5 Bugs That Are Most Likely To Bite You While You Sleep - Reliant Pest Management (2024)

Summertime is the perfect season for spending time outdoors and enjoying the warm weather. However, some risks are associated with being outdoors during the summer months, such as bug bites.

Unfortunately, those risks don’t necessarily always end when you head inside. Even if you’re not spending time outside camping and hiking this summer, there are still bugs that can make their way indoors and bite you while you’re fast asleep.

In this blog post, we discuss five bugs that are most likely to bite you while you are asleep. Keep reading to learn more!

Key Takeaways

• There are a few reasons why bugs tend to be more active - and more likely to bite us - at night, including the fact that they are attracted to the CO2 we breathe.
• Some common pests that bite at night include mosquitoes, bed bugs, scabies mites, and chiggers.
• Consider installing screens on your bedroom windows and regularly cleaning your home to reduce the likelihood of these nocturnal, itch-inducing visits.

Why Do Bugs Bite You When You Are Asleep?

When you're sound asleep in your bed, the last thing you want is to be woken up by a sharp pain in your skin. But for many of us, that's exactly what happens when we get bitten by bugs. Why do they seem to prefer biting us when we're asleep?

One theory is that bugs, including ants and mosquitoes, are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale when we breathe. Since we exhale more CO2 when we're asleep, they may be more likely to find us then. Another possibility is that our body temperature drops when we sleep, making us a more attractive target for cold-blooded bugs like mosquitoes.

Whatever the reason, bug bites can certainly ruin a good night's sleep. And in some cases, they can also transmit diseases like malaria or Zika virus.

So it's important to take precautions to avoid being bitten in the first place. If you're traveling to an area where there are potential disease-carrying bugs, be sure to wear long sleeves and pants at night and to use a mosquito net over your bed.

And if you do get bitten, try to resist the urge to scratch — it can make the bite worse and cause an infection.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are typically reddish-brown in color, and they range in size from 1 to 7 millimeters. Bed bugs are wingless, but they can climb walls and other surfaces with ease.

They typically live in cracks and crevices near beds or other locations where people sleep. When bed bugs bite, they inject a numbing agent into their victim's skin. This allows them to feed for several minutes without being detected.

If you've ever been woken up by an itchy, red bite, you may have had the unfortunate experience of being bitten by a bed bug.

Bed bugs are mostly active at night, and they tend to bite people who are asleep. While bed bug bites are not generally considered harmful, they can be very uncomfortable. If you suspect that you have been bitten by a bed bug, it is important to inspect your bedding and furniture for signs of infestation.

You should also wash your bedding in hot water and vacuum your floors and furniture to remove any bugs or eggs that may be present. If you believe that you have a bed bug infestation, it is best to contact a professional pest control company for assistance.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are small, fly-like insects that are found all over the world. Though they are often seen as pests, mosquitoes play an important role in the ecosystem by serving as a food source for many animals.

Mosquitoes generally bite humans and other mammals, though some species will also feast on reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Female mosquitoes use the blood they collect to nourish their eggs.

In order to bite its victims, a mosquito will first insert its long, slender proboscis into the skin. This action punctures the skin and allows the mosquito to withdraw blood through its tube-like mouthparts.

As they feed, mosquitoes will also inject saliva into their victim. This saliva contains proteins that can cause irritation and swelling at the bite site. In some cases, it can also transmit diseases like malaria and Zika virus. Though they are often seen as nuisances, mosquitoes are an important part of the natural world.

If you've ever been woken up in the middle of the night by a mosquito bite, you're not alone. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, but they can also bite at night. In fact, mosquitoes are more likely to bite you when you are asleep.

The reason for this is that mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale. When we sleep, we breathe more slowly and deeply, which means that we exhale more carbon dioxide. This makes us an attractive target for mosquitoes.

To avoid being bitten at night, try to sleep with a fan on or keep the windows closed. Install a screen on your windows, too. You can also use mosquito netting over your bed. By taking these precautions, you can help to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Fleas

Fleas are small, wingless insects that are related to ants and beetles. They have a hard, flattened body and are known for their ability to jump long distances.

Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They can be a nuisance to pet owners because they can cause itching and irritation. Fleas can also transmit diseases to humans and animals.

Most flea infestations come from contact with other animals, but they can also occur when people come into contact with areas where fleas live, such as in soil or in homes that have been infested with fleas. Flea control is important to prevent these pests from becoming a nuisance.

Most people are familiar with the itching and discomfort that flea bites can cause. What many people don't realize, however, is that fleas are most likely to bite you when you are asleep. This is because fleas are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale.

When we are awake and moving around, we exhale more carbon dioxide, making us less attractive to fleas. However, when we are asleep and breathing slowly, we exhale less carbon dioxide, making us more appealing to these pests. As a result, if you want to avoid being bitten by fleas, it's best to stay awake and keep moving.

Chiggers

Chiggers are tiny red mites that can be found in tall grass and bushes. They are attracted to the warmth of animals, and will often attach themselves to humans.

Chiggers feed on skin cells, causing intense itching and red welts. Although they are not dangerous, chiggers can be extremely irritating. The best way to prevent an infestation is to avoid areas where they are commonly found like in tall grass or wooded areas.

If you do come into contact with chiggers, you can remove them by taking a hot bath or shower.

Scratching will only make it worse, so it is best to resist the urge and treat the bite with a cold compress or topical anti-itch cream. With a little knowledge and caution, you can avoid these pesky critters altogether.

Scabies

Scabies is a skin condition caused by the human itch mite. The mite burrows into the top layer of skin to lay its eggs, causing intense itching and irritation. Scabies is highly contagious and is typically spread through close contact with an infected person.

The condition can also be spread through sharing clothing or bedding with someone who has scabies. Symptoms of scabies include intense itching, small bumps on the skin, and thin lines on the surface of the skin.

Like many of the other pests on this list, scabies mites are most active at night, which means that they are more likely to bite you when you are asleep. If you have been noticing unexplained bites on your body, it is possible that you have a scabies infestation.

The best way to avoid getting scabies is to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with people who have the condition. It's also important to avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, bedding, and clothing.

If you think you've been exposed to scabies, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that you can be treated. Treatment for scabies typically involves using a topical medication that kills the mites. In some cases, oral medications may also be used.

After treatment, it's important to wash all of your bedding and clothing in hot water to kill any remaining mites. You should also vacuum your furniture and flooring to remove any eggs or mites that might be lurking there.

Conclusion

Considering the bugs most likely to bite you while you sleep can help you take steps to prevent an infestation in your home. Taking a few minutes now to research these pests and their habits can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle down the road.