Biting Insects and Arachnids Found in Maryland
Maryland's climate creates prime conditions for a variety of biting bugs, spiders, and ticks. While most bites merely cause temporary irritation, some Maryland bugs can transmit diseases through their bites. Knowing how to identify and avoid problematic species can help reduce uncomfortable or dangerous encounters.
Mosquitos
Mosquitos thrive in Maryland’s marshy areas and wooded eastern region. Female mosquitos pierce skin with their needle-like mouthpart and suck blood to get the protein needed to produce eggs.
Common biting mosquito species in Maryland include:
- Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito)
- Aedes vexans (inland floodwater mosquito)
- Culex pipiens (Northern house mosquito)
- Anopheles quadrimaculatus (malaria mosquito)
While extremely uncomfortable, most Maryland mosquito species do not carry major illnesses. However, some can transmit West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, malaria, and heartworm.
Ticks
Ticks reside all over Maryland and are most active spring through fall. However, warmer winters allow them to be out searching for hosts to bite even during colder months.
Common ticks in Marylandinclude:
- Blacklegged tick
- Lone star tick
- American dog tick
- Brown dog tick
- Groundhog tick
- Winter tick
Ticks attach their mouth to feed on blood for long periods of time. Some ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Powassan virus, and other pathogens to humans.
Chiggers
Chiggers, also called harvest mites, are tiny red mites that are nearly invisible. They inhabit grassy and brushy areas clinging to tall weeds and shrubs. Their bites inject irritating saliva that causes intense bite reactions.
Common symptoms around chigger bites include:
- Intense itching, stinging, and skin redness
- Small swollen welts that may look like pimples or hives
- Blisters or scabbed bumps resulting from scratching
Chiggers fall off after feeding for a couple days. Bites can continue to itch for 1-2 weeks, increasing risk of infection from scratching.
Bed Bugs
While bed bugs can inhabit anywhere humans rest and dwell, Maryland's transient populations in hotels, dorms, camps, and shelters increase risk of infestations.
Bed bugs feed mostly at night, biting exposed skin and feeding for 5-10 minutes. Bites often occur in clusters or lines along arms, legs, face and neck. Bed bug bites may cause:
- Red, swollen bumps
- Itching and skin irritation
- Small puncture marks or crusted lesions
Though not known to spread infections, bed bug bites can severely itch and irritate the skin.
Deer Flies
Maryland deer flies are large biting flies that feed on the blood of mammals. Only female deer flies bite, causing painful bites to collect blood needed for egg production. Deer flies spread Tularemia, anaplasmosis, and lyme disease to humans.
Identifying traits include:
- Medium to large fly size
- Dark coloration with patterned wings
- Prominent, often colorful eyes
- Aggressive biting behavior
They tend to attack the upper body and head area. Deer fly bites are more painful than typical mosquito bites, feeling like sharp, cutting punctures.
Horse Flies
Similar to deer flies, female horse flies need mammal blood to reproduce. They thrive near livestock or marshy locations but also bother homeowners. Horse flies spread equine infectious anemia, anthrax, Tularemia, and trypanosomiases to humans through biting.
Distinctive horse fly qualities include:
- Very large flies from 0.75-1.25 inches
- Often dark gray with patterned wings
- Green or reddish eyes
- Painful bites leaving blood and irritation
Black Flies
Black flies, or gnats, breed near Maryland's fast-moving streams and thrive in shady, forested areas. Only females bite humans, leaving painful swollen marks that intensely itch and ooze plasma.
Black flies can pick up and transmit viruses, protozoa, and filarial nematode worms between mammals by biting.
Typical black fly appearance and behaviors:
- Tiny dark flies under 1⁄4 inch
- Humpbacked appearance
- Buzzing swarms near water sources
- Bites that swell and itch severely
Preventing Bites and Infection
Using protective and preventative measures can reduce painful and concerning bug encounters:
Protective Clothing and Repellent
Wearing light-colored, loose fitting clothing with tight weaves and long sleeves and pants prevents biting access. Tuck pants into socks when in tall brush or grass.
Effective insect repellants containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus can dissuade biting from mosquitos, ticks, and flies when applied to exposed skin or clothing.
Tick Checks and Awareness
Carefully check your whole body for ticks after being in tick-prone areas. Finding and removing them quickly reduces disease transmission opportunities.
Be aware of high-risk tick areas, like overgrown trails and grassy meadows. Stay towards trail centers when hiking to avoid brushing against vegetation.
Sanitation and Home Protection
Eliminating standing water breeding sites controls mosquito populations. Drain temporary wet areas, flower pots, tires, clogged gutters, pools, and other water holding containers.
Install secure screens on windows and doors to keep biting insects outside. Use bed bug mattress encasements and monitor for signs of infestation.
Keep grass cut short and underbrush cleared away from the home. Mow walking paths through overgrown property.
Avoid Peak Activity Times
Some insects are most active at dawn, dusk, or night when seeking hosts. Avoid spending prolonged time outside without protective clothing during prime bug activity periods.
Shift outdoor activity to the middle of the day when some biting species are less aggressive to lower exposure.
Treating Bites and Reducing Infection Risk
Clean Bites Properly
Wash bug bite areas with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment to break skin, blisters or excessive itching and scratching which risks infection.
Do not scratch bites as this can lead to infection, scarring, and secondary skin breakouts.
Apply Cold Compresses
Wrapping an ice pack or cold compress in a towel and applying to bites can reduce swelling, inflammation, and itchiness. This helps resist the urge to scratch.
Anti-itch Creams
Over-the-counter anti-itch creams with pramoxine or menthol can temporarily numb nerve pain signals to ease discomfort from bite reactions. Calamine lotion also relieves mildly itchy insect bites.
Oral Antihistamines
Allergic reactions to proteins in insect saliva often exacerbate bite symptoms like hives, significant swelling, and severe itching. Antihistamine pills like Zyrtec or Claritin counter the allergic response for relief.
Monitor for Signs of Infection
Observe bites for expanding redness, worsening pain, throbbing, head ache, fever or flu symptoms which may indicate bacteria has entered through broken skin. Seek medical treatment promptly if these infection warning signs develop.
Catching infections early on improves chances of effective treatment before widespread progression occurs.
Blood Testing for Vector-Borne Illness
If you become sick following tick or mosquito bites, see your physician for blood tests that can identify if dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, or Malaria transmitted through the bite. Identifying vector-borne illnesses helps guide life-saving treatment.
Prompt illness recognition can also prevent progression to advanced disease stages or complications.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While most Maryland bug bites cause minor and temporary skin irritation treatable at home, seek prompt medical care if you experience:
- Signs of severe allergic reaction like shortness of breath, throat swelling or fainting
- Fever, headaches, body pains and flu-like illness
- Expanding redness, pus, red streaks or worsening pain around bite
- Multiple painful bites from bed bug exposure
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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