The South is full of warm weather, greenery, and outdoor fun, but it’s also filled with insects. Bugs in the South are a significant problem because they can cause severe allergies and reactions in people living in Alabama communities, like Inverness and Birmingham. Mosquitoes, fire ants, ticks, and chiggers can trigger a wide range of symptoms. Learn more about insects and allergies in Alabama to keep your family safe and healthy this year.
Common Insects in Alabama That Cause Allergies
We’ve got plenty of insects in Alabama that are common causes of allergies, but the most typical are:
- Mosquitoes: Cause red, itchy bumps on the skin that are common triggers for allergic reactions in sensitive people.
- Fire Ants: Known for their painful stings that form fluid-filled blisters on the skin. Severe fire ant allergies can even cause death.
- Ticks: Attach to the skin and feed on blood, sometimes transmitting diseases and causing allergic reactions.
- Chiggers: Tiny insects that bite and cause itchy red welts and skin irritation.
- Dust Mites: Microscopic insects found in bedding, carpets, and upholstery. They don’t bite people, but they’re a common cause of respiratory allergies.
These and other insects can directly affect your overall health and well-being by triggering allergies that require medical treatment.
Symptoms of Insect Allergies
The effects of insect bites and stings can range from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions. Normal symptoms of insect bites include:
- Redness and swelling
- Mild itching
- Soreness near the bite or sting area
Allergic reactions, however, are often more serious, and may include:
- Hives or large patches of swelling
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Dizziness or rapid heartbeat
- Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
Be sure to know the difference between normal skin irritation and serious insect allergies. Call 911 if you suspect a severe allergy.
Bug Bites 101: How to Tell What Bit You
One of the best ways to treat insect allergies is to know what insect bit you. Following are some of the most common bites you’ll find in Alabama and ways to identify them:
- Mosquitoes: Tiny red bumps that are extremely itchy.
- Fire Ants: Painful welts that quickly form fluid-filled blisters.
- Ticks: Small red bite marks, sometimes with the tick still attached.
- Chiggers: Clusters of itchy red bumps, often on ankles and waistline.
- Dust Mites: No visible bite marks, but irritation, coughing, or sneezing.
Knowing what bit you will help you determine how to treat your symptoms, as well as when to see a doctor.
Tips for Preventing Bug Bites
Preventing bug bites and stings is the best way to avoid insect allergies. The following tips will help you avoid bug bites:
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin to ward off mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects.
- Cover up with long sleeves and pants.
- Have regular pest control services to keep insects away.
- Get rid of standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Vacuum and dust regularly to remove dust mites from carpets and furniture.
Bedding covers and other allergen-proofing measures can also help reduce dust mites in your home.
Treatment Options for Insect Allergies
There are several treatment options available if you or a family member experiences an insect allergy, including:
- Cold compresses to reduce swelling and irritation.
- Antihistamines to reduce itching and hives.
- Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Epinephrine auto-injectors to treat severe reactions.
- Bedding covers and cleaning to reduce dust mites.
Always see your healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan. Medical attention is critical in the event of a severe allergic reaction.
The Importance of Professional Pest Control
While you can do a lot to prevent bug bites and stings on your own, professional pest control is the best way to eliminate your exposure to these insects and the risk of developing allergies. Steel City Pest knows the challenges of Southern living and the dangers pests can cause to your family. Our customized pest control services will eliminate infestations and provide long-term protection.
Whether you need mosquito control for pests in your yard, fire ant treatment for nests in your lawn, or dust mite treatments to clean up inside your home, our expert technicians are ready to help. Pest control and insect allergies are something we do every day, and we know how to keep your family safe.
Closing Thoughts
Understanding the link between insects and allergies is critical to protecting your health and well-being in Alabama. Identifying bites and stings, allergic reactions, and taking measures to prevent bites will go a long way to keeping you and your loved ones safe. Combine your efforts with professional pest control, and you can drastically reduce your risk of insect allergies.
Contact Steel City Pest today for pest control services you can trust to protect your home and family.
