Bug bites in Florida are caused by mosquitoes, fire ants, fleas, chiggers, and invisible pests like no-see-ums. Learn how to identify, treat, and prevent bites, and what to do if they’re happening inside your home.

Florida’s warmth and humidity create the perfect storm for biting insects year-round. Whether you're waking up with mystery bites or itching after a beach day, knowing what bit you, is the first step toward relief, and prevention. Bites in lines? Likely bed bugs or chiggers. Constant ankle attacks? You might be battling no-see-ums or fleas. And if your dog has the same bites? You’re not imagining things.

We’ve helped thousands of Florida families stop the biting, indoors and out. Our proven treatments target mosquitoes, fleas, mites, and other invisible biters before they become a serious infestation. And yes, we handle lawns too.

Want to understand what’s biting you, and how to stop it? Keep reading for identification tips, real-world prevention that actually works in Florida, and solutions you won’t find on a store shelf.

Florida’s Bite Problem: Why Bugs Love the Sunshine State

Florida’s warm climate is paradise for biting insects. High temperatures combined with near-constant humidity create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, fleas, mites, no-see-ums, and other pests that thrive in damp, warm conditions.

And it’s not just wild areas that are affected. Your own backyard might be a bug magnet. Pools of standing water, whether from clogged gutters, potted plants, or pet bowls, act as breeding zones for mosquitoes. Lawns with thick thatch or shady, overgrown patches can harbor fleas, chiggers, and even ticks.

But what makes Florida bites feel so much worse?

It’s not your imagination. In hot, humid conditions, your skin is already more sensitive and prone to inflammation. That means even a minor bug bite can feel itchier, swell more, and linger longer than it might elsewhere.

Common Culprits Behind Florida Bug Bites

Let’s break down who’s biting and what those bites can tell you.

Mosquitoes

These buzzing bloodsuckers are Florida’s most common biters. Their red, raised welts are intensely itchy and can last for several days. While most bites are just annoying, Florida mosquitoes can occasionally transmit diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, or Zika. Expect more bites near water, especially during dawn and dusk.

Most common bug bite in Florida?

You guessed it, mosquitoes. But they’re not the only problem.

No-See-Ums

Also called biting midges, these pests are nearly invisible but leave behind nasty clusters of red, itchy bites, often on ankles, feet, or around collars. Unlike mosquitoes, they slice the skin rather than piercing it, which makes the bite more painful and longer lasting. They thrive near coastal marshes and become especially aggressive around dusk.

Chiggers

Chiggers are mites that love grassy or wooded areas, and your waistline, ankles, and sock lines. Their bites show up as speckled red rashes or tiny blisters, and the itching can be intense. If your bites appear in neat rows or patterns around where your clothes fit tightly, you may be dealing with chiggers.

What are the bites in a line in Florida?

Chiggers and bed bugs are the usual suspects.

Fire Ants

Step too close to a mound and you’ll know it. Fire ants swarm fast and sting multiple times, leaving behind burning red welts and white-tipped blisters. These ants are aggressive defenders, so their mounds, often found in sunny yards and fields, should be avoided entirely.

Fleas & Mites

If you or your pets have small, itchy red bites around the ankles or waistline, and especially if you’re noticing them indoors, it could be fleas. Mites, meanwhile, often cause irritating red patches or bumps and may go unnoticed until the itch sets in. Both pests thrive in Florida’s humid homes and can survive in bedding, carpets, and even on furniture.

Bed Bugs

These indoor biters leave behind rows or clusters of red welts, often on arms, necks, or shoulders. While they don’t transmit diseases, they can cause mental stress, sleep disturbances, and even paranoia over cleanliness. Their favorite hiding places? Beds, of course, but also outlets, electronics, and luggage.

We wrote an article about bed bugs in hotels in Florida

Ticks

Often painless at first, tick bites may not show symptoms until days later. Some bites lead to bulls-eye-shaped rashes and flu-like symptoms, particularly in wooded or brushy areas. Always check behind your ears, scalp, and underarms after hiking or walking through grass.

