Knowledgebase

Grass bug bites? #866838

Asked May 02, 2024, 10:13 PM EDT

Hi, I am trying to narrow down the list of things that could possibly be biting me when I am out in the yard and I'm hoping you all can help. This problem started last summer for the first time and I've already had my first bite this year. This is what I know . . . 1) It was out in April, 2) It can be carried in the house by people or dogs I think, 3) The bite isn't necessarily noticeable when it happens but starts itching about 36 hours later, 3) It takes 5-7 days for the reaction to clear, 4) It is a single puncture per bite, 5) Bites may be singles or in pairs or up to 3 but unorganized and unevenly spaced, 6) Whatever it is is tiny, 7) Sometimes the bites get a tiny blister at the bite point, 8) It likely lives in the grass or chicken yard (chickens have been around for years), 9) It doesn't rash but creates a perfectly round hole that swells symmetrically around it and emanates red from there with no symmetry into a large patch. 10) Bites historically are on legs but it appears there may be one on my neck this year - which is why I think it came in on a dog and migrated to a bed or couch or something. There is no evidence of dogs with fleas. Thank you.

Anchorage County Alaska

Expert Response

Hi Diane,

Unfortunately it's not possible to identify insects from bites/rashes. If you are able to capture one of the insects causing the issue we can identify that for you, but for bites/rashes of unknown origin we recommend contacting a medical doctor. Insect bites don't present consistently among different people, and in addition there are many other potential causes that create similar reactions on the skin (such as allergic reactions, bacteria, etc.), so it is not possible to identify an insect from a bite or rash alone. 

I would recommend checking the chickens for fleas too, as we do have fleas that impact birds that occasionally bite people, but otherwise just try to keep a close eye when you're in a situation you typically would notice the biting and try to catch the insect so we can take a look at it. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 03, 2024, 12:03 PM EDT

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