HEALTH

Common Insect Allergies – An Overview From A Pest Control Professional

As we settle into winter, the expected seasonal allergies brought on by warm weather and pollen may seem to be months away. However, many insects survive year-round and cause allergies of their own. Therefore, being aware of typical insect allergies and symptoms of a reaction is essential during any year. Follow along for more information about common insect allergies.

Allergic Reactions

First and foremost, it is essential to note the difference between standard and allergic reactions to insect exposure. While a normal reaction typically goes away within minutes, hours or days, allergic reactions tend to be more severe or may last weeks on end. Many familiar bugs cause allergic reactions. Reactions commonly occur due to either direct stings and bites or simply from their presence in your home. Here are some common creepy-crawlies and their consequences.

Stinging bugs such as bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are widespread culprits. Being stung and consequently injected with venom is not only painful but can cause lasting allergic reactions. Most people develop a red bump, itchiness, or swelling in response to a sting. In a typical response, this discomfort will subside in hours or days. However, if you have an allergic reaction, your body produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) that will be triggered each time you are bitten. When started, you can have an extreme, life-threatening reaction called “anaphylaxis.” Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include hives, swelling of the throat or tongue, dizziness, nausea, and fainting. Emergency medical treatment and consulting an allergist are recommended if you experience any of these symptoms after a sting.

Bugs that bite, such as bedbugs, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, also instigate various reactions. Besides the everyday red bumps and itchiness, severe reactions can include trouble breathing, chest pain, nausea, rapid heartbeat, wheezing, itching, wheezing, and other symptoms similar to sting reactions. In addition, some people are hypersensitive to a bug’s saliva, resulting in infection. Signs of infection include pus, fever, and flu-like symptoms. One particularly notable bite is that of the Lone Star tick, which can cause some people to sustain an allergy to meat. Although rare, this acts like any allergy-an an adverse and lasting reaction in the immune system.

Simply living in the presence of some bugs spurs allergic reactions. The most common and persistent are dust mites. These insects live year-round in your home, therefore causing reoccurring allergies for those susceptible. Dust mites are microscopic, but their decaying bodies often form visible dust. Thus, keeping your house clean through vacuuming, sanitizing, dusting, and general upkeep can reduce the impact of dust mites. A dust mite allergy symptoms often resemble hay fever or the common cold- sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, coughing. However, dust mite allergies can be increasingly severe and contribute to those with existing asthma. Some symptoms of more severe dust mite allergies include difficulty breathing, chest pain, insufficient sleep, or asthma attacks. If you experience any of these symptoms for over a week, you likely have allergies. Once again, consulting an allergy doctor is recommended to establish a diagnosis.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors associated with allergic reactions. Being aware of your family history is very important, as allergies are often genetic. Also, being a kid/teen/young adult is another risk factor. Allergies often develop when you’re very young or have been continuously exposed to an allergen. Being proactive about your health by seeking medical consultation is the best way to mitigate risk factors. To prevent allergic reactions to insects, it is also advisable to consider pest control services in your home. An experienced pest control company like Black Diamond can provide guidance and expert service, keeping you and your family as protected as possible from bugs and insects of all types.

At Black Diamond, our mission is simple: We strive to provide the highest quality pest control with the best customer service in the industry. This mission has grown our flagship location (Black Diamond headquarters in Jeffersonville, Indiana) into one of the most prominent pest control offices. In the country with well over 135 service vehicles and nearly 200 employees. An ever-growing company, Black Diamond now has branches in Northern Kentucky, Elizabethtown (KY), and Evansville (IN), and Franchises throughout the mid-west and the southern United States.

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