What’s Biting You?

Woke up with itchy red bumps but can’t find the source? You’re not alone. At Pink Pest Solutions, we get plenty of calls from Kansas City homeowners dealing with mysterious bites. While bed bugs and fleas are common suspects, there are several other biting pests — and even non-insect causes — that might be to blame.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common bite culprits in the KC area:

1. Bed Bugs

These nighttime feeders hide in cracks near beds and furniture. 

Signs:

• Rust-colored stains on bedding

• Tiny dark spots (droppings)

• Musty odor in sleeping areas

  

  Bed Bug

2. Fleas

Fleas typically hitch a ride on pets but will happily bite humans too, especially around the ankles and lower legs.

Signs:

• Pets scratching

• Flea dirt in pet bedding

  
  

  

  Flea

  
  
  
  

3. Chiggers

These tiny mite larvae thrive in grassy or wooded areas — like parks, yards, or hiking trails. They don’t burrow, but they do attach to skin and inject digestive enzymes that cause intense itching.

Bite traits:

• Usually under tight clothing (waistbands, sock lines)

• Severe itching starts a few hours after exposure

  
  
  
  

4. No-See-Ums (Biting Midges)

True to their name, these tiny flying insects are almost invisible to the naked eye — but their bites pack a punch. No-see-ums are especially active at dawn and dusk, near standing water.

What to expect:

• Small red welts

• Bites that itch more than mosquito bites

• Trouble seeing what’s biting you

5. Mosquitoes

A summer staple in Kansas City, mosquitoes leave behind puffy, itchy welts — usually in isolated spots.

Prevention tips:

• Dump standing water

• Turn on porch fans

• Wear repellent

  
  

  

  Mosquito

  
  
  
  

6. Mites

Bird and rodent mites can bite humans when their usual hosts are gone. These tiny pests can go unnoticed but still cause irritation.

Potential signs:

• Recent removal of bird nests or rodent activity

  
  

7. But Not All Itchy Spots are Bug Bites!

Sometimes, what looks like a bite isn’t caused by a pest at all. Allergic reactions to soaps, detergents, or environmental allergens can mimic insect bites.

Consider this if:

• Bites are symmetrical or appear after wearing certain clothes

• No pattern or pest is found

• Other skin irritation symptoms are present

  
  

When dealing with recurring itchy spots and no known cause, it’s worth asking your doctor or dermatologist to evaluate.

Don’t Let Mystery Bites Bug You

At Pink Pest Solutions, we know the local pests — and how to stop them. We’ll inspect your home, identify the culprit, and provide professional treatment that works.

Stop the itch and start the fix. Contact us todqy!