Flea Bites
Flea bites typically emerge as small, itchy clusters on the skin, often found on legs and ankles. The irritation can start within hours of the bite, leading to red, itchy bumps that may become swollen or sore. Fleas prefer attacking lower body parts but can also bite around the waist, armpits, or in bends of knees and elbows. A distinctive feature of flea bites is their tendency to turn white when pressed. Constant scratching may lead to infection, necessitating medical attention. Fleas can occasionally transmit more severe diseases, such as plague, which is rare in the United States. The CDC reports minimal plague cases annually, with symptoms like fever and swollen lymph nodes appearing one to six days post-bite. [5]
Spider Bites
Most spider bites are harmless, causing minimal symptoms like redness, swelling, and discomfort. However, some spider bites, particularly from the black widow or brown recluse, can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a serious spider bite include difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and swelling of the face, requiring immediate medical attention. The CDC recommends a tetanus booster every ten years as a precaution. A black widow’s bite may start painlessly but can escalate to severe muscle pain and nausea, while a brown recluse bite might lead to a bruise-like lesion that becomes crusty and dark. These spiders are more common in certain U.S. regions, necessitating caution in dark and undisturbed spaces. [6]
