5 Bug Bites to Know in Michigan
Image via Flickr by Tony Webster
It’s no surprise that Michigan is one of the most bug-friendly places in the US. The great water bodies that surround it, coupled with its friendly summer and fall temperatures, give room for a variety of these creatures to thrive. Thankfully, there aren’t many pathogenic bugs in Michigan. The ones that bite mostly cause minor itching only, which goes away in a few days– unless the person is allergic.
In Michigan, common bug bites can occur anywhere. At home, on playgrounds, in gardens, or just anywhere. But what differentiates one from the other? Can you tell a bug from its bite? Learning the most common bug bites can help you identify them in your family.
Important Considerations of a Bug Bite
When judging the severity of a bite, there are three things to consider:
- The body’s reaction to the bite.
- Potential diseases the insect may carry.
- Possible toxins the bug may possess.
Most Common Bug Bites in Michigan
Here are five bug bites to know in Michigan:
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes tend to thrive in areas surrounded by water. Since Michigan is that kind of place, they breed just fine. Their bites are very itchy and appear as small red bumps that can increase in size upon itching and irritation. The bites typically disappear after a few days but can potentially transmit some serious diseases like malaria and the West Nile virus.
Bed Bugs
Just like mosquitoes, bed bugs are another kind of bloodsucking Michigan-native insects that disturb residents. But unlike mosquitoes, their bites are unique. They do not occur singularly but in groups of three to five and often follow a zigzagging type of pattern. Bed bugs hardly bite in the daytime but creep in at night to suck blood, leaving bite marks that are everything but gentle on the skin.
Fleas
Fleas are parasites, so their presence around your home usually implies that a host (pets and small mammals mostly) is also close nearby. Michigan flea bites are usually harmless, except if the host is allergic. This is because the bites are quick to heal and do not transmit diseases.
Ticks
Tick bites do not usually hurt or give off bizarre reactions like itching or irritation. However, they are not the most silent invaders of our blood. Not only do they put out their mouthparts to pierce the skin in a ticklish manner, but these suckers also burrow under while they do, leaving you with small red bumps.
Bees, Wasps, and Hornets
Aside from the pain their stingers immediately inflict, bees, wasps, and hornets are often harmless. Although this is an exception for those with allergy problems. A normal bee sting will cause some itching, redness, and swelling. However, those allergic to bees may experience anaphylaxis, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, and abdominal cramping. If any of these symptoms occur, make sure to seek help from an emergency medical expert.
Are There Too Many Bugs in Your Home or Yard?
Most of the bugs present in Michigan include mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and bed bugs. Their bites appear similar but can be differentiated based on the slight distinctions discussed in this article. Bees, wasps, and hornets, on the other hand, do not bite, they rather sting and can cause reactions that range from mild to severe in allergic individuals.
While some interaction with these pests is normal, you may have options available to get rid of an infestation. Solidified Pest Control understands how frustrating it can be to fight pests and rodents for control of your home or yard. We service all of Metro Detroit, including Redford, Livonia, Garden City, Troy, Taylor, Wayne, Farmington, and Farmington Hills, for pest inspection and removal services. Call us today at (248) 820-3057 or fill out our online form. We have thousands of five-star reviews and look forward to providing you with the same great service.