What Type of Bug Bite Is That?

(NewsUSA) – Sunny summer days are meant for outdoor fun, but few things ruin time outside more quickly than bites from pests. Insect bites can result in consequences that range from minor, yet aggravating, irritation to extreme pain and even potentially fatal illnesses. If you are on the receiving end of a bite, it is important to detect which pest inflicted it so you can determine the best course of treatment, as well as investigate whether there is a pest problem on your property that warrants a call to your local pest control company.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers the following information on how to identify the culprits of three common summertime bites:
Mosquitoes
A mosquito bite typically results in a red, itchy bump on the skin. Despite the temptation to scratch, doing so agitates the venom and increases the itchiness of the bite. All bites should be washed with soap and water, and the best remedies are antihistamines and anti-inflammatories. Anyone experiencing fever, head or body aches, skin rashes or swollen lymph glands following a bite could have been infected with potentially fatal West Nile virus and should seek medical attention.
Ticks
Because of their small size, blacklegged deer tick bites frequently go unnoticed. However, these tiny pests are vectors of Lyme disease, and the earlier you can identify a bite from a Lyme-infected tick, the sooner you can begin the necessary antibiotic treatments. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a circular bulls-eye rash appears within 3-30 days of the bite in approximately 70-80 percent of infected persons. Anyone who develops this characteristic rash should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Red Imported Fire Ants
Red imported fire ants are an aggressive species capable of stinging and injecting venom with their bites, causing an intense burning sensation. Red bumps form at the sting, and within a day or two they become white fluid-filled pustules. While the bites and stings are often excruciating, medical attention is typically only necessary for those who are severely allergic to the venom.
If you are repeatedly experiencing issues with these pests on your property or are concerned for the health and safety of your family, contact a local pest control company to evaluate the problem and determine the best course of treatment. Find a qualified pest control professional at PestWorld.org.