Insect bites after night: what to do to prevent this unpleasant situation from happening again?
Insect bites after the night are a fairly common complaint. We hear from customers about itchy bites on their body after the night. It is important to be aware that as the weather gets warmer, the number of blood-sucking insects that attack people while they sleep increases. Mosquitoes, fleas and fleas are the most well-known, but sometimes even spiders and ticks can be the culprits. How to avoid such unpleasant “injections”?
Turinio rodyklė
Why do insects sting us in our sleep?
When we sleep soundly in our own bed, we certainly don’t want to wake up from the sharp pain caused by insect attacks. But for many, this is exactly what happens. Why do bloodsuckers like to “feast” while we rest?
- IWe exhale carbon dioxide. According to one popular theory, insects, including mosquitoes and ants, are attracted to carbon dioxide exhaled by humans. We naturally exhale more carbon dioxide when we sleep, so insects detect us faster.
- Lower body temperature. Another reason is that our body temperature drops when we sleep, making us a more attractive target for cold-blooded insects like mosquitoes.
- Bloodsuckers simply find it easy to feed. Another possible reason is that we do not move or resist when we sleep: it is much easier for insects to do their “black work” and get their fill.
Whatever the cause, insect bites do make sleep worse, and insects can also transmit a variety of diseases, so ignoring them is not a good option.
Mosquito bites after the night
There are about 3,500 species of mosquitoes in the world, but not all of them are blood-feeders, and in Lithuania there are about 40, but new ones are being discovered. The greatest diversity of mosquitoes is at the beginning of the summer: for example, in June, more than 20 species of mosquitoes are found, but by autumn, only a few species dominate.
The common mosquito is probably the most widespread. Many people are surprised to learn that only female mosquitoes sting: they need blood to lay their eggs. But what are the consequences of these bites?
Some people experience more severe allergic reactions and cold-like symptoms after mosquito bites. These are more common in children, people with autoimmune diseases, and adults who are bitten by a mosquito for the first time (of course, it’s very difficult to imagine such a scenario).
Mosquito bites can also cause Skeeter’s syndrome, an allergic reaction to mosquito bites that causes the stung areas to become very hot and swollen.
What do mosquito bites look like? Description and photos
Mosquito attacks cause swollen, pink or red bumps on the skin. The skin around the bump is also often red. These signs are often noticeable within a few minutes of the bite.
Adverse skin reactions are caused by mosquito saliva, which is injected into the skin by the insect. The saliva acts as an anaesthetic: firstly, it prevents the person from feeling pain, and secondly, it helps the mosquito to suck blood faster.
How can I protect myself against mosquito bites?
- Special mosquito nets. Mosquito nets should be installed on windows as a first step: they are probably the most effective means of protection.
- Repellents. If you spend time and nights in the countryside, try to catch all mosquitoes before you go to bed and use repellents.
Flea bites after the night
Fleas are small, blood-sucking insects up to a few centimetres long. They usually take up residence in the vicinity of a person’s bedroom: in the bedding, between the seams of the mattress, in furniture, etc. Fleas settle in small crevices, making it easy for them to migrate unnoticed.
Even if you’re meticulous about your hygiene, it’s not always easy to avoid fleas: they can be brought into your home with your luggage, second-hand clothes or used furniture. These pests come out at night and feed on people’s blood while they sleep.
What do flea bites look like? Description and photos
Many people do not feel the sting of bed bugs. You are more likely to notice bite marks during the day when red, itchy bumps appear on the skin.
Sometimes they appear only after a few days. The flea bites will usually be next to each other in areas where your skin was open at night: i.e. on your face, neck, arms, hands, shoulders and legs.
Many people confuse flea bites with mosquito bites, but if you see blood and brown stains on your bedding and smell an unpleasant frosty odour, you know for sure that fleas have taken up residence.
How can I protect myself against flea bites?
- Keep your bedroom clean. Bugs don’t like cleanliness, so make sure you wash bed linen, clean bedroom surfaces, etc. often.
- Use special mattress covers.
- Get rid of unused items and avoid buying and bringing home worn, dirty textiles and other people’s belongings.
- If you want a fast and professional result, contact the Sterilus team immediately: we use family and pet-safe solutions for flea control and offer a 100% guarantee.
By the way, you shouldn’t delay in getting rid of fleas: one flea can lay up to several hundred eggs in its lifetime!
Flea bites after the night
Unlike mosquitoes or bed bugs, fleas can be much harder to spot because of their small size. Attacks by an insect as small as 1-4 mm can cause extremely unpleasant symptoms. Interestingly, fleas prefer to sting animals, but if animals are not around, fleas have to feed on human blood to survive.
What do flea bites look like? Description and photos
Flea bites are small red spots that may have a ring/circle around the centre of the bite (as in Lyme disease). There are usually at least a few bites and they are arranged in groups or rows.
- Fleas usually sting the legs up to the shins, but their bites can also occur on the knees, elbows, waist, armpits and groin.
- Flea stings will itch and irritate the surrounding skin, as many people’s bodies identify flea saliva as an allergen.
How to prevent flea bites?
- Animal care. The first aid if flea bites are found on the body is to take better care of your pets. Bathe pets, spray/rub their fur with special anti-parasitic products or buy a collar.
- Vacuuming. Housekeeping is also necessary: shake out (and if possible wash) carpets and rugs, animal beds.
- Contact the Sterilus team. If you want to get rid of fleas quickly and efficiently, contact us. Our services are guaranteed: you will be free of fleas for good.
If you notice bites after the night, don’t delay, consult our team as soon as possible: we’ll advise you on how to say goodbye to all household pests.