Are you a light sleeper? Do you wake up in the middle of the night because of weird noises or itching from bug bites? Many may have experienced bugs crawling up their beds, biting them, and making them terribly uncomfortable during sleep—and no one wants that. If you’re wondering what kind of bugs are most likely to bite you while you’re sleeping, read on and find out.
Introduction to Common Pests
There are numerous bugs that crawl around beach campsites, homes, and other environments. Common pests can range from flies, bed bugs, spiders, ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, cockroaches and more. These pests can cause disruption, health hazards, or hygiene issues. Some of them even bite the people they come into contact with, which can be quite uncomfortable and even painful.
Types of Biting Bugs
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Bedbugs – Bedbugs are one of the most common biting bugs in homes. These tiny bugs are reddish-brown and feed on human blood. They can hide in mattresses, bedsheets, bed frames, and other furniture. They mostly feed at night during sleep, and most people suffer from allergic reactions, itchy skin, rashes, and even sleeplessness from bites by these critters.
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Ticks – Ticks are small bugs that attach onto your body and feed on your blood. They can be found in grassy and woody areas, such as campsites, parks, and other outdoor locations. Ticks are known to cause serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
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Fleas – Fleas are tiny wingless bugs that feed on animal and human blood. They can be found in carpets, furniture, and in your pet’s fur. Fleas can leave red, itchy bumps on the skin, and in some cases, even cause allergic reactions.
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Mosquitoes – Mosquitoes are a nuisance especially during camping and hiking trips. These tiny bugs not only cause itchy skin but also transmit serious diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and Zika.
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Spiders – Spiders can be found in most houses. They may settle in dark corners, bathrooms, and other parts of your home. Some species of spiders, such as black widows, brown recluses, and hobo spiders, can bite humans which can be quite painful.
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Cockroaches – Cockroaches are one of the most feared pests in the world. They breed quickly and can dwell in dark and humid areas, such as kitchen cupboards and behind refrigerators. Unfortunately, some species of cockroaches bite humans and in some cases, the bite may even cause an allergic reaction.
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Flies – Although flies are not known to bite, they are still a type of bug. They can carry bacteria and spread sickness or disease when they land on food. Flies can cause allergic reactions due to their saliva proteins, dust mites, and other microorganisms that they carry.
Prevention and Control Techniques
Now that we know what type of bugs are most likely to bite you while you sleep, let’s take a look at how to prevent and control these parasites.
• Keep your home free of any food crumbs, as this can attract bugs.
• Vacuum your carpets, mattresses, and furniture to get rid of any hiding bugs.
• Use a dehumidifier to dry out any humid areas in your home as mosquitoes and cockroaches love moisture.
• Cover any open vents or holes in your walls with mesh or screens to prevent bugs from entering.
• Remove any plants and shrubs from your yard to prevent ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes from settling in.
• Cover yourself with insect repellent whenever you are outdoors camping or hiking.
Despite the common fear of bugs, most of these creepy crawlers aren’t dangerous. However, it’s still wise to take preventive measures to protect yourself from being bitten while you sleep. With the help of proper hygiene and insect repellent, you can keep your home free from bugs and get a peaceful night’s sleep.
