Can Bugs Cause Allergies?
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Some bugs can cause allergies. Biting, stinging, buzzing, and hovering around beautiful porch lights isn’t where it ends. These pesky organisms can trigger a range of different allergic reactions. Given the diversity of our immune systems, there are different reactions that bugs can elicit from humans. Although a majority of bug allergy symptoms are mild and do not usually require medical attention, a few are severe.
Which Bugs Cause Allergic Reactions?
Cockroaches are kings at triggering an asthma attack. This is because they produce allergens that can cause breathing problems. These allergens are found in fragments of their body parts which fall off when they shake their bodies. When these fragments get airborne, they can get inhaled, which will almost immediately affect allergic individuals.
Milder allergic reactions to cockroaches often feel more like a cold. As the infestation grows, sneezing, sore throat, and itchy eyes could last for months. Bedbugs and dust mites can also trigger these reactions, as they also produce similar allergens.
Allergic Reactions from Bug Bites
Common bug bite symptoms are mild and include sharp, burning pain in the area, with slight swelling that typically heals in a few days.
Moderate reactions to bug bites can take up to a week to heal. People who experience this have a stronger response to it, called the Large local Reaction (LLR). Symptoms include severe redness and swelling around the sting area, which may gradually increase in size over 24 to 48 hours.
The severe allergic reaction to bugs is the rarest. Usually linked to bee stings, the bee venom can cause a phenomenon known as anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention. The following are some symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Itchy, red hives on the skin
- Nausea and vomiting
Severe allergic reactions occur in situations where the body system treats the bug venom as if it were poison. Symptoms may include fever, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Another similarly fatal reaction is serum sickness. It is a rare reaction of the body to a foreign substance that can cause fever, hives, and flu-like symptoms.
Alleviating Allergic Reactions to Bugs
For mild allergies, you can ease out symptoms by doing the following:
- Wash the affected area with soap and water, then apply soothing ointment.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Take antihistamines to reduce itching and irritation.
Keeping the bite area covered after cleaning is important to avoid further irritation. Not covering it can slow down the healing process and may even lead to secondary complications. For severe reactions, seek immediate medical help.
How to Prevent Bug Allergies
After learning the answer to, “can bugs cause allergies?” your next step should be learning how to prevent them. The most efficient way of preventing any encounter with these allergy-causing bugs is to learn to recognize their nests to avoid them. Also, find ways to debug your home. It is always best to seek help from a pest control expert when dealing with insects like cockroaches or any other bugs.
Prevent Pesky Bug Infestations with Reliable Pest Control Services
Pest infestations can be a big problem, from itchy bug bites to expensive damage to your home. Solidified Pest Control has the tools you need to get rid of bugs for good. We’re familiar with Michigan’s most common bug problems and have collected thousands of five-star reviews. Our goal is to help you take back control of your home from pesky bugs and rodents. We service all over Metro Detroit, including Redford, Livonia, Plymouth, Garden City, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Westland, and Detroit. Call Solidified Pest Control today at (248) 820-3057 or fill out our online contact form.