Welcome to bites Guide
Itchy Bug Bites Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Take a Drink and Flea the Scene: The Scoop on Flea Bites
from:Flea bites are a common complaint of dog and cat lovers especially when they jump from the animal onto a human host. Fleas have three separate mouthparts. They inject saliva into their host. They will then have a blood meal and flea the scene, often time unnoticed by they unsuspecting human host. Fleas are non host specific and will jump from host to host for a blood meal.
Fleas bites are characterized by tiny red blotches which are extremely itchy. Fleas bites generally form a line of three bites which helps to distinguish a flea bite from other insect bites. Fleas are so tiny that they appear to the naked eye as tiny black specks. The larvae of the flea resemble a grain of sand. Flea larvae is sensitive to light and therefore are found embedded into the deep fibers of carpets.
Flea bites appear on areas of the human body found closest to the ground; feet, ankles and calves. Another reason why flea bites are most commonly found on the feet and ankles is that these insects bite areas that are exposed. In the summer people tend to wear sandals and other open shoes. Normally socks are not worn with these types of shoes. Fleas will invade beds and mattresses and normally people do not wear socks to bed. However these insects can jump as high as thirteen inches which is an incredible 200 times their actual size. Therefore fleas can jump off their animal hosts or from the floors and carpets of your home and can bite any exposed area of the human body.
Fleas require warm temperatures to survive. Fleas found in colder climates such as Canada and the northern United States are seasonal in nature. The flea season far these climates is from March to October. Unfortunately, flea season is year round for warmer climates. Fleas also strive in damp climates.
Flea bites itch and cause swelling. Sensitive individuals may contract hive-like rashes. Secondary infection can occur due to intense scratching. When flea bites become infected they will fill with fluid. Scratching can also break down skin cells and cause burning. Intense scratching sometimes cause the bite wound to bleed, afterwards a scab will form.
The best cure for flea bites is prevention. Make sure your dogs and cats have flea collars and treat their infestation before the fleas come after you. There are flea powders and flea baths and medication such as frontline to clear up your pet’s problem. A dehumidifier set at 50 will take enough humidity out of your home to sufficiently prevent the breeding of fleas.
Once you have a flea infestation the best way to rid the infestation is to get rid of the fleas. Make sure to clean all surfaces of your home, bedding, clothing, floors, carpets, etc. Empty vacuum cleaner bags after every use (the fleas will live inside). Spray floors, surfaces and bedding, clothing and furniture with a solution of pyrethrin.
Flea bites will normally disappear on their own, but in the case of severe reactions take one or two Benadryl capsules every six hours. You may also require a topical hydrocortisone cream and medication for open cuts and wounds.
Itchy Bug Bites Specific links
Itchy Bug Bites News
Group develops resources to help residents fight bed bug problems
LANSING In response to public anxiety and increasing reports of bed bug infestations in Michigans metropolitan areas, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has developed a website and a comprehensive manual to educate renters, homeowners, facility managers, and other government agencies about the best practices for bed bug prevention and control.
Read more...Bed bug alert in New York
Bedbugs are spreading at an unprecedented rate in New York City, and officials have announced the start of a plan to battle the infestation, including a public awareness campaign and a top entomologist to head the fight.
Read more...New York battles bed bugs with big bucks
New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn has a message for bed bugs: "Drop dead!"
Read more...Bedbugs biting in greater numbers
You might not have taken your mother seriously when she told you to sleep tight and not let the bedbugs bite, but you should have. Bedbugs, tiny vampires that for many decades were forgotten about in this country, are making a comeback. Even in a rural area like Ross County, health officials are averaging one call per week concerning the blood-sucking critters.
Read more...Bedbug problem grows in CNY and nation
A new study shows that in the past five years exterminators have seen bedbug calls jump 57 percent. Of those surveyed, nearly all of them dealt with at least one...
Read more...