As common as bug bites are, it’s normal to feel concerned when many insects carry viruses, diseases, and can even poison you.

So, how can you tell if your bug bite is something to worry about? It’s easier to figure out how serious a bite may be when you know what bit you. Here are a few simple ways to identify bug bites and when to seek medical care.

Mosquito Bites

With the recent epidemic of the mosquito-borne Zika virus, many people are worried about the severity of their mosquito bites. Mosquitos are also known for potentially carrying many other illnesses, including West Nile Virus, malaria, and Yellow Fever, among others.

Normally, a mosquito bite causes a small, itchy, and sometimes red welt to form on your skin. It isn’t unusual to get multiple bites at one time.

Due to its itchiness, mosquito bites are typically more annoying than harmful. However, if you experience a fever, nausea, and muscle aches after being bitten, it is recommended that you seek medical care.

Spider Bites

Spider bites are often presumed to be extremely dangerous and poisonous, but the truth is that the majority of spider bites are only a nuisance.

Most spider bites cause a minor reaction, like swelling, redness, and sometimes mild pain. However, spider bites from a poisonous spider can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.

Depending on the species of spider that bit you, symptoms can include:

• Swelling of the lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle pain or rigidity
• Change in blood pressure
• Blisters
• Debilitating physical pain, and/or a burning sensation at the site of the wound.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek treatment as soon as possible. Some spider bites have the potential to do irreversible damage if medical care is delayed.

Fire Ant Bites

Fire ant bites are easy to identify because they attack in swarms and can bite repeatedly. The bites are usually small, red, and sometimes full of pus. These bites are often very painful and can burn.

If a fire ant bite has pus, do not try to pop the blister open, as it will often lead to infection. Typically, the pain and swelling should go down in a week or so.

Some people may experience an allergic reaction to a fire ant bite, and the risk is increased if you’ve been bitten by a red fire ant before. In this case, a fire ant bite can be fatal. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and trouble swallowing. If you think you’ve experienced an allergic reaction due to a fire ant bite, seek medical care immediately.

Tick Bites

Like mosquitoes, ticks have a (well-deserved) reputation for carrying diseases. The most concerning disease that they sometimes carry is Lyme’s disease.

Most tick bites are harmless and don’t have any noticeable symptoms. However, if the tick bite becomes red with a ring around it, similar to a bullseye, it may be a sign of Lyme’s disease. Headaches, nausea, fever, and muscle aches may also point toward Lyme’s.

If you are experiencing these symptoms after a tick bite, get medical care immediately.

Protect Yourself This Summer with Haggerty Pest Control

Pest Control Services You Can Trust

The best way to prevent or lower the risk of a bug bite is to eliminate the source. Practicing bug bite prevention creates a safe environment for you, your pets, and your family.

Haggerty Pest Control has over 30 years of experience with all types of pests, including mosquitos, spiders, fire ants, and ticks. For professional pest control and maintenance services you can trust, contact Haggerty Pest Service today.

To learn more about our pest control services and what the Haggerty Pest Service team can do for you, give us a call at (954) 421-9981 for residents of Broward County, (561) 347-2930 for West Palm Beach, and (772) 489-0025 for St. Lucie county.