Have you ever wondered what causes your itchy red skin bumps? It is caused by either bed bugs or chiggers, which are commonly confused with each other. However, bed bugs and chiggers are different insects that can cause skin irritations. Therefore, it is essential to identify the insect that is causing your skin irritation so you can properly treat it.
To tell the difference between these two pesky creatures, you’ll need to look closely at their habitat, appearance, and behavior differences.
Where They Live
Bed bugs live in your bed and furniture. They are more likely to be found indoors and will happily reside in your bed, furniture or carpets. Like mosquitoes, they are attracted to human body heat and carbon dioxide. So, when you wake up and find out you have a bug bite, it’s easy to tell if you got it from bed bugs.
However, if you go camping or spend time outside, it’s more likely that you were bit by a chigger. Unlike bed bugs, chiggers do not live in your bed and don’t tend to infest indoor areas. Chiggers prefer moist and humid environments outdoors, such as tall grass, shrubs, or woods, where they can find a host to feed on. Walking around in such areas, you can inadvertently pick up some chiggers, which will bite you.
Size
Bed bugs are much larger than chiggers, measuring about the size of an apple seed. Chiggers, on the other hand, are barely visible to the naked eye and only measure 1/150 inch.
The appearance of a Bite
Bed bug bites look like bites from other bugs. They are a bit raised, red in color, and usually appear in clusters or zigzag lines. Bed bug bites are common on the neck, arms, and legs. Chigger bites look more like an itchy rash or hives. It is like a small reddish pimple raised and dark red in color. They are also grouped as clusters and can be found in the lower part of the body, like the lower legs.
Which is More Dangerous?
Both bed bugs and chiggers are annoying pests, but neither one of them is especially dangerous, just like the wolf spider bite. Bed bug bites can be itchy and uncomfortable, but they don’t typically cause serious health problems unless there is an allergic reaction. Chiggers can also cause itchy and uncomfortable bites, but they usually heal on their own within a few days and can cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you have a reaction to either type of bite, contact your doctor for advice and treatment. The best way to prevent bed bugs and chiggers from becoming a problem in your home. Both types of pests should be controlled and eliminated as soon as possible.
How to Get Rid of Them?
Getting rid of bed bugs can be a difficult process, but there are some steps you can take to get rid of them. If you have bed bugs in your home, you can use a few methods to get rid of them. Vacuuming regularly and using a steamer or heat treatment are some of the best ways to eliminate these pests. In addition, it is important to check luggage, furniture, and clothing for signs of infestation when returning from traveling.
When it comes to chiggers, prevention is the best way to keep them away. Avoiding tall grassy areas, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, and taking a shower immediately after outdoor activities can all help prevent being bitten by chiggers. If you are dealing with a chigger infestation, you can use insecticides to control and eliminate pests.
However, when there is a severe infestation of either chiggers or bed bugs, it is best to call a professional pest control. Professional pest control services can provide the most effective solution for eliminating chiggers and bed bugs from your home or property. They may use various methods, including chemical treatments, heat treatments, and other specialized tools and techniques, to quickly eradicate all traces of these pests. Additionally, an exterminator can give you advice on how to prevent future infestations. Taking steps to limit the possibility of chiggers or bed bugs invading your space is always a good idea and can help keep your home or property safe from these pesky pests. In addition, you can keep your family safe and comfortable with minimal effort with the right prevention and control measures.
Conclusion:
Bed bugs and chiggers are two very different pests. It is important to be able to tell them apart so that you can properly treat any skin irritation they may cause. Bed bugs live indoors, while chiggers prefer outdoor areas like tall grass or shrubs. Neither one is especially dangerous; however, taking steps to control and eliminate them is important. Taking the necessary steps to prevent and treat these pests will help you rest easy!