What Bit Me? A Guide to Common Causes of Bites and Itchiness in Johor Bahru

One of the most frequent questions we receive is: "What bit me?" Many people are convinced that bed bugs are the culprit. Some mistakenly believe they’ve been bitten by booklice or cloth moths—two pests that don’t bite at all.

So, if you're waking up with itchy welts or experiencing unexplained bites, what could be causing them? Let's take a closer look at the most common sources of bites and itchiness in Johor Bahru.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are the most common biting insects in Malaysia. They thrive in warm, humid environments and are most active during dawn and dusk. Aedes mosquitoes, responsible for dengue fever, prefer daytime biting, while Culex and Anopheles mosquitoes bite mostly at night. Mosquito bites appear as small, raised, itchy bumps and often occur on exposed skin.

Prevention Tips:

• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin and plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD).

• Install window screens to prevent mosquitoes from flying into your house.

• Eliminate stagnant water around your home to reduce breeding sites. According to an 2013 survey in Putrajaya, some of the top breeding grounds include gardening utensils, artificial containers and discarded items.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are nocturnal pests that feed on human blood while you sleep. Their bites often appear in clusters or a line, typically on the arms, neck, or back.

Signs of Bed Bugs:

• Small blood stains on bedsheets.

• Dark fecal spots on mattresses and furniture.

• A musty odor in the bedroom when the infestation is heavy.

Solution: If you suspect bed bugs, avoid DIY treatments as they often worsen the infestation. Professional extermination is necessary to completely eliminate them.

Fleas

Fleas are tiny, jumping insects that commonly infest homes with pets. They bite both humans and animals, typically targeting the lower legs and ankles. Their bites appear as small red bumps, often with a red halo around them.

Prevention & Control:

• Regularly treat pets with flea prevention products, such as anti flea shampoo, comb or collar.

• Vacuum carpets and furniture frequently.

• Wash pet bedding in hot water.

Ticks

Ticks are blood-sucking arachnids that latch onto the skin for extended periods. They are usually picked up from grassy areas or pets that go outdoors. Tick bites are painless at first but can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

What to Do If You Find a Tick:

• Use tweezers to gently remove the tick without crushing it.

• Clean the bite area with antiseptic.

• Monitor for any symptoms of infection or fever.

Mites

Bird mites can bite humans when they lose their natural bird hosts, often after a bird abandoned her nest, or when the nest was built near to homes. Their bites are tiny and very itchy, usually occurring in clusters.

Dust mites, on the other hand, do not bite but can cause allergic reactions that mimic bite symptoms, such as red, itchy skin or rashes.

Prevention:

• Remove abandoned bird nests near your home.

• Wash or vacuum bedding regularly and use hypoallergenic covers.

• Maintain low indoor humidity to reduce dust mite populations.

Allergic Reactions & Skin Irritations

Not all skin irritations are caused by insect bites. Some people develop rashes or welts due to:

• Allergic reactions to detergents, soaps, or cosmetics.

• Sensitivity to certain fabrics or chemicals.

• Skin conditions such as eczema or hives.

If you’re experiencing persistent itching without clear signs of insect activity, consider consulting a dermatologist.

Allergic reaction that resemble bites.

Why Can't I Feel the Bite?

The question of "what bites me" often arises when the presence of a bite is discovered after the culprit has departed, be it during sleep or while awake.

Blood-sucking insects, while biting, inject anesthetics into their hosts to prevent the sensation of being bitten. This enables them to feed on blood uninterrupted. Hence, most bites happen without being noticed.

Reactions to Insect Bites

When insects bite to obtain a blood meal, their saliva containing antigens enters our bloodstream. This triggers our immune system, leading to the formation of welts through a complex series of reactions.

Different individuals exhibit varying responses to the same type of bite. Young children often display greater sensitivity, resulting in larger welts compared to older individuals. Those frequently exposed to bites tend to develop lower sensitivity compared to those infrequently bitten.

Final Thoughts

Determining the cause of your bites can be challenging, but understanding the patterns and symptoms can help. If you're unsure or dealing with an ongoing issue, professional pest control can provide an accurate assessment and effective treatment.

Still dealing with mysterious bites? Contact Pest Sensei for an inspection and expert advice!