If you have ever been stung by a bee or bitten by an insect, you are well aware of how uncomfortable of an experience it can be. Some of these bites might be harmless, while others may even threaten your health.
Insects are responsible for about 25–30% of all bites that happen to people. Most insect bites occur from June to October. The insects that most commonly bite people are mosquitoes, black flies, gnats, ticks, fleas, mites, midges, sandflies, horse flies, deer flies, chiggers, lice, bed bugs, moles, bats, spiders, ants, cockroaches, crickets, and centipedes. These bugs prefer warm and wet places, so be extra careful in humid climates.
A few hours
This is the fastest reaction that appears and leaves just as instantly. For instance, if a mosquito bit your arm, that bite would likely be gone shortly. Mosquitoes have a tiny lifespan and are constantly being born from eggs laid in stagnant water sources, usually near standing water. So, if you haven’t already, clean out those old rain barrels and flower pots to avoid mosquito bites!
Up to a week
Bug bites can sometimes itch for several weeks, especially if a patient suffers from allergic reactions. If you’re bitten by something large, like a spider, you could experience swelling, redness, pain, and even blisters that may last a few days to a week.
Up to two months
Some bug bites can last for what seems like forever. For instance, bedbugs can wreak havoc on a household if given the chance. Despite having a relatively short lifespan (only three weeks!), these bites can last for months.
How to Prevent and Treat Bug Bites
The best way to avoid being bitten by bugs is simple—don’t go out into nature unprepared. Always have a first aid kit handy, including antiseptic creams and pain relievers. Also, remember to bring along some insect repellent. If you get bitten by an insect, try to identify what kind of insect bit you. If possible, remove it immediately using tweezers or a pair of sharp scissors. This way a doctor can identify what bit you if need be.
If you’re inside your best bet is a bug zapper. This is the best defense against any kind of buy, even large wasps that sometimes sneak into homes during the Summer. Just hit them once and they’re dead!
Some Common Insect Bites
These are the two most common bug bites.
Mosquito bites
Mosquitoes transmit many serious diseases that can cause illness and even death in some cases. These diseases include Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue fever, yellow fever, malaria, encephalitis, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, Chikungunya, St. Louis encephalitis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-borne illnesses.
Ticks
Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that live off of animals, including human beings. They have been known to carry disease-causing bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and worms, depending on their species. There are over 300 different types of ticks, each with various characteristics and tendencies. Some of these ticks may only attach themselves to the host for a short period, while others may stay attached for weeks at a time.
Conclusion
Bug bites are pretty common all around the world. The types of bugs vary from place to place, but the phenomenon isn’t new. Nonetheless, it’s always best to stay safe since some bites can last for weeks and be quite hazardous to your health.
