can occur alone or in combination.

Symptoms can last 1 to 3 days.

Hermit spider bites

Signs and symptoms of a recluse spider bite can include:

Increasing pain for the first eight hours after the bite

Fever, chills and body aches

A bite mark with a pale center that turns dark blue or purple with a red ring around it

A bite wound that grows into an open sore (sore) with the skin around it dying off

When to the doctor

See a doctor right away if:

You have been bitten by a dangerous spider, e.g. B. a widow or a hermit.

Not sure if the bite came from a dangerous spider.

You have severe pain, abdominal cramps, or a growing sore at the bite site.

You have trouble breathing or swallowing.

The area of ​​the wound has spreading redness or red streaks.

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causes

Severe spider bite symptoms occur as a result of the venom that the spider injects. The severity of symptoms depends on the species of spider, the amount of venom injected, and your body’s sensitivity to the venom.

risk factors

Risk factors for spider bites include living in areas where spiders live and disturbing their natural habitat. Widow spiders and recluse spiders like warm climates and dark, dry places.

Habitat of the widow spider

Widow spiders are found throughout the United States except Alaska and are more common in the rural South. They can also be found in Europe. They are more active in the warmer months and prefer to live in:

shed

garages

Unused pots and garden tools

pile of wood

Closets and closets in cold weather

Habitat of the hermit spider

Recluse spiders are most commonly found in the southern half of the United States and South America, where they are known as brown spiders. These spiders are so named because they like to hide in undisturbed areas. They are most active in the warmer months. They prefer to live indoors:

In cluttered basements and attics

Behind bookshelves and dressers

In rarely used cupboards

Sometimes they mix with bedding and clothing, resulting in many early morning bites.

Outside, they seek out dry, dark, quiet spots, such as under rocks or in tree stumps.

complications

Rarely, a bite from a widow or recluse spider is fatal, especially in young children.

A serious wound from a recluse spider can take weeks or months to heal, leaving large scars.

prevention

Spiders usually only bite defensively when they are caught between your skin and another object.

How to prevent spider bites:

Overview Flea bites are small, discolored bumps on your skin caused by an insect that feeds on your blood. What are flea bites? Flea bites are small, discolored bumps on your skin from a flea that feeds on your blood. Fleas are tiny, wingless insects. They are dark brown or black and have flat bodies. They have six legs, strong claws on the underside of their legs that allow them to cling to a host, and mouthparts that pierce your skin and feed on your blood. Their hind legs are longer and stronger than their middle and front legs, allowing them to jump over 12 inches. There are more than 2,500 species of fleas in the world and more than 300 species in the United States. Flea bites rarely cause permanent damage. They briefly cause mild annoyance and irritation. However, flea bites can be dangerous as they can spread diseases that can be serious or even fatal. Where are fleas found? Fleas are most active when the weather is warm. Outside, fleas prefer cool, damp places with plenty of shade. They live around trees, leaves, tall grass and shrubs. Fleas will hop on animals as they pass these areas. On dogs, cats, and other animals, fleas live around the ears, neck, back, and stomach (abdomen). Once fleas are in your home, they can jump off an infested animal and hide. They often hide in carpets, furniture, bedding and cracks in the floor. Why do fleas bite? Male and female fleas feed on blood. Female fleas lay eggs after feeding on blood. In some flea species, particularly the species that dogs and cats commonly bother, baby fleas (larvae) feed on adult flea feces (feces) rich in blood. Flea droppings are also called flea droppings. Do fleas bite people? Fleas bite people. However, the species of fleas that commonly bother dogs and cats do not live on humans. Dogs and cats have much more hair than humans. Fleas like animals with a lot of fur because they can easily hide in the fur. What happens if a flea bites you? Fleas have strong claws on the ends of their legs that they use to hold on to a host. Their mouthparts include a tiny needle (proboscis) that pierces your skin, sucking your blood and secreting saliva into your bloodstream. Why do flea bites itch? When a flea secretes saliva into your bloodstream, your body registers the saliva as an allergen. Your immune system then sends the chemical histamine to the spot where the flea bit you to clear the allergen from your body. Histamine makes your flea bites itchy and swollen. Most people have a flea bite allergy. Who is at risk of being bitten by a flea? Fleas prefer to bite animals. If there is no animal around, fleas will bite anyone. The following factors attract fleas: Body heat.

