Causes of real bug bites (check these first)

• Bed bugs - large, red, splotchy, itchy, mosquito-like bites
• Bird mites (aka rat, rodent, nest mites) - small, itchy, raised bites
• Biting midges - small, red, intensely itchy bites
• Black flies - small to large, red, itchy bites, sometimes mosquito-like
• Chigger mites - large, red, intensely itchy bumps
• Fleas - red, itchy, bites often around ankles, lower legs
• Lice; Head lice;  Pubic lice;  Body lice - red , itchy bites on scalp, groin or areas in contact with clothing, depending on species
• Mosquitoes - red, itchy bumps
• Pyemotes mites - small, itchy, red bites
• Scabies mites - red bumps and burrows may be visible, intensely itchy
• Ticks - tick often found attached to skin marked with red halo around bite

Things that can be mistaken for bug bites

If you have a bug to id or need a specific pest control recommendation see our Insect Id service. If, however, you can't catch a real bug the cause may not be insects or mites at all. The most common causes of red, itchy skin are:

• Allergies - since the red itchy skin lesions caused by real bug bites are an allergic reaction to proteins in the bug's saliva it should not be surprising that other types of allergies so closely resemble bug bites. Food and respiratory allergies cause hives and itchiness that closely resemble bug bites. In fact, allergies are the number one cause of these skin reactions, they are far more common than real bug bites. For airborne allergens air purifiers with HEPA filters can be very effective at cleaning the air of contaminants, see this article about air purifiers that remove airborne allergens, or, for example the Winix PlasmaWave 5500 Air Cleaner.

• Toxic chemicals - such as cleaning solvents and pesticides can cause severe skin lesions in sensitive individuals.

• Physical irritants - anything from fiberglass splinters to dry skin can cause irritation. In the case of dry skin a simple room humidifier can give fast, inexpensive relief. Dry, itchy skin is mostly a problem during winter months when central heating in our homes tends to dry the air. See for example the Honeywell Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier.

• Drug side effects - especially stimulants like amphetamines which are notorious for causing outbreaks of skin lesions caused by scratching to relieve the "crawling" sensations; even prescription drugs can cause these same effects.

• Extreme emotional stress and anxiety can cause skin lesions as well.

Food allergies are another cause of skin eruptions such as hives that look very similar to small "bug bites". People also react differently to chemical solvents and even cleaning products and these reactions can change over time with repeated exposure.

Even insecticides can cause skin to break out in red, itchy patches. This is particularly serious because insecticides that are applied because of an assumed "insect infestation" may in fact be making things worse! This is one reason we say that conventional insecticides should not be used indoors.  Botanical insecticides (right) are generally safer indoors but use them sparingly.

Cleaner, Safer, Botanical Pesticides For Home And Gardens

I believe that many of the "mysterious bug infestations" that afflict so many people are caused by out-of-control respiratory or food allergies that are being misdiagnosed as bug bites**. These allergies can be easily treated once a proper diagnosis is made. There are other underlying medical conditions that can mimic the skin eruptions of insect and mite "bites" and some of these conditions can be serious.

The bottom line - you should not assume that a "bug" is causing the problem unless you can capture and identify one. In the absence of an verified bug your first step should be to consult with a medical professional to rule out some of the other causes such as allergies. The quicker you find the real cause the faster you'll get some relief.

**This information should not be considered medical advice; always check with your own medical adviser for specifics regarding your health following a complete exam.

Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD,  , email:  [email protected]

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