Mosquitoes are most active during summer, making mosquito bites a nuisance for many people. A bite by these tiny insects can lead to itchy, red bumps on the skin, which can be irritating and potentially dangerous. While it is a common problem, not many know why mosquitoes bite, how to prevent them, and how to treat the symptoms if bitten. This post aims to answer these questions and provide helpful information about mosquito bites.

Why do mosquitoes bite?
The female mosquito needs blood to develop her eggs, so it bites humans and animals to get blood. A mosquito inserts saliva into the skin when it bites to prevent the blood from clotting. This saliva causes the characteristic itchy bump.

But how do human bodies attract mosquitoes? These insets are drawn toward the carbon dioxide we exhale and the lactic acid that body heat and sweat contain. Darker colors and certain scents, such as perfumes and colognes, also attract these insects.

Although people tend to ignore mosquito bites, they can harm one’s health. Therefore, individuals should defend themselves and their families from these potentially hazardous insects.

How to prevent mosquito bites?
To prevent mosquito bites in the first place, one should try and keep mosquitoes at bay. Here are a few tips that can help:

Use insect repellents
One can purchase insect repellents with active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, and lemon or eucalyptus oil. Applying these mosquito bite products to exposed skin and clothes before venturing outside can keep these tiny insects away.

Wear protective clothing
One should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outside, especially around dawn and dusk, as this is the time when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing light-colored clothes could further help deter mosquitoes from biting.

Use screens and nets
Those living in a locality with many mosquitoes may install screens on their windows and doors and sleep with a mosquito net over their head.

Eliminate stagnant water
One should remove stagnant water around the property, such as the water in bird baths and unused plant pots, as this is where mosquitoes lay their eggs.

Use mosquito traps
Mosquito traps entice and capture mosquitoes using a mix of carbon dioxide, heat, and other attractants. One can install these traps in the yard.

How to treat mosquito bites?
Although mosquito bites can be an unpleasant and annoying part of summer, individuals can lower their chances of getting bitten and relieve any symptoms with the proper preventative and treatment measures. Here are a few remedies for mosquito bites to reduce the itch and pain:

Wash the area with soap and water to eliminate any bacteria that may have gotten into the bite.
Apply an ice pack or cold compress to relieve swelling and irritation.
Itching can be lessened with lotions and ointments containing calamine.
Seek expert help on developing symptoms like fever, headache, and body pain, or if the bite develops an infection.

What are the possible health effects of a mosquito bite?
Mosquito bites can affect one’s health and cause more significant problems in some cases. The following illnesses are among those that mosquitoes can spread:

Flu-like infection
A virus causing fever, headaches, body pains, and other flu-like symptoms can spread to people via mosquito bites. In extreme circumstances, the brain or spinal cord may become inflamed.

Zika virus
The Aedes mosquito is the main vector of the Zika virus, which can cause fever, rash, joint discomfort, and conjunctivitis. It may even cause severe birth abnormalities in fetuses. Hemorrhagic fever, which can be deadly, can develop in extreme instances.

Besides the above, mosquitoes can spread other illnesses resulting in fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Some diseases can even lead to organ failure and death. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the signs of the diseases spread by mosquitoes and get expert help immediately if one thinks they might have been affected.

Although mosquito bites may seem minor, they can have major repercussions. Not only are mosquitoes annoying, but they may also spread deadly illnesses. So, it is crucial to avoid mosquito bites and safeguard oneself from the danger of mosquito-borne diseases. One can avail of the many mosquito bite products to avoid mosquito bites. Wearing long sleeves, applying insect repellents, and avoiding mosquito-populated regions are other preventive measures. Those visiting places with a high chance of contracting an illness from a mosquito should take extra care by utilizing bed nets. Even though getting rid of mosquitoes might not always be possible, one can significantly improve their health by taking precautions to avoid getting bitten.