Tick bites are sometimes mistaken for mosquito bites, until symptoms get worse.

How to Identify Florida Bug Bites by Their Appearance

You’ve been bitten, but by what? Florida’s biting insects leave behind unique marks that, when correctly identified, can help you respond faster and more effectively. Recognizing the shape, location, and symptoms of the bite can narrow down the culprit, and signal whether it’s time to treat at home or call for backup.

Bites by Shape, Location & Symptoms

Mosquito Bites: Single, raised welts, often red and itchy, on exposed areas like the arms and legs. They typically appear shortly after outdoor activity and may be accompanied by a small puncture mark at the center.
No-See-Um Bites: These nearly invisible midges leave behind small red bumps grouped in clusters, commonly found around ankles, neck, and hairline. The itch is intense and may persist for days. If you can’t see what bit you, but it won’t stop itching, it’s probably no-see-ums.
Chigger Bites: Look for speckled red rashes or welts concentrated around tight-fitting clothing, beltline, sock line, waistband, armpits. The itching often becomes unbearable 12–24 hours after the initial bite.
Flea Bites: Tiny red bumps that usually appear in groups of three or more, especially around ankles, calves, and waistline. If you have pets or recently visited a friend with animals, fleas are a likely cause.
Fire Ant Bites: These stings cause immediate burning, followed by raised red welts that often form white-tipped blisters. The bites typically appear on feet and lower legs, especially after walking on lawns or near mounds.
Bed Bug Bites: Flat, red welts in rows or zigzag patterns, commonly found on arms, shoulders, or neck after sleeping. These bites don’t always show up immediately and may take a day or two to become visible.
Tick Bites: Often painless initially, tick bites may show up as a bullseye rash, a red ring with a clear center. They favor hidden areas: behind ears, scalp, underarms, and the back of the knees.

Prevention That Actually Works in Florida

Knowing what’s biting you is only half the battle. The power lies in preventing those bites before they start. Here's what truly works for Florida locals, not just theory, but tried-and-true methods that hold up against this state’s toughest pests.

Clothing & Gear That Keeps Bugs Off

Permethrin-Treated Clothing: This isn’t your typical bug spray. Clothing pre-treated with permethrin offers powerful, long-lasting protection, especially against no-see-ums and chiggers. It's odorless and remains effective even after multiple washes.
Protective Outfit Hacks: Long sleeves, tall socks pulled over pants, and rubber boots may not be fashion-forward, but they work. Many Florida anglers and hikers swear by “soccer sock armor” when venturing into buggy areas.
UV-Resistant Sunscreens: While not a primary line of defense, some UV-blocking lotions appear to make skin less attractive to certain insects. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a bonus when paired with proven methods.

Don’t just rely on sprays, layer your protection with the right gear.

Smart Repellents & What Florida Locals Use

DEET and Picaridin: These are the gold standards. DEET works especially well for mosquitoes, while picaridin is often preferred for its less greasy feel and better effect on no-see-ums.
Natural & DIY Repellents: Essential oils like lemon eucalyptus or tea tree oil can offer some protection, but they fade fast and aren’t reliable in Florida’s humidity. Use these with caution, and always test for skin sensitivity.
What About OFF!: Many Floridians use it, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. For persistent bugs like no-see-ums, OFF! alone may fall short. The best strategy? Combine it with clothing barriers and lawn care.

Stop Bugs from Breeding Near Your Home

Drain Standing Water: Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap’s worth of water. Regularly empty gutters, plant trays, birdbaths, and kiddie pools. Even pool covers and patio furniture can collect water.
Lawn Maintenance Matters: Keep grass mowed, trim overgrown bushes, and dethatch your lawn to prevent flea and chigger havens. Pests love shaded, overgrown areas where moisture lingers.
Create a Bug-Resistant Yard: Install bat boxes, encourage dragonflies, and consider native landscaping that doesn’t attract biting insects. These natural predators can help keep pest populations in check.

