The redness around the bites is spreading. To prevent an infestation coming back, the health says: See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, If the bites are very itchy and you're unable to sleep, you can ask a pharmacist about antihistamines, it adds. They are most commonly found on your lower body, such as the ankles or feet, as fleas tend to live on the ground in tall grass or wood piles. 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In fact, bed bug bites are one of the few ways they can alert you to their presence. "To find the right professional pest control company, you need to ensure the entire organisation, as well as the pest control technicians are able to fulfil key criteria," says Rentokil. Flea bites appear as red itchy bumps, and like bed bug bites, they will often be grouped together in clusters of three or four, and may form a line pattern. Laundering. How your body reacts to bed bug bites will determine the pattern and intensity of symptoms. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights. The health body also recommends keeping the affected area clean and avoiding scratching the bites to prevent getting an infection. A thorough vacuuming of cracks and crevices can physically remove bedbugs from an area. But Stuart Hine from the Museum’s Identification and Advisory Service (IAS), who is often asked by the public to identify them, confirms that they most certainly don't sting. Do not bring secondhand furniture indoors without carefully checking it first. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. You’ll likely find a … Express. The NHS also suggests contacting your local council if it's unlikely you'll be able to get rid of bedbugs yourself because they can be resistant to some insecticides. Bedbugs are also vulnerable to temperatures below 0 C, but you'd need to leave the items outdoors or in the freezer for several days. Seen for the first time, an adult cockchafer, or May bug, can cause a bit of a stir and people can be worried by them. READ MORE: Bedbugs: Biggest signs and indicators you could have an infestation on your hands, It adds: "The red spots which indicate the location of a bite, may become raised and very itchy over time.". Do not take luggage or clothing indoors without checking it carefully if you have come from somewhere where you know there were bedbugs. If you are experiencing mild discomfort, there are self-help tips that should provide relief. "A small proportion of people can react very badly to their bites and develop a skin rash," explains the pest control outfit. Bed bug bites: Raised bite marks are a sign of bed bugs (Image: Getty Images) It adds: "The red spots which indicate the location of a bite, may become raised and very itchy over time." order back issues and use the historic Daily Express DON'T MISSThe smelly symptom of Parkinson’s disease that you shouldn’t ignore - when to see a doctor [INSIGHT]The common oil remedy to protect against hair loss and even boost hair growth [TIPS]Coronavirus can disrupt chemesthesis - and the effects may show up when eating spicy food [LATEST]. According to the bug body, several bites tend to appear in a line or row along an exposed area, such as an arm or leg. "Some people have no reaction at all, whilst others can have minor swelling and itching and even develop a rash," explains pest control body Rentokil. Empty the vacuum after each use. Once your symptoms are treated, the next step is to tackle the underlying infestation. According to the pest control body, a good pest controller should be able to anticipate and answer all your health and safety concerns. Insects typically inject formic acid. newspaper archive. Fire Ants. This can lead to blisters, inflammation , redness, swelling, pain, itching, and irritation. Identifying Fire Ant Bites. But some bug bites and stings, like those from fire ants, wasps, hornets, and bees, may cause intense pain or even a serious allergic reaction. Washing and drying items in a dryer on a high setting will kill bedbugs in clothing or linens. A wound from a fire ant is obvious right away. According to the health body, your best bet may be to hire a professional exterminator, who may use a combination of pesticides and non-chemical treatments. Bed bugs are small insects that dwell in hard-to-reach places, such as furniture or bedding. The NHS recommends putting something cool, like a clean, damp cloth, on the affected area to help with the itching and any swelling. Vacuuming. According to the NHS, you should see a GP if: More often than not, bed bug bites usually clear up on their own in a week or so, however. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. An insect may bite in self-defense or when looking to feed. They do not usually present serious risks to your health but their predilection for biting exposed skin can provide discomfort. "Services and treatments should be tailored to suit your individual needs as much as possible," it adds. Freezing. "This can be difficult because bed bugs hide so well and can live several months without eating," explains Mayo Clinic.