Identifying which Bug Bit You
Sometimes bug bites are worrisome cause they all look similar. Well, there are some distinct differences to keep in mind when looking at the bite. This guide will go through what to look for, how to take care of it, and a method to get rid of those pests. Although if you are currently dealing with this issue the first piece of advice is DO NOT SCRATCH!
Spider Bites
Spiders, unlike mosquitoes, only bite when they feel threatened. There are 3,000 different species of spiders in America, but there are only about four that are dangerous. Those spiders are the brown recluse, black widow, hobo spider, and tarantula.
They usually will not bite you multiple times in the same area, which helps narrow down where your bite came from. Some symptoms to look out for with a spider bite is swelling around the area, itching, pain radiating from the bite, muscle pain or cramping, fever, chills, sweating, etc. Also, there will be two small punctures in the bump rather than one.
So if you are experiencing these symptoms it likely is a spider bite. Definitely consult a doctor and ensure that everything is ok.
Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes bite people, not as a defense mechanism but as a way of life. They extract blood from people which gives mosquitos nutrients to then deliver to their offspring. The side effect of the bite is actually due to the saliva of the mosquito and results in an irritating itchy bump.
Mosquitos will continually bite people throughout their lifetime, whereas spiders prefer not to bite at all. Common symptoms of a mosquito bite are a red puffy itchy bum. This will only have one puncture in the bump and it isn’t uncommon to find a few bites on the body in an outdoor setting.
What do I do about the bite?
In both cases, it is smart to apply an ice pack to the bite and take Benadryl. This will help with the itching and again do anything but a scratch. If other symptoms start to occur, like fever, nausea, or fluid from that bitten area, call a doctor immediately.
Please remember this guide is just to give you an idea of how to identify the difference between the bites. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor as soon as symptoms occur because the sooner it is evaluated the better.
How do I get rid of these pests?
While many say bug sprays, citronella candles, and other at-home quick fixes can help fix the issue, those are only quick fixes. A SWAT Mosquito System protects your home from unwanted buggy pests and is a smart investment as it is a more long-term fix to the issue. Plus Swat has its professionals install the systems, answer any questions you have, and help you maintain them. So call SWAT Mosquito Systems®️ to help ensure your home is protected from those pesky bugs.