Generally, when people think about insect-related allergies, they picture their friend or relative that’s allergic to bee stings. While these allergic reactions are the most dangerous or obvious, there are actually several insects – or what they leave behind – that cause allergic reactions in humans (and some animals).

Red Imported Fire Ants

These invasive species from South America are prevalent across the Gulf Coast of Florida. Outside of mosquitoes, these may be the most obvious and widespread dangerous insects in our area. Beware not only their nests – usually a black mound in your yard – but also when they’re out foraging.

Red imported fire ants are very aggressive. As soon as they are disturbed, they send out a signal and attack the “intruder.” If that’s you, you might notice a little itch right before all the painful bites – dozens of ants or more are climbing your legs, on your arms, anywhere they can access. And they make their presence known.

Fire ant bites feel like painful, burning stings. They result in intense itching for up to 10 days, as well as pustules which can become infected if you scratch them open. And that’s generally what happens to everyone.

For folks with allergies, it’s far worse. Those reactions can include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in the throat or tongue, nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. Bites can also cause dizziness, and in some extreme cases, a rapid fall in blood pressure that can trigger shock and even cause the person to pass out. Call 9-1-1 or get the person to an emergency room ASAP. Untreated, these symptoms can lead to death.

Bees, Wasps, Hornets

One percent of the population has an allergic reaction to insect stings. And in fact, severe anaphylactic reactions to insect stings cause 90-100 deaths per year in the U.S. People who know they have an allergy to an insect sting should carry an epi-pen or other portable epinephrine supply with them for fast, life-saving relief.

When you’re stung by a bee or a wasp, they inject a small amount of venom into your system. For honeybees, this is fatal to them, as they can’t pull the stinger back out and it literally rips them in two. Honeybees only sting in self-defense – protecting their hive – but they also send out a signal triggering other bees to sting anything that moves. You’ll want to be careful, but also get the stinger out of your skin any way you can, as quickly as possible. The longer it’s in you, the more severe your reaction will be.

Wasps and hornets do not sacrifice their lives when they sting you, and in fact, can sting multiple times. They also call for backup, so disturbing the wrong wasp can put you in a world of hurt. Wasps can also sting and bite you at the same time!

Fatal reactions to even hornet stings are rare, but the more stings, the higher your probability for danger. Allergic reactions to stinger venom include hives, wheezing, clammy skin, vomiting, blue or white lips, swelling of the face or mouth, fast, shallow breathing, and a fast heart rate. You can also suffer from anxiety or confusion, dizziness, or fainting.

Other Biters

Many biting insects cause a mild to sometimes severe allergic reaction in humans. For example, most people figure out they have bed bugs because of the itchy, raised red bumps on their skin.

When mosquitoes bite you, they inject their saliva, which contains proteins that prevent the blood from clotting. Skeeter syndrome is when your body has an adverse reaction to those proteins. You don’t just itch and turn red, you get blistering or weeping skin, hives, lymph node swelling and a fever.

Tick and flea bites typically cause some skin redness, but some folks get more itching or swelling. One weird side effect is that some tick bites actually give you an allergy. Alpha Gal Syndrome is an allergy to red meat, transmitted by the Lone Star tick.

Cockroaches & Silverfish

Many common allergy and respiratory symptoms can be caused not by contact with an insect, but by being near them. No, neither cockroaches nor silverfish bite you. In fact, both go out of their way to avoid us – especially if we have shoes. But their presence and the waste they leave behind can trigger asthma and other allergies.

Cockroaches spend a lot of time scuttling around in dark corners, picking up dust and allergens. Additionally, their saliva and fecal matter contain allergens. As if a roach isn’t disgusting enough on its own, parts of their bodies, their waste and their spit can become airborne. They contaminate the air and can get inhaled by humans – causing a reaction.

Similarly, a silverfish’s saliva and fecal matter contain allergens. The thin exoskeleton that gives them their name contain a protein called tropomyosin – all three can also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people, including some skin issues.

The best defense against cockroaches and other allergy triggering insects is a good offense. Our Go Green Perimeter Plus eliminates roaches, ant, spiders and silverfish from your home. We also seal up potential entry points to keep them out. For those with allergies, we recommend going one step further and installing T·A·P insulation.

Our Thermal Acoustical Pest control is made with recycled news print and treated with people and pet friendly boric acid that eliminates bugs, but doesn’t hurt us. It’s also fire retardant, sound resistant, and 32% more energy efficient than traditional fiberglass insulation – which causes allergy issues of its own. It’s safe, effective and increases your home’s value while lowering your electric bills.

For more details on TAP or any of our products and services, or to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our highly skilled technicians, please, give us a call!