Breathe (carbon dioxide or CO2).

Movement.

vibrations.

Symptoms and Causes What do flea bites look like on humans? After a flea bites you, a small, discolored bump will form. A discolored ring or halo may appear around the bite. Flea bites can appear in a straight line or in a group of many bites. Flea bites are most common on your legs, particularly your feet, calves, and ankles. Flea bites rarely appear above your knee unless you spend a lot of time sitting or lying down. What causes a flea bite? Both male and female fleas bite. They feed on your blood as part of their diet. Female fleas lay eggs after feeding on blood. In some flea species, baby flea feed on adult flea feces that contain blood. What are the symptoms of a flea bite? The symptoms of a flea bite vary. If the flea has an illness or an allergic reaction, the symptoms can be more severe. Common symptoms are: Itchy and irritated skin.

A discolored ring around the bite. More serious symptoms may include: An allergic reaction (hives, rash, shortness of breath, and swelling).

Infection of a flea-borne disease (fever, headache, body aches, rashes, nausea, abdominal pain, weight loss, dizziness, and weakness may accompany various diseases).

Diagnosis and Tests How can you tell if it’s a flea bite? Flea bites are a little more unique than other common insect bites. After a flea bites you, a small, discolored bump usually forms. A discolored ring may form around the bite. Flea bites don’t swell to the size of mosquito bites. Flea bites are also unique because of their bite pattern and location. Flea bites often appear in a straight line or cluster. Fleas are more likely to bite the legs, particularly the feet, calves, and ankles. It is important that you examine your pets. If your pets are scratching more than normal and are restless, it’s a good idea to check them for fleas. If your pet has fleas and you have bites on your legs, you probably have flea bites.

Management and Treatment How are flea bites treated? Flea bites usually don’t need treatment. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams or ointments and antihistamines can relieve itchy skin and discomfort. However, contact your doctor if more serious symptoms develop after a bite (allergic reaction, fever, headache or body aches). How to stop flea bites itching? Don’t scratch your flea bites. You risk damaging your skin and exposing yourself to infection. If you accidentally cut your skin, keep the area clean by washing with soap and water and covering your flea bites with a bandage. Talk to your doctor if you have an infected flea bite. Flea bites only last a few days. However, there are many over-the-counter products or home remedies that can keep flea bites from itching. Home remedies are safe for most people. However, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before trying any of the options below to get rid of your flea bites. There is a risk of developing an allergic reaction on your skin. Antihistamines: Antihistamines are a popular treatment for flea bites. Histamine is a chemical made by your immune system. Your body releases histamine after encountering an allergen. Histamine is what makes flea bites itch. You can take an antihistamine as a pill or apply it directly to your flea bite as a cream or ointment.

: Antihistamines are a popular treatment for flea bites. Histamine is a chemical made by your immune system. Your body releases histamine after encountering an allergen. Histamine is what makes flea bites itch. You can take an antihistamine as a pill or apply it directly to your flea bite as a cream or ointment. Hydrocortisone: Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid combined with an anesthetic pain reliever. It relieves itching and swelling. You can apply it directly to your flea bite as a cream or ointment.

: Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid in combination with an anesthetic pain reliever. It relieves itching and swelling. You can apply it directly to your flea bite as a cream or ointment. Ice: Ice can slow the amount of blood flowing into an area. It reduces inflammation, pain, swelling and itching. Place an ice pack covered with a light towel on the area for at least 10 minutes to relieve flea bites.

