Biting Insects in Virginia: Identification, Prevention, Treatment

Common Biting Insects in Virginia

As a state with a humid climate and dense forests, Virginia is prone to various species of biting insects. These pests can be a nuisance and sometimes pose health risks through their painful bites or ability to spread disease. Being able to identify and avoid these insects is key to an enjoyable outdoor experience in the state.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are likely the most infamous biting insects in Virginia. There are over 30 different species found in the state, most active between early spring and late fall. Females require a blood meal to develop eggs and have a slender piercing-sucking mouthpart used to feed on humans and animals. Mosquito bites often appear as itchy, red bumps on the skin. Beyond being a nuisance, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and malaria (in rare cases).

Ticks

Ticks reside all over Virginia and are most active during warmer months. These small arachnids attach themselves to vegetation and climb aboard hosts like deer or humans that brush by. Once attached, they bite using a piercing mouthpart and feed on blood for several days before dropping off. Tick bites can result in redness, swelling, and irritation on the skin. More concerning is ticks ability to transmit dangerous illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). Performing routine tick checks after outdoor activity can help prevent disease transmission from their bites.

Chiggers

Chiggers, also known as red bugs or harvest mites, are tiny arachnids measuring only around 1/120-1/150 inch. They inhabit grassy, overgrown areas and attack hosts around the ankles, waistline, armpits, or other constricted areas. While the chigger itself does not bite, its feeding leads to severe skin irritation. The chigger injects saliva filled with digestive enzymes into the skin, dissolving tissue so it can eat skin cells. This results in clusters of small, red itchy welts on the body that can last up to two weeks.

Horse Flies

Horse flies are large, aggressive flies most active in Virginia’s summer and fall months. Only female horse flies bite, using their sharp, knife-like mouthparts to cut into skin and lap up blood pooling to the surface. Horse flies cause extremely painful bites resulting in inflammation, swelling, and severe itching at the wound site. Though not common, they can mechanically transmit diseases like anthrax or anaplasmosis through their biting behavior.

Preventing Bites from Virginia’s Stinging Insects

While biting insects can never be completely avoided in a state like Virginia, there are many precautions you can take to minimize pesky and potentially dangerous bites:

Use Insect Repellent

Topical insect repellents applied to exposed skin provide the best defense against biting insects. DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are registered EPA repellents proven to be safe and effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs. Follow instructions carefully and reapply if outdoors for prolonged periods. Spray clothing, shoes, socks, and camping gear for further protection.

Wear Long Sleeves and Pants

Covering up exposed skin leaves less opportunity for insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers to bite. Opt for light colored and tightly woven clothing when spending time outdoors. Tuck pants into socks and shirt into pants to keep bugs on the outside of your clothing if possible.

Control Overgrown Vegetation

Mow lawns frequently, cut back brush, remove leaf litter, clear tall grass and weeds, and landscape with wood chips or gravel near your home. This eliminates protective hiding spots for ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes so they move elsewhere to find suitable habitat.

Use Fans

Mosquitoes struggle to fly in winds over 1-2 miles per hour. Placing floor fans, ceiling fans, or oscillating outdoor fans on your patio or deck can effectively deter these insects. Fans also dissipate carbon dioxide and scent cues given off by humans that attract biting bugs.

Treating Biting Insect Wounds

Even with preventive measures, biting insects inevitably sneak through. Follow these tips to care for and manage resulting wounds:

Clean the Bite Site

Use soap and water or an antiseptic pad to thoroughly cleanse the bite area. This removes irritating insect saliva and decreases risk for secondary skin infection caused by scratching.

Apply Ice Packs and Anti-Itch Creams

Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply to the bite for 10-15 minutes to relieve swelling, inflammation, and itch. Over the counter anti-itch creams containing pramoxine, hydrocortisone, or menthol can also help control irritation and scratching.

Avoid Infection

Repeated scratching can break the skin and allow bacterial infection. Keep nails short and clean and apply antibiotic ointment if you notice signs of infection like oozing pus, redness extending from the bite, fever, or skin redness.

Watch for Signs of Illness

Pay attention for flu-like symptoms that emerge days to weeks after a bite as this may indicate a disease transmitted by the insect. Seek medical care if symptoms like fever, body aches, headaches, or rashes develop after an insect bite.

Learning how to manage biting insects goes hand in hand with enjoying Virginia’s beautiful parks and outdoor recreational areas. Arm yourself with preventive strategies centered around repellent use, protective clothing, vegetation control, and fans before heading out. Should you receive a bite, be prepared to properly clean, medicate and monitor the area to prevent problems down the road. Remaining diligent both before and after insect bites lets you reap the benefits of a day outside without the nuisance of itchy welts or risk of disease.

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.