Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?
by Daniel Lamb | July 24, 2020 | Blog
Mosquito Bites: Facts and Tips
The presence of mosquitoes in the summer is annoying and their bites are even more irritating. Mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant juices. Adult female mosquitoes are also parasitical, meaning they feast off the blood of humans and other animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and even some fish. Adult female mosquitoes have tube-like mouths that can pierce human and animal skin.
Have you ever known a person that mosquitoes just seem to love? There may be a reason for that: mosquitoes are known to prefer to feed off of those individuals with type O blood, anyone with a great amount of skin bacteria, pregnant women or those with high body heat. Female mosquitoes find their hosts through chemical compounds exhaled by the individual, including carbon dioxide. For this reason, heavy breathers also attract mosquitoes as well.
Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?
Mosquito bites itch because during a mosquito’s bite, some of their saliva is transferred to their host which contains anticoagulants. This saliva can cause an itchy reaction due to the enzymes and proteins contained in the saliva. When we are bitten by a mosquito, our bodies recognize this tiny influx of proteins as foreign substances and trigger the immune system. The immune system then releases histamine, a compound our bodies use to help white blood cells get to the area to fight off the invader. It is this histamine response that causes the itchiness, inflammation and swelling associated with mosquito bites.
You may also have noticed that scratching a mosquito bite can lead to more itching, redness and swelling. That’s because as you scratch your bites, you cause more irritation and inflammation. This can then become a sort of terrible cycle of itching and misery. If you can avoid scratching mosquito bites, you are better off.
Relief for itchy mosquito bites can be found through some over-the-counter medications. Antihistamines can help lower the histamine count in your body and thus help reduce inflammation. These can be taken orally or applied topically. Other topical creams like calamine lotion, ointments containing lidocaine or benzocaine can offer temporary relief for itchy mosquito bites. Even aloe vera that you use on sunburns can help cool itchy, swollen bites.
Avoid Mosquitoes And Their Bites
The best way to deal with mosquito bites is to avoid them in the first place. Mosquitoes breed near water, and do the majority of their hunting for food during dusk until a few hours after dark. If you can avoid lakes, rivers, ponds, swamps and marshes
The fact that their bites are annoying and itchy isn’t the only reason why you should avoid mosquitoes and their bites. Mosquitoes can act as vectors for many disease-causing parasites and viruses, including several severe and even deadly diseases. Avoiding mosquitoes to evade their diseases is a great reason to make sure that you take all the necessary precautions when in the outdoors like wearing long pants and love sleeves and using bug spray on exposed skin. It is just as important to make sure that your home isn’t a breeding ground for mosquitoes as well.
Trust Pest Control Experts
Looking for help with mosquito control? Call Pest Control Experts for a free quote on our professional service for mosquito removal. Mosquito bites are itchy and annoying, certainly, but they also pose the real threat of transmitting disease. Don’t take any chances this summer with mosquitoes. Reach out today!
