P.E.

Review of Pests That Bite: Protecting Yourself in Southeast Alabama

Living in Southeast Alabama means enjoying the outdoors, but it also means being aware of the pests that can bite. From annoying stings to potentially harmful bites, understanding these critters is key to staying safe. Let’s review some common biting pests in our region and how to protect yourself.

1. Mosquitoes: The Itchy Intruders

Mosquitoes are notorious for their itchy bites and ability to transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Zika. They are attracted to standing water, making backyards with bird baths, clogged gutters, or even puddles perfect breeding grounds.  

• Bite Symptoms: Raised, itchy welts.  
  
   
• Prevention: Eliminate standing water, use mosquito repellent with DEET or picaridin, and wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito activity.

2. Fire Ants: The Fiery Stingers

Fire ants are aggressive and deliver a painful sting that results in a pustule. Their mounds are a common sight in lawns and fields.  

• Sting Symptoms: Burning pain, red bumps, and white pustules that develop within 24 hours.
• Prevention: Avoid disturbing fire ant mounds, wear shoes when walking in grassy areas, and treat your yard with fire ant bait.  
  
   

3. Spiders: The Venomous Visitors

While most spiders are harmless, some species in Alabama can deliver a painful and potentially dangerous bite.

• Black Widow Spiders: Known for their distinctive red hourglass marking, their bite can cause muscle cramps, pain, and nausea.  
  
   
• Brown Recluse Spiders: These spiders have a violin-shaped marking and their bite can cause severe tissue damage.  
  
   
• Bite Symptoms: Vary depending on the species, ranging from localized pain and swelling to severe systemic reactions.
• Prevention: Wear gloves when working in dark or undisturbed areas, shake out shoes and clothing, and reduce clutter.

4. Ticks: The Tiny Transmitters

Ticks are parasitic arachnids that can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They are often found in wooded areas and tall grass.  

• Bite Symptoms: Vary depending on the tick species and the disease transmitted, ranging from a red rash to flu-like symptoms.
• Prevention: Wear long pants and sleeves when hiking, use tick repellent, and check yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.  
  
   

5. Chiggers (Harvest Mites): The Itchy Irritants

Chiggers are tiny mites that don’t actually bite, but their larvae attach to the skin and release enzymes that cause intense itching.

• “Bite” Symptoms: Intense itching, red welts, and blisters.
• Prevention: Wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, and shower immediately after being outdoors.  
  
   

6. Fleas: The Persistent Pet Pests

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They can infest pets and spread quickly throughout your home.  

• Bite Symptoms: Small, itchy red bumps, often in clusters.
• Prevention: Treat pets with flea prevention medication, vacuum regularly, and treat your home and yard for fleas.  
  
   

Protecting Your Home and Family with Pest-Ex

Dealing with biting pests can be a constant battle. Pest-Ex provides comprehensive pest control services in Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark, Eufaula, Troy, and surrounding areas. Our experienced exterminators can identify and eliminate these pests, providing long-term protection for your home and family. Contact Pest-Ex today for a pest-free living environment and peace of mind.

Call Pest-Ex with questions about biting insects. Office: (334) 794-5903