Want long-term relief from yard bites? Contact us for mosquito and lawn control services to stop the problem at the source.

What To Do If You're Already Covered in Bites

Even with the best prevention, bug bites happen. When they do, knowing how to treat them properly can make all the difference, especially in Florida’s humid environment, where skin irritation lingers longer and infections can develop more easily.

Immediate Relief That Won’t Make It Worse

Start with quick, calming remedies that soothe the itch and reduce inflammation:

Ice Packs: Apply a cold compress to the affected area for 10–15 minutes. It numbs the skin and reduces swelling.
Topical Antihistamines: Hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or Benadryl gel can quickly ease itching. These are especially useful for bites that appear in clusters, such as those from fleas or no-see-ums.
Household Hacks: A paste of baking soda and water or a dab of toothpaste can offer temporary itch relief. While not scientifically proven, many swear by these for fire ant and mosquito bites.
The “X-Mark Trick”: Pressing your fingernail into a bite to form an “X” may provide momentary distraction from the itch. It's a placebo, but a popular one.

Be cautious about scratching. It might offer short-term relief, but it can lead to scarring or worse, skin infections.

When It Might Be Something Worse

Most bites clear up on their own. But if your reaction is severe or doesn’t go away, you may be dealing with something more serious:

Allergic Reactions: Watch for large welts, hives, fever, or difficulty breathing. These are medical emergencies that require immediate attention.
Infection Risks: Scratching too much can break the skin and allow bacteria in. Signs of infection include increasing redness, warmth, pus, or swelling.
Ongoing Indoor Bites: If you're waking up with bites every morning, or getting bitten while watching TV, you may have an indoor infestation.

Why won’t my bites go away after a week?

You may be dealing with no-see-ums, which can leave lingering welts. Or worse, it could be a hidden infestation of mites, fleas, or bed bugs. Either way, it's time to call in a professional.

Indoor Infestations: When It’s Not Just the Outdoors

If you’re constantly getting bitten inside your home, especially without seeing bugs, it’s time to consider pests that thrive in Florida’s indoor climate. Mites, fleas, and bed bugs can quietly wreak havoc before you even know they’re there.

Bed Bugs, Mites & Fleas Inside Florida Homes

Bed Bugs: These pests hide in mattress seams, electrical outlets, luggage, and even behind wallpaper. Look for blood stains, tiny black dots (fecal matter), and small, translucent shell casings. Bites tend to occur in lines or clusters, often overnight.
Mites: Mites are microscopic and often go unnoticed until the itch sets in. They leave behind tiny red bumps or rashes, usually on the torso or thighs. They thrive in warm, humid environments and may come from pets, birds, or even HVAC systems.
Fleas: You don’t have to own a pet to have a flea problem. Fleas often hitch rides inside on clothing, shoes, or visiting animals. Their bites are concentrated around the ankles and lower legs, and if your dog or cat is scratching too, that’s a major clue.

Travel, Airbnb & Hotel Worries: Don’t Bring Bugs Home

Florida isn’t the only place where you’re at risk for bug bites, hotels, vacation rentals, and even rideshares can expose you to pests that hitch a ride straight into your home. Many infestations don’t begin outdoors, they begin at check-in.

Travel Triggers for Bite Problems

Whether you’re staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or catching a ride from the airport, it only takes one uninvited stowaway to create a full-blown infestation:

Hotel Room Hotspots: Bed bugs often hide in mattress seams, headboards, carpets, and luggage racks. Even upscale hotels aren’t immune.
Rideshare & Public Transit Risks: Fleas and bed bugs can hide in car upholstery or seats on buses and planes.
Best Practice: Inspect the bed with a flashlight before unpacking. Don’t set your suitcase on the bed or carpet. Hard surfaces like bathtubs are safer staging zones for your luggage.

You don’t have to see a bug to bring one home. Luggage, clothing, and backpacks are common entry points.

