Are You Itching And Scratching Those Little Bug Bites On Your Legs?
October is a great time in Las Vegas for doing stuff outdoors. The temperatures are almost perfect. There’s usually very little wind. Plenty of sunshine. The evenings are especially pleasant for gathering with friends and family on backyard patios, porches, and balconies. But why do we end up with all these red, splotchy, bug bites all over our lower legs?
Here’s What’s Biting Your Lower Legs And Bare Feet
It is true that mosquitoes are present here in Southern Nevada this year. We had a relatively wet winter, spring, and summer for living in a desert. However, mosquitoes tend to gather around still, standing water. Furthermore, a mosquito bite appears as a small, round, puffy bump on your skin. The red bump shows up shortly after you receive that mosquito bite too.
On the other hand, if you’re seeing and feeling clusters of small red bumps on your lower legs and feet, they probably aren’t mosquito bites. Especially if those clusters of bug bites develop into patches of red areas. If that’s the case, then you’re getting bites from microscopic bugs. These bugs have various names including chiggers, sand gnats, biting midges, punkies, sandflies, and mites. You can’t see these bugs with the naked eye because they’re so tiny, so many people call them “no-see-ums.”
Here’s How You Can Treat And Avoid Those Midge Bug Bites
We have all heard how dangerous mosquito bites can be since they can infect us with terrible diseases. However, biting midge bites are not dangerous. That’s the good news. The bad news is that these bites are extremely itchy and irritating for most people. Moreover, all of that itching and scratching often turns those bug bites into large red welts. Too much scratching, and these will become open sores.
Comparatively, midge bites do not show up immediately like mosquito bites. But once you know you have midge bites, it’s best to wash the area with warm water and anti-bacterial soap. Furthermore, to reduce the itchiness, you can apply a washcloth soaked in cold water. That should help you resist the urge to scratch. That’s according to an article by Sharon McCulloch on FirstAidPro.com.au.
McCulloch’s website post also goes on to recommend four ways to avoid getting midge bites. First, it’s best to avoid breeding grounds for these swirling, swarming, microscopic insects. They especially love to gather at dusk and dawn. Second, you can use insect repellent which contains the chemical DEET (diethyl-toluamide). Third, you can burn a Citronella candle in the area where you and your friends and family are gathering. Midges and other bugs hate the smell of Citronella oil. Fourth, you can cover up by wearing long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and closed shoes.
Now you’re ready to head outdoors and enjoy life in Southern Nevada this autumn!
Grossest Critters In Nevada: Welcome Warm Temps, More Bugs
Mojave Green Rattlesnake
Extremely venomous and packs a painful bite, the Mojave Green is a snake that you don’t want to mess with. You can find this snake across the high desert or low valley areas of the Mojave. There are a few at Red Rock Canyon, but the sighting for this snake have been pretty low. If you do ever encounter this snake then be sure to stay away at least 10 feet from the snake.
Cockroaches
In Las Vegas, there are four main species of roaches: German, Oriental, American and Australian. They’re all equally as disgusting, and they thrive in the desert climate. These bugs carry pathogens and multiply quickly. However, roaches are hard to kill with natural DIY methods. So, if you have a problem at your house then it’s probably best to call a professional exterminator.
Black Widow Spiders
This is a spider that should strike a little fear in your heart if you see it hanging in your home. Although it’s poisonous, these spiders rarely bite if unprovoked.
Silverfish
These little gross bugs are usually found throughout buildings that uses cardboard boxes or has a great deal of moisture. These translucent-like bugs enjoy dark, damp environments. If you see one then that usually means there are hundreds. These bugs don’t have as much of a chance to spread pathogens or germs like roaches. They do, however, have the ability to chew tiny holes through clothes, upholstery, etc. And they can trigger allergies among people.
Scorpions
When you think of desert insects, you need to think about scorpions. Due to this arachnid feeding off of insects like roaches, ants, etc. Our homes in Nevada have become perfect places where a scorpion can lie low in while waiting for its next meal. They like to hide in dark damp places like shoes. So, be sure to check your shoes if you store them in the closet or outside. They’re pretty docile creatures as long as you don’t provoke them.
Cactus Longhorn Beetles
A truly remarkable specimen, these long horn beetles are found throughout the deserts in Nevada, California and Mexico. They don’t fly, and they feed on cacti.
Wild Silk Moths
This beautiful moth is hauntingly beautiful. The larvae feed on horsebrush, Fremont’s Dalea, and desert almond plants. While the adults don’t feed at all. These insects are not known to cause any property damage or other types of nuances.
Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
