Bugs That Bite and How to Identify Them

Bugs are a part of life, especially during warm-weather months in the Treasure Valley. Some bug bites are mostly annoying, while others can be painful or, in some cases, associated with disease. Mosquitoes, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, chiggers, ants, and spiders are among the most common culprits in and around homes.

While only a healthcare provider can diagnose the cause of a bite or rash, understanding which bugs commonly bite people—and the kinds of reactions they can cause—can help you decide what to do next and how to reduce your risk in the future.

This guide covers common biting bugs, general bite characteristics, and practical ways to help keep them away from your home and family.

Common Bugs That Bite and How to Recognize Them

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are small, flying insects that feed on blood. They are especially active at dawn and dusk and near standing water.

• Appearance: Slender body, long legs, and long proboscis (mouthpart).
• Typical bites: Small, raised, itchy bumps, often on exposed skin like arms, legs, and ankles.
• Concerns: In some regions, mosquitoes can carry viruses such as West Nile virus.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that hide in seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and cracks around sleeping areas.

• Appearance: About the size of an apple seed; wingless; brown to reddish after feeding.
• Typical bites: Small, red, itchy bumps, often in lines or clusters on areas exposed while sleeping (arms, shoulders, neck, back).
• Concerns: Bites can be very itchy and disruptive to sleep; infestations require thorough treatment. For more information on control options, see our bed bug treatment page.

Fleas

Fleas are tiny, jumping insects that commonly live on pets and wildlife. They can also bite people, especially around the ankles and lower legs.

• Appearance: Very small, dark brown, flattened sideways; moves by jumping.
• Typical bites: Small, red bumps, often in groups or clusters on ankles, legs, or areas where clothing is tight.
• Concerns: Flea bites can be very itchy; controlling fleas usually involves treating pets and their indoor and outdoor environments.

Ticks

Ticks are arachnids (related to spiders) that attach to the skin and feed on blood. They are often found in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas.

• Appearance: Flat, oval body that enlarges after feeding; typically brown or black.
• Typical bites: Sometimes painless at first; may leave a small red area. Ticks can remain attached for many hours if not removed.
• Concerns: Certain tick species can transmit illnesses such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever or Lyme disease. If you find a tick attached or develop flu-like symptoms, rash, or joint pain afterward, contact a healthcare provider.

Chiggers

Chiggers are tiny mite larvae often found in grass, weeds, and wooded areas, especially in warm seasons.

• Appearance: Very small and difficult to see; often described as tiny red or orange specks.
• Typical bites: Intensely itchy, red bumps or welts, often around sock lines, waistbands, and areas where clothing is tight.
• Concerns: Bites are extremely itchy but typically not dangerous; scratching can lead to secondary skin irritation or infection.

Ants

Some ant species will bite or sting when disturbed. Fire ants (not common in all regions) can be particularly painful.

• Appearance: Varies by species; usually small, brown, black, or red.
• Typical bites/stings: Painful, localized burning or stinging sensation, sometimes followed by a small blister or pustule.
• Concerns: Most ant bites are localized, but some individuals can have allergic reactions.

Spiders

Many spider bites are mild, but a small number of species can cause more serious reactions.

• Appearance: Varies widely; many are harmless and avoid people.
• Typical bites: Localized redness, swelling, and tenderness. In most cases, spider bites are not medically serious.
• Concerns: A few species (such as black widows or brown recluses in certain regions) can cause more significant symptoms. If you suspect a serious spider bite or symptoms worsen, contact a healthcare provider.

Remember: it can be very difficult to identify a bug or spider based on a bite alone. If you are worried about a bite or your symptoms, it’s best to talk with a medical professional.

What Do Bug Bites Typically Look and Feel Like?

Insect bites and stings can cause a range of skin reactions. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Redness or a small red bump at the bite site
• Itching or mild burning sensation
• Localized swelling
• Tenderness or mild pain

In some cases, secondary issues can develop if bites are repeatedly scratched or if the skin becomes infected. Signs of a possible infection can include increased warmth, pus, or spreading redness around the area.

Some people may experience more generalized symptoms after multiple bites or if they are sensitive to insect saliva or venom, such as:

• Widespread rash or hives
• Headache or fatigue
• Fever or chills
• Aches and pains

If you have serious or rapidly worsening symptoms, or any concern about illness after a bite, contact a healthcare provider promptly.

General Tips for Caring for Minor Bug Bites

The right treatment depends on your health and the specific situation, so always follow the guidance of your healthcare provider. For many minor bites, common comfort measures may include:

• Gently washing the area with soap and water
• Applying a cool compress to help reduce swelling and discomfort
• Using over-the-counter topical products or oral medications as directed by the label or your healthcare provider

If you have a known history of serious reactions to bites or stings, your healthcare provider may recommend additional precautions or emergency medications.

How to Reduce Bug Bites Around Your Home

Lowering your risk of bites often starts with reducing pest populations in and around the home and making yourself less attractive to biting insects.

1. Limit Standing Water and Outdoor Breeding Sites

• Dump standing water from buckets, toys, plant saucers, and other containers.
• Keep gutters clear so water drains properly.
• Check birdbaths, pet water bowls, and other water sources regularly.

2. Make Indoor and Outdoor Spaces Less Inviting

• Vacuum and launder bedding regularly to help reduce bed bugs and fleas.
• Keep pets on a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention plan.
• Keep grass mowed and trim tall weeds where ticks and chiggers may live.
• Seal cracks and gaps to help keep insects, spiders, and other pests from entering.

3. Use Personal Protection When Needed

• Follow public health guidance on using EPA-registered repellents when appropriate.
• Wear long sleeves and pants in areas with high mosquito or tick activity.
• Check for ticks after spending time in tall grass, brush, or wooded areas.

When Pest Control Can Help

While general skin care and bite treatment are medical topics, managing the pests themselves is where a professional pest control company can make a big difference—especially for issues like bed bugs, fleas, and recurring spider or ant activity.

If you’re seeing ongoing insect activity in your home or yard in the Boise, Nampa, Meridian, or Kuna areas, a local pest professional can:

• Identify which pests are present
• Recommend targeted treatments for your situation
• Help reduce pest populations that may be contributing to frequent bites

To learn more about service options in your area, you can connect with our team through our Kuna service location or any of our other Treasure Valley service areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell what bit you just by looking at the bite?

Not always. Many bug bites look similar, and different people react differently to the same insect. A healthcare provider is the best person to help evaluate concerning bites, especially if symptoms are severe or worsening.

Are most bug bites dangerous?

Most bug bites cause mild, local reactions like itching and redness. However, some bites and stings can be more serious, particularly for people with allergies or when certain insects are involved. If you are worried about your symptoms, contact a medical professional.

When should I seek emergency help after a bite or sting?

Seek emergency medical care right away if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, chest tightness, dizziness, or confusion after a bite or sting. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

How can pest control help reduce bug bites?

By targeting pests like bed bugs, fleas, mosquitoes, spiders, and other biting insects in and around your home, professional pest control can help reduce the number of encounters you and your family have with bugs that bite.