Washingtonian bites

Symptoms to note: As you most likely know, mosquito bites are painless at first, then very, very itchy. Mosquitoes do carry a risk of certain diseases like West Nile and Zika, so monitor for cold- or flu-like symptoms after a bite.

Related: How to Prevent Mosquito Bites. What they look like: Often confused with mosquito bites, bed bug bites are small, red, puffy bumps that appear in lines or clusters, usually three or more.

They can have distinct red marks at their center, and they often appear on exposed skin that touches the bed at night, including the arms, neck, or trunk of the body.

With close examination of your room, you can often find the bugs or their droppings in your mattress, particularly around the corners, the head end, and the cord that encircles it. What they look like: Another too-close-for-comfort pest are head lice , which leave patches of red, abraded spots on the scalp and surrounding skin like this one pictured. You might not even see the bites first—the initial giveaway might be tiny lice eggs a. This can actually cause trouble sleeping.

Sores caused by scratching can also develop easily. The only solution is getting rid of the bugs ASAP. What they look like: Like bed bug or lice bites, flea bites are red bumps that appear in lines and clusters. Fleas tend to bite around the ankles and in warm places like the knees, groin, and armpits—but honestly, they usually prefer your pets.

Symptoms to note: Flea bites are very itchy, and they might even become sore or painful, causing a rash around the affected skin. Scratching the bites could cause these symptoms to worsen or even lead to infection.

What it looks like: There are a few major fly species that bother people in the United States, including deer, horse, stable, and black flies. Some might even bleed. Blackfly bites also might swell. Pictured here is a horse fly bite.

Symptoms to note: More often than not, fly bites are going to hurt. After the pain subsides, some may also become itchy, but most fly bites are innocuous. What they look like: Sand fly bites are distinct from those of other flies. They can appear alone, but often present in groups of small, red bumps or blisters.

Symptoms to note: Sand fly bites are generally painful and may start to itch. In certain parts of the world—including the tropics, subtropics, and southern Europe—they can transmit cutaneous leischmaniasis , a parasitic infection that causes skin lesions and ulcers. What they look like: Also known as berry bugs or harvest mites, chiggers are those tiny, red mites that are almost invisible to the naked eye.

Their bites take the form of flat, red patches or raised, red bumps, and they sometimes might even become blisters or pustules. Chiggers often bite the ankles, wrists, thighs, groin, and waist.

What they look like: Some ants can bite and sting. The inflammation and pain can take days or weeks to go away, and sometimes checking in with a doctor is needed.

Related: How to Get Rid of Ants. What it looks like: Bee stings vary from person to person. Some people exhibit only a small, light spot , while others get a larger, red welt. Read more about bed bug bites. Bite Appearance: Blisters or welts caused by a chemical called cantharidin.

Bite Symptoms: Occurs within a few hours of contact and no lasting skin damage. Notes: Do not crush blister beetles on skin, instead gently remove them. Read more about blister beetle bites. B ite Appearance: Reddening, swelling, and blister may appear at the bite site.

Bite Symptoms: Mild skin irritation or itching, skin lesions, fever, convulsions, nausea and muscle pain. Notes: Fatalities have never been verified. Deep scarring can occur if left untreated. Read more about brown recluse bites. S ting Appearance: Red welts or lumps, semi circular pattern for multiple stings, and becomes a blister. Notes: One ant may sting multiple times. Read more about fire ant stings.

Bite Appearance: Red spots surrounded by reddened halos, often found on legs and feet. Notes: Contact doctor immediately if bite wounds excrete pus. Read more about flea bites. B ite Appearance: Bleeding horsefly feeds on the blood and reddish bump. Notes: Aggressive biters. Possibility of infection if not treated with antibacterial medications. Read more about horsefly bites. Bite Appearance: Bites in pubic hair, armpit, or eyebrow.

Bluish-grey skin reactions sores and a small red bump. Bite Symptoms: Itching that often gets worse at night.