How To Identify Mosquito Bites
Before we discuss the potential health risks of mosquito bites, let’s talk about how to identify them and what you can do about them. There are more than 3,000 types of mosquitoes worldwide and more than 170 in the United States. Only a few of them consume human blood, however. One of the most common is the Culex mosquito, called the common house mosquito. This name also applies to several closely related species of mosquitoes. Culex mosquito bites usually cause red, itchy welts at the area of the bite. Though the effects typically do not last long, they can be very annoying. There are some things you can do to treat a mosquito bite, such as:
- Cleaning the bite with warm water and soap.
- Applying anti-itch cream or ointment to the bite.
- Using ice to keep swelling down and minimize itching.
- Seeking medical attention if you experience a severe allergic reaction, such as nausea, headaches, chills, or trouble breathing.
Now that you know how to identify a common mosquito bite and what to do about it, let’s examine the potential threat mosquitoes may pose to your health.
Does Every Mosquito Bite Spread Disease?
Mosquitoes are known to carry a number of diseases, so some people may worry that any mosquito bite could potentially transmit a disease to them. However, this fear of mosquitoes shouldn’t keep you up at night. While mosquitoes can transmit certain deadly diseases, such as West Nile virus, yellow fever, and malaria, most mosquito bites cause nothing more than an itchy welt that goes away after a little while. The best way to avoid the diseases carried by mosquitoes is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Why Mosquitoes Bite Some More Than Others
If you are unfortunate enough to attract lots of mosquitoes during the warmer months of the year, you may ask, “Why do mosquitoes bite me more than others?” Your clothing choices may actually be part of the issue. Studies have shown that common mosquitoes are more attracted to darker-colored clothing. Strong scents, such as colognes or perfumes, are also strong attractants, so it’s best to refrain from wearing them if you’re going to be outside for long periods. While mosquitoes are generally attracted to body heat, your body temperature, blood type, and the natural bacteria on your skin may cause them to be more attracted to you than others. Unfortunately, there is no way around these attractants, but wearing light-colored clothes and avoiding perfumes and colognes may help reduce the number of mosquitoes that bite you.
Call The Professionals For Total Mosquito Control For Your Yard
If you’re asking yourself, “How do I get rid of mosquitoes?” the best thing you can do is to contact a professional mosquito control service such as EnviroGuard. Our team has over 40 years of combined experience helping homeowners around the Pensacola area. We offer thorough evaluations and a customized approach to every job to suit each customer. If you need to get rid of the mosquitoes on your property, call EnviroGuard today to request a free quote!