why are some people more prone to insect bites than others?
472608
Some people have sweet meat.  LOL
1144144
It was already known that some people produce "come and get me" smells which appeal to the blood-suckers. \n\nRothamsted Research, in Herts, found those less likely to be bitten produced odours which masked these scents. \n\nThe natural repellent could be used to protect everyone from the bugs, suggests the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
330109
Bug bite perhaps? Maybe you're eating something you're allergic too. If it is still bothering you in a couple of days  talk to a doctor before it gets worse.
1134038
i am in Midwest America and i think the worst thing is the occasional bear.  then maybe the mosquitoes.  they swarm you and can eat you alive.  i have lost some good friends to mosquito swarms.
204908
not only do the insects not live there, North Eastern people are subject to sickle cell virus, which helps protect against malaria type diseases. Sickle cell genes are heterozygous advantage
269704
You may want to refer to the link I refer to in my source(s). Although the myth the site is debunking is whether bugs ever crawled into the ear, layed eggs/crawled through brain (which is false), it does imply that no insect that has crawled into someone's ear has ever caused any damage to the said person.\n\nInsects can crawl and, on occasion, get stuck in your ear, but as you note from the article, the guy it happened to was trekking along the Nile river, something normal folk don't do too often. \n\nIn an urban environment, I would submit that any insect that gets in your ear can easily get out.\n\nDamage ensued only when the person struggled to get the insect out, causing damage to themselves. Insects don't have  enough power to break or cause searious damage to the eardrum, at least any of them who'll get in your ear.\n\nI know the prospect of waking up to the feeling of an insect trying to scratch their way out of your ear is a feeling you'd generally try to avoid, but at least take comfort that an event of that magnitude is an extreme rarity, and more commonly, if an insect wanders in and out of your ear, chances are you won't know it.
580128
Cockroaches sometimes bite humans, but not often. Their bite by itself will not cause disease, but if the cockroach came into contact with disease-causing organisms before biting then a disease may be transmitted. The bite marks should appear as small, scabby areas. Sometimes sleeping infants are bitten around the mouth by cockroaches that are attracted to spilled milk or food in that area.
193662
To reduce the risk of diseases carried by mosquitos including Malaria and West Nile virus among others.\n\nAlso to avoid the hassle and irritation of the bites.
995715
Spiders can bite and sometimes do for no reason.  They also are usually nocturnal (coming out at night).  \n\nMost spiders can not bite through human skin.  The ones that can are fairly rare and are usually known locally and eradicated.  (At least in the US)\n\nBefore you fear something, its a good idea to look to those with more experience (time).  I've lived with spiders for more than 4 decades and have only been bit once, and it wasn't much worse than a mosquito bite.  So ask those around you to lay your fears to rest.
682163
in bed in the dark...there's something more vulnerable when you're not dressed.\n\nlike seeing a bug in the shower is SO much worse then a bug anywhere else.
1175642
It definitely sounds as though it is probably a beetle of some kind.\n\nThe hard, shiny black/blue/green mixture and the hard body and its toughness all point to the probability of a beetle, as does the resemblance to a lightning bug (which is actually a type of beetle).\n\nUnfortunately, identification beyond 'beetle' is difficult from this information.  The beetles are the largest group of insects in the world, with as many as a million different species in the group.\n\nThe good news is that there are no beetles that are venomous or dangerous to man beyond a little nip or bite.  The beetles have rather generalized chewing mouthparts, and there are no bloodsucking or poison injecting members of the group.\n\nIf the bite you have sustained is from this insect, it is unlikely to be serious.  The biggest danger would be from infection, which could occur if you scratch the wound and bacteria from your fingers enter the cut.  It is possible that this is what has occurred in your situation, since the symptoms you describe fit such an infection.  If the swelling, itchiness or redness increase, I would definitely see a doctor.\n\nEven if it wasn't your unidentifiable beetle that caused the wound, infection of the wound is still your greatest danger.  Any toxic effects from a poisonous critter would have been felt already.
297688
Whether you believe it or not, THE DADDY-LONG LEGS. It's venom is 10x more potent then the black widow or the brown recluse.  Why don't we think so?  Because it's mouth is to small to bite humans.  IT'S TRUE.
1024470
I've never heard of a potato bug biting a person. Barring an allergic reaction, I wouldn't worry.
636246
With some animals there is the skill in knowing how to handle that beastie, exactly where and when to pick it up, and what warning signs indicate that it's about to bite.\n\nWith others, Jeff has the added advantage of multiple takes.  I'm sure he does in fact get bitten fairly often, but they can always do another take and use the best one.\n\nI often get bitten by the bugs I'm handling during nature walks and school tours and the like, but the trick is not to react too much to the bite.  Unless it's really bad, most insect or animal bites can be withstood for a little while.  The biggest danger is usually the damage the critter might do to himself as he bites.
613959
because when they bite you, a long tube goes into your skin. that's when they suck up blood. at the same time, they inject poison. mosquitoes need blood to fertilize their eggs
210180
well for a start, insects have 6 limbs, an exo skeloton (or skeloton on the OUTSIDE of their body) Which means they can only grow so big before gravity crushes them, and also more people are scared of insects and arachnids then any other animal... weird huh?
521876
Good question, maybe that's why they love biting me so much :)\n\nThere is a test been done with spiders. They react on drugs and make their webs different on different drugs. Check out this page for pics.