Insects are a necessary part of the ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean that all insects are welcome in our homes. There are a variety of blood sucking bugs that can make their way into our living spaces, and they can be difficult to get rid of. Here are five of the most common blood-sucking bugs, and tips on how to get rid of them.
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What are the 5 blood sucking bugs?
The five blood sucking bugs are bed bugs, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and lice. These pests can cause a lot of damage and are difficult to get rid of. All that you should be aware of getting rid of these blood suckers are discussed below.
The Almighty Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are small, long-legged flying insects that use their needle-like mouthparts to puncture their victim’s skin and feed on their blood. They can be found all over the world and can transmit diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever.
The female mosquitoes need a protein-rich meal for their eggs to develop, so they bite humans and animals. Male mosquitoes don’t bite because they don’t feed on blood at all.
There are a number of ways to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and protect yourself from bites.
The blood-filled Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals. They have a flattened oval body and are often mistaken for ticks or spiders.
They are most commonly found in areas where people sleep, such as beds, couches, and recliners. They typically hide in cracks and crevices during the day and come out at night to feed.
These pests are most active at night, and during the day, they hide in cracks and crevices near beds and other furniture. Bed bugs use a piercing-sucking mouthpart to feed on blood, and their bodies become swollen and dull red after feeding.
The bites can be difficult to identify as they often look similar to mosquito or flea bites. Additionally, bed bug bites may not always be itchy or noticeable.
The hungry Fleas
Fleas are blood-feeding insects that can be found on pet beds, in carpets, and in other places where pets rest. They are most commonly known for their ability to suck blood from animals, including humans.
They can cause a number of issues for both people and pets, including skin irritation, hair loss, anemia, and tapeworms.
They can be found in dogs, cats, rabbits, and other mammals. Fleas are most commonly known for biting ankles and lower legs, causing intense itching and irritation in hypersensitive people or animals.
Ever so annoying ticks
Ticks are tiny, spider-like creatures that attach themselves to their host and feed until they are full.
This can take several days, which is why it is important to remove them as soon as possible. They can be found in a variety of environments, including forests, fields, and gardens.
There are five kinds of ticks that are known to suck blood: the deer tick, the Lone Star tick, the American dog tick, the brown dog tick, and the Rocky Mountain wood tick.
Deer ticks (black-legged ticks) can be found in developed areas, and adult deer ticks can grow many times larger than their size. They are responsible for transmitting Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus.
Lice
Lice are small, brown insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. They can cause a great deal of discomfort and are difficult to get rid of. There are a variety of methods you can use to get rid of lice, but it is important to consult with a doctor before trying any home remedies.
They are most commonly known for infesting school-aged children, but they can affect people of all ages. Lice are a nuisance and can cause itching and irritation. They are also known to spread quickly, so it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Five blood sucking bugs: How to get rid of them?
Remove any sources of standing water.
One of the best ways to reduce the population of blood-sucking bugs is to eliminate sources of standing water.
This can be done by getting rid of old tires, cans, and other objects that can collect water, fixing leaky faucets and pipes, and making sure gutters are clean and draining properly.
Once you get rid of the standing water in and around your house, it will stop the bugs from being able to lay their eggs and multiply.
Consider using a broadcast treatment.
Broadcast treatments, also known as fogging or misting, are a common and effective way to get rid of blood-sucking bugs.
The treatment is sprayed over a large area and kills most of these bugs on contact. It is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the treatment is effective and safe.
This typically keeps the pests away for several months before a reapplication is needed.
Remove Debris From Gutters
The blood-sucking bugs need a place to breed and lay eggs, and one of their favorite places is in gutters that are filled with debris. If you clean your gutters twice a year, you can help prevent these bugs from breeding and reduce their number in your area.
Light Citronella Candles
One way to repel these blood sucking bugs is to light citronella candles. The scent of the candle will help keep them away.
Citronella is a type of oil that is extracted from plants in the lemon family. It has a strong smell that most bugs do not like, and as a result, it can be used as a natural repellent.
You can find products that contain citronella oil, such as light citronella candles, which can be used to repel both indoors and outdoors.
Treat Ponds or Water Features
Mosquito dunking is a process of adding mosquito dunks, which are made of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), to ponds or other water features.
The Bti in the dunks will kill any larvae that may be present and will help to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the area. It is an inexpensive and effective way to get rid of mosquitoes, which also comes in handy with other bugs.
These dunks need to be replaced each month in order to be effective.
Summary
Hopefully, you have learned what these five blood sucking bugs are and the easiest ways to get rid of them. In certain scenarios, these will not work, and in such a time, the best you can do is contact a pest control company.
