How to Identify Common Bug Bites

When summertime finally comes to Michigan, it can be hard to resist. You want to throw on the shorts, hop in the lake, and enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer. Unfortunately, after a long and cold winter, the warm weather can bring some not-so-pleasant plants and bugs back with it. If you notice itchy or irritated skin during the summer, common bug bites may be to blame. Here are some of the common bug bites you should know about.

Mosquitoes

If you’ve been sitting outside around dusk, you’re likely to come into contact with mosquitoes. They’re a fact of life in Michigan. Preventative measures including wearing long sleeves and pants or using a mosquito spray can help. The bite of these pesky bugs is often red, warm, and swollen thanks to a histamine reaction that takes place when an enzyme in mosquito saliva mixes with your blood.

Ease the itch: There are a variety of treatments include antihistamine creams or natural mosquito bite treatments for babies that can reduce the swelling and itch associated with mosquito bites. Bites should reduce in size on their own and disappear in a few days.

Ticks

Tick bites can cause a variety of diseases in Michigan from the well-known Lyme Disease to lesser-known tick-borne illnesses. Ticks are often carried from place to place by animals and are most likely to be found in thick grass or wooded areas. Tick bites are often difficult to detect as tick saliva contains an immunosuppressant designed to reduce or eliminate antibody reactions. As a result, you may not notice a tick bite unless you see the attached tick. After the tick has dropped off, you may also see a small red bump, which in most cases, resembles a mosquito bite. 

Ease the itch: Most tick bites can be treated with the same itch-relieving products as a mosquito bite. It’s important to keep a lookout for any additional symptoms as an estimated 20-40% of black-legged ticks (the second most common variety in Michigan) are thought to carry Lyme Disease. Talk to your healthcare professional if you suspect you have been bitten by a disease-carrying tick.

Spiders

Out of the estimated 37,000 varieties of spiders in the world, there are only about 500 different types in Michigan. Of these native spiders, only three species are considered “medically important” meaning their bites cause serious or potentially fatal reactions. That’s not to say that more common spider bites won’t cause a reaction, however, severe reactions from these bites are rare. Spider bites often cause pain, itching, and/or swelling, much like a mosquito or tick bite, although some may experience more intense reactions and should seek medical treatment. 

Ease the itch: A cold compress can help relieve the pain of a spider bite. It’s important to keep an eye on the bite, especially if you’re unsure what kind of spider bit you. It’s also a good idea to keep up on your tetanus vaccine per CDC recommendation as spider bites can become infected with tetanus spores.

There’s a better way to avoid the pain and annoyances of mosquito, tick, and spider bites. Call Mosquito One to schedule your yard treatment and say “goodbye” to pesky insects and “hello” to a bug-free yard you’ll love to enjoy. Schedule your mosquito treatment online or contact Mosquito One today!

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