Many people do their best to avoid interactions with bugs and one of the reasons is the fear of being bitten. While not all bugs will bite you, some species are notorious for their biting. We’ve made a list of common pests that bite.
Mosquitoes
Why They Bite: Female mosquitoes need blood to produce eggs.
Target: Mosquitoes target humans and animals by sensing body heat and carbon dioxide.
Habitat: Mosquitoes prefer areas with standing water like ponds
Bite: Bites typically result in a red, itchy bump.
Prevention & Treatment: Mosquito infestations can be prevented by eliminating sources of standing water. Using a plant-based insect repellent can help keep mosquitoes away.
Ticks
Why They Bite: Ticks require blood to survive.
Target: Each tick species has their preferred host, ranging from dogs and deer to humans.
Habitat: Ticks are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas.
Bite: Tick bites usually only result in redness and swelling. If a bullseye rash develops, you’ll want to seek medical attention.
Prevention & Treatment: Maintaining your yard and keeping grass cut short can help keep ticks out of your yard. You can also treat your yard with an insecticide spray, like Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Mosquito & Tick Killer, to eliminate and prevent tick infestations.
Spiders
Why They Bite: Most spiders will bite only if they feel threatened or are disturbed. Two spiders to watch out for are the brown recluse and black widow spider.
Target: Spiders don’t actively target humans.
Habitat: Black widows like to hide in woodpiles and tall grass. Brown recluse spiders prefer dark and secluded hiding spots including closets and basements.
Bite: Brown recluse spider bites aren’t always painful at first. Pain and redness can occur hours after being bitten. Bites from a black widow spider are painful and can lead to other side effects including muscle cramps. If one of these spiders bite you, it’s best to seek medical attention.
Prevention & Treatment: One way to prevent a spider infestation is ensuring they can’t enter your home. Seal cracks and repair any holes in window or door screens. Applying an insecticide dust to your home can help with long-lasting control.
Fleas
Why They Bite: Fleas feed on the blood of their host.
Target: Each flea species has its preferred host. Animals, like dogs and cats, are a common host but humans can also be targeted.
Habitat: Fleas can live both indoors and outdoors. If feeding on an animal host, they will often live on them. When they are outside, they can be found in moist and shaded areas.
Bite: Flea bites can result in itchy, swollen bumps.
Prevention & Treatment: Fleas are most often brought into homes on pets. Working with your veterinarian to treat your pet is your first step. Then, you’ll want to treat your home. Vacuuming is a great way to remove flea eggs. Using a family-friendly insecticide spray, like our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Bed Bug & Flea Killer, can help to eliminate an infestation.
Bed Bugs
Why They Bite: Bed bugs survive by feeding on the blood of a host.
Target: Humans are the preferred host of bed bugs.
Habitat: Bed bugs hide in cracks and crevices that are close to their food source. This can include your bed, bedding, and furniture.
Bite: Bites can be clustered together and are typically red and itchy.
Prevention & Treatment: These pests are often brought into homes through luggage and furniture. When travelling, you’ll want to check for signs of bed bugs including brown stains on bedding. Using an insecticide dust, like our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Bed Bug Killer, will help you to treat the cracks and crevices where these pests hide.
No one wants to deal with a bug bite, especially one that is itchy and painful. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help keep these pests away from you and your home. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Pest Control products.