3 Health Risk of Bug Bites

1. Diseases

Pests carry many diseases that can spread to you via their saliva or droppings. For example, mice and rats alone carry many diseases, but they also harbor fleas, which spread many diseases.

One of the best-known examples of this is the black plague, which is from fleas on rats and mice. Although it is no longer a widespread problem, the black plague still exists and can spread via fleas. Even with advancements in medicine and technology, the black plague can be fatal.

In Indiana, some of the most common biting insects include brown recluse spiders, yellowjackets, red velvet ants, assassin bugs, deer ticks, and mosquitos. Some of these critters can do a lot of damage.

Deer ticks, for example, are notorious for spreading Lyme disease, which can cause complications for years. Assassin bugs tend to leave you alone if you leave them alone, but if bothered, they may attack, leading to disease and even tissue death around the affected area.

2. Infection

The actual bite from a bug doesn't typically cause an infection, but it does cause itching, which increases the risk of you scratching and breaking the skin. This exposes unprotected skin to bacteria. Infections from scratching bug bites include impetigo, cellulitis, and lymphangitis.

Impetigo is incredibly common, especially in children, and it rarely leads to long-term complications. Severe sores from the infection may cause scarring, especially if you continue to scratch. Similarly, as long as you seek treatment, cellulitis rarely causes issues and is treatable with a round of antibiotics.

Lymphangitis, however, may pose severe risks if not treated because it attacks part of the lymphatic system. Untreated lymphangitis can lead to blood infection or sepsis.

Luckily, spotting an infection from a bug bite is relatively easy because you have many tell-tale signs. First, the area around the bite may be red, swollen, or warm to the touch. The area may also be tender and oozing pus. Some people also experience flu-like symptoms like fever and chills.

3. Allergic Reaction

Most people experience some symptoms after a bug bite, such as redness and itching. This is the body's normal nonallergic reaction to the bug's toxin or saliva. Over-the-counter antihistamines and corticosteroid creams are usually enough to reduce inflammation and itching. Nonallergic reactions can also cause large local reactions that last 48 hours to a week and cause nausea and vomiting.

However, some people experience allergic reactions when bitten by certain bugs. The severity of the reaction is different for everyone. While you may be mildly allergic to bed bug bites, your partner may experience nausea or vomiting. In addition, you may be more allergic to one type of bug over another.

In extreme cases, you may develop anaphylaxis, which presents with difficulty breathing, swelling of tongue, fainting, dizziness, and hoarseness. These symptoms tend to come on fast, making it important to seek treatment fast. However, in some cases, a full day might pass before symptoms show.

Whether you're allergic to bug bites or not, consider eliminating any pest infestation in or around the home. Pests carry many diseases, including mild to life-threatening diseases, and itching can worsen the condition by causing an infection. If you would like to learn more about pest control, or if you're ready to request a quote, contact us at American Pest Professionals today.