Bites, Insects or Something Else?

Hey there! If you’ve ever questioned “why am I being bitten?” This article is for you! Pest control companies frequently receive phone calls from individuals experiencing annoying bites. You can detect the source like fleas or bedbugs at times but it can be a bit tricky at times and that’s when we need to investigate a little bit more.

Typically, once we eliminate the pests inside your home you would think the annoying bites will stop, right? Well, sometimes it’s not as simple as that. If we can’t find the source of the bites, a full investigation might be warranted. I recommend it in some cases just for a little bit more peace of mind if you need it.

Some people have a normal reaction to bites! Some people don’t have any reaction at all, but others may have some swelling, redness, itching or even some discolouration. Because of these differing responses, it can be difficult to determine the cause of bites simply by observing them.

Possible Reasons for Bites or Itchiness:

• Insects and other critters (some visible, some not!)

• Physical irritants

• Chemical allergens

• Reactions to stress or illness

• Psychological responses (like those pesky phantom bites!)

Visible Insects and Related Animals

Living in Australia, and especially in summer, it’s common to get bitten by insects. By the time you realize where the bite is, the little pest is long gone! We can often recognize bites from mosquitoes, ants, bees, wasps or even spiders fairly easily.

Invisible Insects

You may sometimes find small bites and don't have a clue where they’re from. In those instances, we can begin to narrow down our options.

Bedbugs

Little biters love to eat right before dawn! If you think you have bedbugs, look for tiny blood spots or other evidence of them in your sheets. A deep dive search of your room is highly advisable unpick the mattress seams and the frame of the bed, and even behind the headboard!

Caterpillar Hairs

Caterpillars can also shed some irritating stinging hairs. If you get too close, you could end up feeling a sharp, painful sting.

Lice

Whether they are on your head or elsewhere, lice can be a nuisance. They’re a medical problem, not a pest-control problem, so treatment is best obtained through a doctor.

Midges (Sandflies)

Some people, so-called midge attracters, feel really itchy after being bitten by a midge. The silver lining? They haven’t been proven to transmit diseases!

Mites

If birds have nested within your roof, it might result to dealing with bird mites. Once the nestlings have fledged, those mites turn to a potential new food source namely, you! A good treatment is removing the nest and keeping your roof bird-proof.

Scabies Mite

The mite that causes scabies adores warmth and can burrow into your skin and give you itchy bumps. If you think you have scabies, be sure to see a doctor for treatment.

Dust Mites

Dust mites don’t bite, but they can cause allergic reactions. If you suspect this could be the case, then a visit to the doctor and an allergy test could be useful.

Physical Irritants

It’s important to stay vigilant, because sometimes it can cause delayed reactions, so be on the lookout!

Synthetic & Plant Fibers

These fibers can irritate your skin, particularly in the presence of heat, as in a hot shower.

Heat Rash

Of course, living in Australia we know heat rashes all too well! Often they appear as red or pink patches on the body below areas of clothing, especially when the weather is not steady.

Static Electricity

We’ve all felt that little zap from static electricity! For some, it can produce a skin rash that resembles bug bites.

If you’re investing with bites or itchiness, don’t be afraid to ask for help. We’re here to show you how to help and take a little of the pressure off.

Termishield Termite Treatment Midvale offers all pest control services in Midvale and surroundings. Feel free to contact us at (08) 6275 6571 or visit our website:

https://termishieldtermitetreatment.com.au/