: Ice can slow the amount of blood flowing into an area. It reduces inflammation, pain, swelling and itching. Place an ice pack covered with a light towel on the area for at least 10 minutes to relieve flea bites. Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is a succulent plant. The gel in its leaves contains salicylic acid, which reduces itching and pain. You can apply aloe gel directly to your flea bite.

: Aloe Vera is a succulent plant. The gel in its leaves contains salicylic acid, which reduces itching and pain. You can apply aloe gel directly to your flea bite. Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea contains dried chamomile flowers. The dried chamomile flowers contain terpenoids and flavonoids, natural chemicals with antioxidant and antihistamine properties. To treat a flea bite, put a sachet of chamomile tea in water. Steep the tea bag for at least 20 minutes until the water turns a rich golden brown color. Remove the tea bag from the water and squeeze the tea bag to remove excess water. Press the tea bag onto your flea bites for at least 10 minutes, and then wipe your bites off with a clean towel. Place the wet tea bag in a container in your fridge to use with your bites throughout the day.

: Chamomile tea contains dried chamomile flowers. The dried chamomile flowers contain terpenoids and flavonoids, natural chemicals with antioxidant and antihistamine properties. To treat a flea bite, put a sachet of chamomile tea in water. Steep the tea bag for at least 20 minutes until the water turns a rich golden brown color. Remove the tea bag from the water and squeeze the tea bag to remove excess water. Press the tea bag onto your flea bites for at least 10 minutes, and then wipe your bites off with a clean towel. Place the wet tea bag in a container in your fridge to use with your bites throughout the day. Honey: Honey has many properties that relieve itching and pain. Honey contains an enzyme called catalase that reduces mild inflammation. Apply enough unprocessed honey to lightly cover your flea bites. To avoid accidentally making a sticky mess, you can also put a bandage on your honey-covered flea bites.

: Honey has many properties that relieve itching and pain. Honey contains an enzyme called catalase that reduces mild inflammation. Apply enough unprocessed honey to lightly cover your flea bites. To avoid accidentally making a sticky mess, you can also put a bandage on your honey-covered flea bites. Oatmeal: Oatmeal contains gluten, which can relieve itchy flea bites. The best way to use oatmeal to treat flea bites is to grind it into a fine powder (colloidal oatmeal) in a blender or food processor. Mix the oatmeal powder with warm water until it becomes a thick, sticky paste. Apply enough of the oatmeal paste to completely cover your flea bites. After at least 10 minutes, wipe off the paste with a clean cloth.

Prevention How can I prevent being bitten by fleas? To stop flea bites, you need to get rid of the fleas. Fleas are more likely to bite your pet. Check your pet for fleas around the ears, neck, back, and abdomen. Part your pet’s fur and look around their skin. If you do find fleas, here are some removal options: Flea comb: The tines of a flea comb are very close together. When you brush your pet’s fur, fleas get stuck in the tines. If you see fleas in the comb, dip the comb in a bowl of soapy water.

: The teeth of a flea comb are very close together. When you brush your pet’s fur, fleas get stuck in the tines. If you see fleas in the comb, dip the comb in a bowl of soapy water. Flea Shampoo: Soak your pet in warm water and apply a flea shampoo thoroughly. Avoid getting shampoo in your pet’s eyes and mouth.

: Soak your pet in warm water and apply a flea shampoo thoroughly. Avoid getting shampoo in your pet’s eyes and mouth. Medication: Give your pet over-the-counter or prescription flea medication. Some medicines are oral (taken by mouth). Other medicines are topical (apply to the skin).

: Give your pet over-the-counter or prescription flea treatments. Some medicines are oral (taken by mouth). Other medicines are topical (apply to the skin). Wash the bedding: Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water every few days. Also, wash your bedding in hot water, especially if your pet sleeps with you. Dry the bedding on the highest heat setting.

: Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water every few days. Also, wash your bedding in hot water, especially if your pet sleeps with you. Dry the bedding on the highest heat setting. Vacuuming: Use a powerful vacuum to give your carpets, rugs, and fabric furniture a thorough cleaning. When you’re done, immediately empty the contents of the vacuum into a bag, seal, and throw outside. Bed Bug Bites vs. Flea Bites Like fleas, bed bugs feed on your blood and secrete saliva into your bloodstream. Bed bug bites look similar to flea bites. However, bed bug bites often show a distinct line or zigzag pattern. Bed bugs are nocturnal and will bite your exposed skin, including your face, hands, arms, feet, and legs, while you sleep. Flea Bites vs. Mosquito Bites Mosquitoes are small, flying insects. They also feed on your blood and secrete saliva into your bloodstream. Mosquito bites look slightly different than flea bites. After a mosquito bites you, a small, raised bump will form. The raised bump can change color and you can sometimes see a small, dark spot in the center. The dark spot is where the bite occurred.

DEAR JOAN: In 2014 you wrote an article suggesting that some of the insects that bite people in the San Jose area could possibly be chiggers. I don’t think chiggers live in this area.

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Pet of the Week: Carlos Pets and Animals | A Dog Tale: What Bay Area Police Found Under the Hood of a Truck I don’t claim to be an expert, but I was wondering if you could help me understand where you’re from.

I was in a discussion with someone about some of the pests that have been biting people lately. It seemed like most of the problems were from mosquitoes. An acquaintance suggested it might be Chigger, citing your article. I disagreed and we decided to research the topic.

The conclusion was that there was no evidence that chiggers were widespread or maintaining a healthy population in Northern California.

I called a friend of mine who is an entomologist and teaches at UC Davis. She also supported my conclusion that chiggers do not live or thrive in this area. This idea was further supported when I called a few local pest companies, who all stated that they had never had to deal with chiggers in the area, but all expressed a common belief among local residents that they assume this is the case .

I would be very grateful if you could explain your article. It’s still floating around the internet and locals use it to conclude that chiggers live here and infest yards and our lawns.

Ryan Vaughn, San Jose

DEAR RYAN: Chiggers are found in all 50 states, although we call them different depending on where you live. Here we tend to call them mites, and while they’re more common in the southern states, we have them.

Steve Schutz, scientific program manager at the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District, says they’re difficult to document because the mite is usually gone long before the itchy bumps appear. He says he’s had more reports of her this year than in recent years, probably because of the spring rains.

Chiggers don’t drink blood. Instead, they eat liquefied skin cells. They insert something called chelicerae — part of their mouth — into the skin, and then they use their saliva to break down skin cells and slurp them up.

Not surprisingly, this irritates the skin and causes us to scratch, leaving a red, slightly raised bump on our skin. Because of this, you could get a chigger “bite” two days before you notice the itch and bump, making it seem pretty mysterious.

Pet news, photos and more delivered to your inbox. Sign up for the Pet Pal Connection newsletter coming soon.

DEAR JOAN: Raccoons can be dangerous and are destructive to property. We’ve had a few manage to get onto our roof and attempt to chew through the vents. At my neighbor’s, they got under the house and into his air ducts, which had to be replaced at considerable expense.

In your reply to Dave Anderson at Gilroy, you should have mentioned the threat of Baylisascaris (raccoon roundworm). The Centers for Disease Control recommends burning the ground where the feces are found, wearing protective clothing and masks when picking up the feces, discarding used items, and washing them thoroughly.

Although rare, baylisascaris can be serious when contracted. It pays to educate your readers about potential dangers.

Thomas Grinnell, Bay Area

DEAR THOMAS, I have been careless in recommending no safety precautions when handling raccoon droppings. Thank you for filling in the details.

For more coverage of pets and animals, follow us on Flipboard.

