Every year, we get excited for spring and summer to finally arrive. Cookouts, bar-b-ques, sports events, pool-side parties, and family get-togethers are heavily anticipated as the cold, short days of winter fade into a distant memory! But if you’re like many people, the fun can be quickly countered by irritating mosquito bites. A mosquito’s non-stop desire for a living blood meal makes you and me prime targets for a food supply. This raises a few questions for many people:
- Why do mosquitoes need a blood meal?
- How do I know if it’s a mosquito bite?
- Why does a mosquito bite itch?
- How should a mosquito bite be treated?
- How Can You Prevent Mosquito Bites?
- Can’t mosquitoes be prevented altogether?
We will discuss each of these questions and more as we explore how to stop mosquito bites.
Aedes Albopictus, or the Asian tiger mosquito, is responsible for the spread of yellow fever.
Why Do Mosquitoes Need A Blood Meal?
It’s a common misconception that all mosquitoes require a blood meal. In reality, only female mosquitoes need it in order to reproduce. Male mosquitoes feed on flower nectar and have no interest in blood. While a male mosquito may still land on your arm, it won’t bite you. On the other hand, female mosquitoes require special ingredients found in blood to lay their eggs after mating. In fact, an average female mosquito will lay approximately ten broods of 100 eggs each, or roughly 1,000 eggs in her lifetime, all thanks to your blood!
Why Human Blood?
Mosquitoes do not have an inherent biological need for human blood; rather, humans have become an easy target due to changes in clothing trends, crowded settlements, and changes in geography and environment.
Because of Clothing Changes
Historically, it was customary for individuals to wear clothing that covered their entire body, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and headwear, which made it more challenging for mosquitoes to bite. However, in the present day, the majority of the population in the United States has deviated from this traditional dress, leaving individuals more susceptible to mosquito bites.
More exposed skin from today’s clothing styles may allow more mosquito bites due to exposed skin.
Clothing from a bygone era, which covered most of the skin, helped prevent mosquito bites.
Because of Crowded Settlements
Another reason mosquitoes may bite more humans is due to crowded settlements. If mosquitoes are present in the midst of crowded areas, it only stands to reason that more people will be bitten.
Because of Environmental Changes
Additionally, changes in the environment including watersheds, and our encroachment further into their environment, have altered mosquito population densities and breeding sites and placed more people in closer proximity to mosquito breeding areas.
It’s Not Just Human Blood
Mosquitoes have been found to feed on a diverse range of animals, including felines and canines, as well as several other mammals and even a small number of reptiles. However, unlike humans, animals tend not to gather in groups or expose themselves to the same extent, and thus, their fur, movement, and natural repellents can often hinder the mosquito’s ability to effectively target them. In contrast, humans frequently spend prolonged periods of time outdoors, with a considerable amount of skin exposed, making us the ideal target.
How Do I Know if It’s A Mosquito Bite?
To determine if a bite is from a mosquito, it’s helpful to observe any distinct signs or symptoms that differentiate it from other types of bites. The most reliable indicator is often where and when the bite occurred. If the bite happened outside during mosquito season and on exposed skin, it is highly probable that a mosquito was the culprit. Although most people experience only minor reactions to mosquito bites, a small percentage may suffer from more severe symptoms. You can look for these signs to help determine if it’s a mosquito bite:
- Bite occurred while outdoors
- The bite is on exposed skin (primarily legs, arms, neck, and face)
- The first sign of a bite is a puffy red bump that itches
- Next, minor swelling, pain, and itching may occur (may appear similar to a hive)
- Thirdly, redness around the bump may appear
Severe reactions occur most commonly in children. Some severe reactions are known as “Skeeter Syndrome,” and symptoms can include:
- Large, inflamed, swollen, and sore area
- A rash that resembles hives
- Swelling around the eyes and face
- Symptoms may last days or weeks
If you experience severe reactions, especially if accompanied by fever, headaches, nausea, chills, body aches, or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor or other medical professional immediately.
Mosquito bites may take various shapes and sizes depending on a variety of factors.
Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?
When a mosquito bites, it introduces its saliva into your bloodstream. Since this foreign substance is alien to your body, it is recognized as an allergen. Consequently, your immune system triggers the production of histamine, a chemical that is dispatched to the bite site. Histamine operates to eradicate the allergen from your system, which leads to itchiness and inflammation.
How Should A Mosquito Bite Be Treated?
While it may not be necessary for the average person to seek medical treatment for a mosquito bite, it is important to resist the urge to scratch the affected area. Scratching can exacerbate itching as it triggers the body’s response to the bite and may even lead to infection. Instead, consider these helpful tips to reduce swelling and alleviate itching.
Apply antihistamine creams according to Dr. recommendations or label instructions to reduce itching associated with mosquito bites.
- Wash the bite area with soap and water. Rinse well.
- Using an ice packet for 10 – 15 minutes at the site of the bite can help reduce swelling and minimize itching.
- Make a paste with baking soda and water to apply to the bite. This can minimize the itching.
- Apply antihistamine cream to the bite to relieve itching
Antihistamine creams for mosquito bites on children are available.
How Can You Prevent Mosquito Bites?
Although the likelihood of being bitten by an infected mosquito is only 1 in 300, the diseases that can result can be severe, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile. Therefore, it is crucial to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites. To minimize these risks, there are some personal preventive measures you can adopt.
- Avoid wearing scented products outside (hair spray, body sprays, etc.)
- Apply mosquito repellants labeled for human use when spending time outside (20% DEET)
- Wear light-colored clothes made from tightly woven materials
- Use citronella candles or natural plant repellants near outdoor entertainment areas
- Remove standing water from your property
- Hire professional pest control
Mosquito repellant sprays, including 20% DEET or other active ingredients, are readily available over-the-counter.
Can’t Mosquitoes Be Prevented Altogether?
Yes and no. Mosquitoes can certainly be prevented, to a certain extent. However, even if the most rigorous preventative measures are taken, complete elimination is unlikely. Steps can be taken to reduce the chances of mosquitoes on any property, but if neighboring properties do not also practice these steps, mosquitoes could still be present.
To minimize the likelihood of mosquito infestation, it is recommended to take measures to alter the environment. This includes eliminating overgrowth of vegetation, such as trees, vines, and other plants, that may serve as resting sites for mosquitoes. Additionally, it is important to remove any sources of still water that may serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This may include anything from bird baths and flowerpots to old tires and children’s toys. It is worth noting that even a small amount of water, such as a pop cap full, may be sufficient for mosquito breeding.
While modifying the environment may not always be an option, choosing to live outside main harborage areas for mosquitoes is a good step in the right direction.
Hiring A Professional to Prevent Mosquito Bites
One effective way to ensure a mosquito-free environment is to enlist the help of professional pest control services like Four Seasons Pest Solutions. Consistent mosquito control and prevention measures can significantly reduce and even eradicate the presence of mosquitoes, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without any pesky intruders. Don’t hesitate to schedule your treatment right away to experience the benefits of a mosquito-free property.
As a bonus, mention this blog when booking your appointment to receive a $50.00 discount on your first treatment.
Fogging can provide an effective means of reducing mosquitoes from a large area.