What to Do When You Return

Even if your trip went smoothly, a few simple steps when you return home can save you from weeks, or months, of bites.

Isolate Your Luggage: Place it in a large plastic bag or sealed bin until you’ve had time to inspect and clean it.
Wash Clothes Immediately: Run all clothing, even unworn items, through a high-heat wash and dry cycle to kill hitchhiking bugs.
Monitor for Delayed Reactions: Bed bug bites can take days to appear. If you notice small red clusters on your body, especially after travel, it’s time to act.

Can I get bug bites after coming home from a trip?

Absolutely. Bed bugs, fleas, and mites can hide for days or weeks before making themselves known.

When DIY Isn’t Enough, Call a Local Pro You Can Trust

DIY sprays and home hacks may offer temporary relief, but persistent bites and infestations require intervention, especially in Florida’s subtropical climate, where pests thrive all year long.

How Hoffer Pest Solutions Helps Florida Residents

If you’re constantly scratching, waking up with new bites, or dealing with mystery itches that won’t go away, it’s time to call the professionals who know Florida pests inside and out. Here’s how Hoffer can help:

Over 40 Years of Local Expertise: We’ve seen it all, and we know what works in this climate.
Same-Day Service: Call before noon and we’ll be there the same day to tackle mosquitoes, fleas, mites, bed bugs, and more.
Family & Pet-Safe Solutions: Our eco-conscious treatments protect your home without harsh chemicals.
Lawn & Perimeter Defense: Our yard treatments cut off the problem at its source, where many biting pests live and breed.

Call before noon for same-day service. Explore Home Shield, Mosquito Control, and Lawn Care Plans to take the next step.

Why Florida Trusts Hoffer

Family-Owned, Community-Driven: We live here. We raise our families here. And we protect homes just like yours every day.
Employee-First Culture: Our team stays for decades, because they love what they do and care about who they serve.
Trusted by Thousands: Backed by thousands of 5-star reviews and a 4.9+ star rating, our track record speaks for itself.

When bites won’t stop, trust the company that’s been keeping Florida homes safe since the beginning.

Keep Bugs From Biting You Ever Again

The best defense is a smart, consistent strategy. Here’s how to stay bite-free in Florida:

Routine Pest Control: Stop infestations before they start with proactive home and lawn treatments.
Travel Smarter: Always inspect, isolate, and heat-treat your clothing and luggage after a trip.
Yard Awareness: Keep grass short, eliminate standing water, and trim back dense vegetation.

And most importantly, don’t ignore the signs. If you’re being bitten and can’t find the source, there’s a high chance the problem is bigger than it looks.

Schedule an inspection with Hoffer Pest Solutions today and take back control of your home and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the most common bug bites in Florida?

Mosquitoes are the most common, especially during warm, humid months. No-see-ums, fire ants, fleas, and chiggers are also widespread. Bites vary by location and environment, coastal areas see more midges, while grassy lawns attract fire ants and fleas.

How can I tell if my bites are from bed bugs, fleas, or mites?

Bed bug bites often appear in rows or clusters on exposed skin after sleeping. Flea bites are concentrated around ankles and usually affect pets too. Mite bites cause tiny red patches and may be linked to HVAC systems, birds, or rodents in the home.

Why do I keep getting bitten at night but never see bugs?

You may be dealing with invisible pests like mites or bed bugs, which are active while you sleep. If bites persist without visible insects, it’s time for a professional inspection.

Are there any bug bite treatments safe for pregnant women?

Yes, cool compresses, baking soda paste, and calamine lotion are generally considered safe. Avoid DEET or essential oils unless cleared by your doctor. Always consult a healthcare provider before using over-the-counter treatments while pregnant.

When should I call a pest control professional about bug bites?

If you’re waking up with bites, experiencing indoor infestations, or noticing that DIY solutions aren’t working, it’s time to call in help. Hoffer Pest Solutions offers same-day service, eco-conscious treatments, and full-home protection to stop the bites for good.