mosquito-719613_1920Summertime is the peak time in Florida for insects and arachnids to defend themselves against their biggest threat: you. If you happen to be stung or bitten by a bug, it is important to recognize the symptoms that require medical attention. Apex Pest Control, the Orlando pest control expert, has the following information concerning three types of bugs, their habits, and symptoms you may exhibit that would send you to the emergency room.

  • Stinging insects: Stay away from undisturbed brush or tall grasses since wasps and hornets form concealed nests there. If you must clear tall brush, wear protective clothing. Remember that flying insects tend to swarm. If one stings you, move quickly from the area where you were stung to deter additional stings. Stinging insects often leave a welt at the point of contact, but the pain usually dissipates within 24-48 hours. To relieve pain and swelling, remove the stinger, elevate the affected area above your heart, and apply a cold compress for 15 minutes every hour until the swelling is no longer uncomfortable. Try not to scratch the area because further breaks in the skin spread the infection.
  • Tick bites: Ticks are bloodsuckers with sizes that range from the size of a grain of sand to a few millimeters in length. They tend to congregate at your body’s joints since the folds of skin at these natural creases create a warm, moist environment. Check for ticks after any outing in tall grass or woodlands. Ticks are notorious for spreading Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease, and a host of other diseases that are as difficult to overcome as they are to diagnose. If you are feeling ill and are able to capture the tick that bit you, bring it with you to the doctor’s office.
  • Mosquito bites: Most mosquitoes do not carry infectious diseases. Their bites simply cause well-defined red, raised areas that itch. An ice pack removes the urge to itch as does hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. The threat of the Zika virus, on the other hand, is frightening. Mosquitoes are vectors for more than Zika, though. Yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and the Zika virus are all transmitted via mosquito bites. If you suffer a rash, fever, joint pain, conjunctivitis, or a headache, go to the doctor; these are symptoms associated with the Zika virus.

With any insect or arachnid bite, if you experience unusual swelling, difficulty breathing, or symptoms associated with anaphylactic shock or asthma, go to the emergency room. To protect your family from the threat of flying, crawling, burrowing, and stinging bugs, contact the Orlando pest control team at Apex Pest Control by calling 866-675-4070, and read our past blogs for additional information on pest control and safety.

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