DEAR JOAN: In 2014 you wrote an article suggesting that some of the insects that bite people in the San Jose area could possibly be chiggers. I don’t think chiggers live in this area.

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Pet of the Week: Carlos Pets and Animals | A Dog Tale: What Bay Area Police Found Under the Hood of a Truck I don’t claim to be an expert, but I was wondering if you could help me understand where you’re from.

I was in a discussion with someone about some of the pests that have been biting people lately. It seemed like most of the problems were from mosquitoes. An acquaintance suggested it might be Chigger, citing your article. I disagreed and we decided to research the topic.

The conclusion was that there was no evidence that chiggers were widespread or maintaining a healthy population in Northern California.

I called a friend of mine who is an entomologist and teaches at UC Davis. She also supported my conclusion that chiggers do not live or thrive in this area. This idea was further supported when I called a few local pest companies, who all stated that they had never had to deal with chiggers in the area, but all expressed a common belief among local residents that they assume this is the case .

I would be very grateful if you could explain your article. It’s still floating around the internet and locals use it to conclude that chiggers live here and infest yards and our lawns.

Ryan Vaughn, San Jose

DEAR RYAN: Chiggers are found in all 50 states, although we call them different depending on where you live. Here we tend to call them mites, and while they’re more common in the southern states, we have them.

Steve Schutz, scientific program manager at the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District, says they’re difficult to document because the mite is usually gone long before the itchy bumps appear. He says he’s had more reports of her this year than in recent years, probably because of the spring rains.

Chiggers don’t drink blood. Instead, they eat liquefied skin cells. They insert something called chelicerae — part of their mouth — into the skin, and then they use their saliva to break down skin cells and slurp them up.

Not surprisingly, this irritates the skin and causes us to scratch, leaving a red, slightly raised bump on our skin. Because of this, you could get a chigger “bite” two days before you notice the itch and bump, making it seem pretty mysterious.

Pet news, photos and more delivered to your inbox. Sign up for the Pet Pal Connection newsletter coming soon.

DEAR JOAN: Raccoons can be dangerous and are destructive to property. We’ve had a few manage to get onto our roof and attempt to chew through the vents. At my neighbor’s, they got under the house and into his air ducts, which had to be replaced at considerable expense.

In your reply to Dave Anderson at Gilroy, you should have mentioned the threat of Baylisascaris (raccoon roundworm). The Centers for Disease Control recommends burning the ground where the feces are found, wearing protective clothing and masks when picking up the feces, discarding used items, and washing them thoroughly.

Although rare, baylisascaris can be serious when contracted. It pays to educate your readers about potential dangers.

Thomas Grinnell, Bay Area

DEAR THOMAS, I have been careless in recommending no safety precautions when handling raccoon droppings. Thank you for filling in the details.

For more coverage of pets and animals, follow us on Flipboard.

Ticks aren’t the only pests to worry about when you go outdoors. You also need to watch out for chiggers in certain areas. Protect yourself from this nuisance and potential danger by learning how to spot chiggers and where to be most careful to avoid them.

What are chiggers?

Chiggers (scientific name: Trombiculidae) are a family of insects that go by many different names: harvest mites, scratch mites, red beetles, and berry bugs. They can be reddish-orange, yellow, or straw-colored and, at around 0.3 to 1 mm long, are so tiny that you often need a magnifying glass to see them.

Chiggers will typically crawl up your shoes as you walk in nature, and climb up your leg to attach to your skin in an area where your clothing is particularly tight against your body, such as the back of your neck. B. around the elastic edges of your underwear or at the top of your socks.

When a chigger bites you, it first uses its sharp claws to poke holes in your skin, then injects irritating saliva that softens the surrounding cells. Typically, you develop an itchy rash in the area afterwards.

Once a chigger bites you, it usually doesn’t stay on your body for long. Chiggers usually stay on the body for a few days at most.

Where are chiggers found in the US?

