Bibbidi-bobbidi-begone bug bites!
Grass bugs that bite can really put a damper on backyard fun. Often, you won’t see which bugs are biting you, so recognizing the bite mark left behind gives you vital clues. These pests are especially important to identify if you have skin irritations or allergic reactions. Here’s a rundown of likely culprits and symptoms that may look familiar if pests frequently join in on your picnics.
If you’re scratching your head (and arm!) at a new bite, it could be the result of a few different backyard creepy crawlies.
These bites usually occur below the waist and under clothing such as socks or undergarments, behind the knees, or in armpits. Chiggers are a type of mite found on blades of grass and low-growing plants and are almost impossible to spot with the naked eye.
These pests attach themselves to people and can cause a bite resembling a mosquito bite, but the bites will be in clusters. You will see red skin with bumps, blisters, or a hive-like rash. The bumps often have a bright red center from where the bug’s saliva liquefied the skin.
Fleas are another possibility, especially if domestic animals or wildlife, like deer, are nearby. Fleas, like chiggers, thrive in hot, dry weather. They also attack the same areas as chiggers. Flea bites are usually found in groups of red circles around red spots or as a rash of small, red bumps. Flea bite rashes turn white when you press them, and they may also bleed.
Mosquitos are the most common backyard biters. The spot will be swollen, roundish, red with a dot in the center, and super itchy. They can be hard or even appear as small blisters. The bump usually appears soon after they bite you.
Tick bites are easy to identify because the tick will usually still be attached. If it’s dropped off already, you might have a dime-sized red spot or a rash with itching and burning. Make sure the head is gone, as sometimes it breaks off from the rest of the tick. Most bites are asymptomatic, but tick bites can be dangerous, as ticks carry Lyme disease according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Spider bites are hard to pin down because there are hundreds of species, and most of their bites mimic those of other biters: swelling, red welts, skin damage, itching, and rashes. Remember that most spiders are harmless, and their bites are less damaging than a wasp’s sting.
Fire ants usually sting and bite you. These marks can itch and even burn right after you experience them. They’re usually round, become filled with pus, and since ants often travel in packs, you’ll usually be dealing with a cluster of stings at once. Welts will also appear quickly after they attack you—usually around 20 minutes—but you may see these followed by blisters in a day or so.
Most fire ant stings are relatively mild (if not a little painful), but be sure to look out for signs of an allergic reaction.
Preventing bites and stings is a goal for many who want to enjoy time in their backyard without an unpleasant surprise. Many bugs are least active right before dawn, however, mosquitos are most common at dawn and dusk, while they are less likely to bite in the afternoon.
A light coating of bug repellent is sufficient, particularly if you want to prevent mosquito bites. If you’re using sunscreen, apply it before the bug spray. Don’t bother with applying bug spray under clothing. Just hit exposed skin and your clothes. Avoid insect repellent wristbands, as they’re ineffective.
Unfortunately, repellents aren’t effective against spiders and stingers such as bees, wasps, and hornets. For these, try plants that can keep away insects naturally.
Grass can be a haven for insects that sting, like various mites, fleas, and even nasty ticks. Luckily, there are simple solutions to keep your lawn free of bugs and your ankles free of bites.
Mow, mow, mow: Regular mowing will deter most common grass bugs. If the grass is kept short, the bugs will have fewer places to hide.
Don’t forget the rest of the yard: Bugs can hide anywhere outdoors, so be sure to perform regular maintenance, like weeding and trimming bushes.
Spray the area: You can spray your yard with a store-bought chemical. Just make sure it's effective for mites, ticks, and other bugs that love hanging out on lawns. Generally speaking, granular insecticides are less effective than liquid sprays for grass bugs.
Call in a pro: Pest pros deal with lawns all the time, so your local exterminator will be well-equipped to free your lawn from biting bugs.
Lawrence Bonk contributed to this piece.
Relief from itchy bug bites can be found in a treatment that counteracts the histamine response. Try an over-the-counter, non-sedating antihistamine. Topical treatments include steroids such as hydrocortisone cream, anesthetics like Lidocaine, and moisturizers such as aloe vera and oatmeal. If you see a bee stinger on the surface of the affected area, quickly remove it using tweezers. All stinger spots should be washed thoroughly and cleaned with antiseptic.
Chiggers thrive in overgrown lawns, so regular mowing will deter these annoying mites. It may not remove every single chigger, however, so follow that up with weeding and trimming any nearby trees and bushes. Pay special attention to moist, shady spots, as these are a chigger’s preferred habitat. When all else fails, sprinkle your yard with diatomaceous earth. It kills chiggers by dehydrating their exoskeletons. Diatomaceous earth is basically ground-up shells, so there’s no risk of injury to animals.
