No one likes absentmindedly scratching only to find that what once seemed like a fleeting itch is actually an annoying bug bite.
This situation can become even worse when you do not even know the source of the bite since there are no bugs around. It can be easy to forget this instance when it occurs once, but if you regularly wake up with mysterious bug bites, that is harder to ignore.
Unless you like feeling itchy, the inevitable next step is to target the bugs and get rid of them. After all, no more bugs, no more bug bites, right? Well, this is much harder said than done when you can’t find the insects in question.
Luckily, there are still steps you can take to make your itching feel better and hopefully get rid of this nuisance for good. Follow our guide on what to do when you have bug bites, but no bugs to speak of.
Are Those Actually Bug Bites?
This might seem like a simple step, but there is much more to consider than what could immediately come to mind. Sometimes, insect bites and other reactions can appear deceptively similar to the naked eye.
It is a possibility that you can’t see any bugs because they simply are not there. If this is the case, there is likely another reason for your itchiness, welts, blisters, or other red bumps.
Are You Having an Allergic Reaction?
Some bug bites can feel similar to hives. If a bite’s defining characteristic is distinct itchiness, then the feeling can be almost the same as hives. You can distinguish between the two more easily by considering the bumps’ appearance and how they behave.
Hives tend to be quite small and can vary in color from flesh-toned to a deep red. Unlike bug bites, hives can migrate around the body. You might experience a reaction on one patch of skin one day and then an entirely different one the following day. This is different from bug bites, which tend to stay fairly localized to the sight of the initial bite.
Unfortunately, this gets a bit more confusing since you can also get hives from a bug bite. These hives often occur near the bite, but not always. People can experience this and other allergic reactions due to insect bites, but The Natural Patch Co. has options.
Natural Allergy Soother
Our AllergyPatch Allergy Relief Stickers work their magic with the help of a cultivated blend of essential oils. These oils in the patch all work together to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and more.
Have You Been Exposed To New Allergens?
When figuring out what is to blame for your itchy welts, think about if you have been around any new substances lately.
Have you tried a new soap or shampoo? Perhaps you are using new household cleaners or detergents, or you just tried a particular food for the first time.
It can be helpful to keep a diary of what you come into contact with, just to jog your memory. You can also keep these diaries for children who might need a little help. Teaching your kids to be aware and alert of how they feel when interacting with new things is a great way to introduce the concept of mindfulness to growing minds.
What Are Diseases and Disorders Can Cause Skin Reactions?
Other than allergic reactions, some medical conditions can cause intense itching of the skin and dermatitis. These skin conditions and disorders range from chronic issues to viruses that will go away with time.
Some of these issues include:
- Rosacea
- Dry skin
- Chickenpox
- Shingles
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
If you have any questions, or if your symptoms do not improve after a short period, it might be time to reach out to a medical professional or dermatologist.
What Do the Bites Look Like?
If you are fairly confident that these are, in fact, bug bites and not different issues, it is time to move on to the next question. Bites from various insects tend to share certain similarities, such as discoloration or causing a bump in the skin.
Some more specific details can clue you into what bug could be causing your problem. Inspect the bite further, and understand what attributes you should be looking for.
What Do Mosquito Bites Look Like?
If you have recently spent time near standing water or had the absolute gall to want to play with your kids around dusk, you probably are familiar with mosquitoes.
Depending on where you live, this common bug is seemingly everywhere as soon as summer begins. An otherwise lovely day with family can quickly become an itchy nightmare if you are not adequately prepared to keep these pesky bugs at bay.
Mosquito bites are raised bumps that can range from white to red. A mosquito bite will appear just a few minutes after being bitten, and the bites generally look somewhat puffy. This puffiness is different from many other bite marks that result in itchy bumps. While annoying, this information can help decode which bug you are dealing with.
What Do Spider Bites Look Like?
Depending on the spider, a bite from this arachnid might have little to no effect at all. Typically, they will just present as a red spot on the skin, possibly with some inflammation and itchiness.
However, if the spider was a dangerous variety like a Widow or a Recluse, you should seek medical attention right away.
What Do Flea Bites Look Like?
Flea bites look a bit different from other bites. While they still cause red welts, a discolored halo might also appear around the mark.
Flea bites are also unique in that they typically appear on the lower legs. Fleas can only reach so high, so they often jump up to our ankles, calves, or feet.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
Unlike fleas, bed bugs will bite any exposed skin they can access and bite humans in their sleep. This process is made even easier for these pests because of the nature of their preferred hiding places.
Bed bugs are remarkably tiny; they can hide in crevices in couches, beds, and other upholstered surfaces. Signs of bed bugs include brown or red marks on your pajamas and sheets, which can indicate stains left behind from their feces… Just when you thought a bed bug infestation couldn’t get any grosser.
What Do Chigger or Mite Bites Look Like?
Chigger bites can look more similar to hives than many of the other marks on our list. However, the bite location on the body can be very telling when identifying. These bumps tend to get bigger and itchier as the days pass.
How To Feel Less Itchy, Naturally
Although you are currently in the process of discovering what is making you and your family uncomfortable, you still need relief from the discomfort now. The Natural Patch Co. has a natural alternative free of chemicals but still packs a major punch in terms of itch relief.
Our MagicPatch Itch Relief Patches use innovative Grid-Relief Technology to ease the itch. They are safe and effective for both kids and adults so that the whole family can sport matching stickers!
Use Natural Repellents To Protect Your Family
When we think about bug repellent, it can be easy to remember all of the chemicals that go into their formulas and then run in the other direction. Thankfully, there are natural alternatives that also work to keep bugs away.
The BuzzPatch Mosquito Repellent Patches specialize in deterring mosquitoes, but essential oils can also make other kinds of bugs buzz off too. Put these patches on you and your family’s clothing before heading outside, especially if you are going somewhere that you know mosquitoes frequent.
When To Call a Professional
If you are still at a loss when it comes to determining what kind of bug is terrorizing your family, it might be time to call an expert for help. Sometimes, after all of the other options have been exhausted, professional pest control can be the only way to get rid of an infestation — once and for all (hopefully).
Professional-grade pesticides and insecticides are full of harsh, dangerous chemicals, so you and your family might have to relocate for a few days. This is far from ideal, so many parents prefer to try all-natural, kid-friendly solutions first. If the pest control company does come in, they should be able to tell you what kind of bug was causing the issue.
You can also call in an exterminator for a second opinion. Again, having clarity can be immensely helpful, and then you can regroup and figure out a plan of action going forward.
Another One Bites the Dust
Feeling itchy is off-putting enough, but feeling itchy for no apparent reason is downright creepy. If you think you have bug bites, it is worth considering some other possibilities. Once those have been ruled out, you can determine what kind of bug you are facing and form a plan.
Sources:
10 Reasons Your Skin Itches Uncontrollably and How To Get Relief | American Academy of Dermatology
Mosquito Bite Symptoms and Treatment | CDC
Spider Bites – Symptoms and Causes | Mayo Clinic
Bed bug bites: Pictures, treatment, and prevention | Medical News Today