Chiggers prefer forest edges and other moist, wooded, and grassy areas. Other common chigger habitats include:

fields

grasslands

Lawn

gardens and flower beds

lake and stream beds

You can find them all over the world, but they are most common in the southern, southeastern, and midwestern United States. Chiggers are most active between early spring and early fall. After the first frost of the season, they become less active. Their preferred temperature range is between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and they die when temperatures drop below 42 degrees.

Chiggers typically live in large groups, crammed together on grass and leaves until an animal or person comes along to bond with. Chiggers can fly, but chigger hatchlings cannot, and they tend to stay close to the nest unless traveling with the group.

Hikers, hunters, and campers are at particular risk from chigger bites, although you can also be bitten by chiggers in parks and even in your yard.

To protect yourself from chiggers, always wear insect and tick repellent when going into nature. Proven Repellent is an insect repellent that effectively repels chiggers for up to 8 hours. Use with confidence for the whole family. In addition to repelling chiggers and ticks, Proven Repellent also repels stable flies, mosquitoes and other biting insects.

Where do chiggers live?

Chiggers are almost invisible, but if they bite you, you’ll know. But where do chiggers live? Pretty much everywhere.

In the United States, chiggers can be found throughout the lower Midwest. Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa are all primary chigger areas where the tiny bugs are nearly impossible to avoid. You’ll also find that chiggers are widespread in the Southeast as well as further north in the Great Lakes region.

Where do chiggers live? Pretty much everywhere.

In this part of the country, you are most likely to encounter chiggers in areas that are densely overgrown with grass or weeds, and in low-lying wet areas such as river banks or the edges of lakes or ponds. Another common chigger habitat is the scrubby area at the edge of a forest or wooded area, where the low-lying vegetation is a great spot for them to linger and wait for an unsuspecting host to pass by.

Chiggers don’t move very fast or far, so you usually have to walk up to them. Because of this, you’ll most often encounter chiggers while hiking in the woods, working outside, or even playing in the yard. If you want to avoid chiggers, it’s best to avoid hiking on overgrown trails or spending a lot of time in overgrown grassy areas.

And while it doesn’t seem like it, chiggers really aren’t all that interested in feasting on humans. Instead, they usually try to attach themselves to reptiles like snakes, lizards or frogs, or other small animals like birds and mice. But if you’re the only food menu in town, they won’t be afraid to nibble on you for a while instead.

If you live in or are traveling to a part of the country where Chigger is plentiful, plan ahead and bring Chiggerex with you.

Maybe you take your kids for a walk in the park. Or perhaps enjoy an afternoon on the golf course. However, that outdoor fun sometimes comes at a price – an itchy rash of pests you can’t even see. They’re called chiggers – bugs so small you need a magnifying glass to spot them. They are not dangerous, but their bites can leave you with a strong urge to scratch. Don’t let them bring out the best in you! Learn how to soothe your irritated skin and how to prevent bites next time you go outside.

What are chiggers and where do they lurk? Scientists call these creatures “trombiculid mites.” But they have many nicknames. You might hear people call them harvest mites, harvest beetles, harvest lice, weed mites, or red beetles. Technically, these creatures are not insects. They are “arachnids” and belong to the same family as spiders and ticks. You can travel around the world, but you cannot escape from these pests. Chiggers live in every country. Their favorite spots are wet grassy areas like fields, woods, and even your lawn. You can also find them near lakes and streams.

Adult chiggers do not bite. It’s the babies, called larvae, that you have to take care of. They are red, orange, yellow or straw-colored and no longer than 0.3 millimeters. After hatching from eggs, the babies do not fly and do not travel very far on their own. They tend to remain crammed into leaves and grass in large groups, usually less than a foot off the ground, and attach themselves to animals or humans as they pass. In the US, chigger bites are most common in late spring, summer, and early fall. The beetles are active when the ground temperature is between 77 and 86 degrees F, and they die when it gets colder than 42.