Mosquitoes are pesky little creatures that can ruin a good time outdoors. Not only do they buzz around your head annoyingly, but they also leave itchy bites behind. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about mosquito bites: from how the human body reacts during and after a bite, to what to do if you see that you are actively being bitten by a mosquito. We will also go into the effects of killing a mosquito while it’s biting you!
If you’ve got a serious mosquito problem in your yard or home, Recon Pest Services is here to help. Servicing the greater Omaha & Lincoln areas, we have the tools and knowledge needed to remove any common pest from your home or business. Contact us today for a free quote!
The Dangers of Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites are more than just annoying and itchy. For some people, they can cause serious health problems. Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases like malaria, Zika virus, dengue fever, and chikungunya. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquitoes are responsible for the deaths of over 700,000 people every year!
When a mosquito bites you, it injects mildly toxic saliva into your skin. This is what causes the itching and redness associated with mosquito bites. Some people have a more severe reaction to mosquito bites than others. If you have ever been bitten by a mosquito and had an allergic reaction (characterized by large welts or hives), you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
An allergic reaction to mosquito bites can cause anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. If you are having trouble breathing, your throat feels like it is closing up, or you are feeling lightheaded, call 911 immediately.
What to Do If You’re Actively Being Bitten by a Mosquito
So, what can you do if you see a mosquito biting you? The best thing to do is to brush it away and try to kill it. If you can’t do that, then cover the bite with a cold compress or take an antihistamine (ie. Tylenol).
Killing a Mosquito While It’s Biting You
And what happens if you kill the mosquito while it’s biting you? Well, not much! The saliva that has already been injected into your skin will still irritate, but killing the mosquito won’t make the reaction any worse. You may end up getting part of the mosquito stuck in your skin, but that should be easy to remove with tweezers if it doesn’t come out naturally.
How to Avoid Getting Bitten By Mosquitos
The best way to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes is to prevent them from being in your vicinity in the first place. If you are going to be outside for an extended period, make sure to wear long pants and long sleeves if you’re concerned about mosquito bites. Of course, this is easier said than done during the hot summer months.
You can also purchase mosquito repellent at most stores. They range in effectiveness, but smoke-based repellents tend to be most effective, then spray repellents, then sonic repellents.
Smoke-based repellents work by filling the air with smoke, which confuses mosquitoes and prevents them from being able to find you. You can make your mosquito repellent at home by lighting a citronella candle or incense. This also works well with other biting/stinging insects like wasps!
Spray repellents work by coating your skin in a chemical that mosquitoes don’t like. The most common active ingredient in mosquito spray repellents is DEET, but there are also natural options available that use ingredients like the oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Sonic repellents work by emitting a high-pitched sound that only mosquitoes can hear. These are the least effective type of mosquito repellent, but they may be worth trying if you don’t like the idea of coating your skin with chemicals.
How to Keep Mosquitos Away from Your Home
To make the summer months more pleasant, there are a few things you can do to keep mosquitoes away from your home:
- Install mosquito screens on all of your doors and windows. This is good practice for pest control in general, as making it harder for bugs to get in will make it easier to prevent infestations year-round.
- Eliminate standing water around your property, as mosquitoes lay their eggs in water. If you have a pond or fountain, be sure to clean out the pond muck regularly, as this is a prime breeding ground for mosquitos.
- Keep your grass short, as mosquitoes and other bugs like to hide in tall grass. Tall grass consolidates moisture, which can create puddles of standing water in the wet season.
- Use mosquito traps or nets around outdoor areas where you will be spending time. Mosquito nets are especially effective if you have small children or pets, as they can enable you to use less chemical or smoke-based mosquito control than you would normally use.
- Plant mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, catnip, or lavender around your property. These plants release chemicals that confuse and repel mosquitoes, making your yard less inviting for them.
If you have tried these tips and are still having trouble keeping mosquitoes away, contact Recon Pest Services today. We would be happy to help you rid your home of any pests!
